{"id":131278,"date":"2026-06-29T13:35:13","date_gmt":"2026-06-29T17:35:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/?p=131278"},"modified":"2026-06-30T23:37:56","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T03:37:56","slug":"mayor-joins-local-artist-to-unveil-mural-in-east-central-neighborhood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aroundfortwayne.com\/news\/2026\/06\/29\/mayor-joins-local-artist-to-unveil-mural-in-east-central-neighborhood\/","title":{"rendered":"Mayor joins local artist to unveil mural in East Central Neighborhood"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Photo courtesy of the City of Fort Wayne.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A new mural, created by local artist Julie Wall, along the Coombs street railroad viaduct retaining walls.<\/p>\n

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City of Fort Wayne Indiana news release:<\/p>\n

Mayor joins local artist to unveil mural in East Central Neighborhood<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fort Wayne, Indiana (June 29, 2026) \u2013 Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker today joined representatives of the Fort Wayne Public Art Commission and the East Central Neighborhood to dedicate a new mural created by local artist Julie Wall along the Coombs street retaining walls near the intersection of Coombs and Liberty streets. The project is part of Shout-Out: Fort Wayne, a Public Art Commission initiative that celebrates the histories and identities of Fort Wayne neighborhoods through public art.<\/p>\n

The mural, entitled Rich History, Bright Future, portrays many important historical elements of the East Central Neighborhood. The neighborhood was first home to members of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, who are represented through the ribbon work of the mural, the sandhill cranes and plants that are significant to their culture.<\/p>\n

Silhouettes of different people of all ages depict those who have lived in the neighborhood, including John Nuckols, Fort Wayne\u2019s first Black City Councilman and the namesake of Nuckols Park. Notable homes and buildings are also portrayed, including the Jennings Center, Turner Chapel AME, African \/ African-American Historical Museum – Phyllis Wheatley Center, the arched entrance to Hanna Homestead Park and Ellis Funeral Home. Butterflies and stars indicate the bright future of the neighborhood, its transformation and growth.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Shout Out program is such a great way to celebrate and inspire pride in Fort Wayne\u2019s neighborhoods,\u201d said Mayor Tucker. \u201cThis mural is a beautiful representation of the East Central Neighborhood\u2019s history, resilience and bright future.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Public Art Commission\u2019s Shout Out Committee selected Wall to create the mural after releasing a request for proposals and receiving multiple responses from artists throughout the region. The committee balances hiring local artists with artists from other communities to curate a diverse and interesting mix of art in Fort Wayne. Funding for the project comes from the Public Art Giveback Program, which receives contributions from developers working with the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission.<\/p>\n

Many organizations and individuals contributed to the successful installation of the mural including:<\/p>\n