The evolution of public art in our area continues. Last week’s unveiling of the projects proposed for Art for All, overseen by the City of Fort Wayne Public Art Commission, demonstrate how big things can get, provided of course funding can be secured. 

Among the proposals are: 

Open Walls: Fort Wayne, which would open the door for street artists to legally create murals throughout the community on walls owned by the City.

Arts and Culture Corridor Fort Wayne, which could be developed along Rudisill Boulevard from Foster Park and the RiverGreenway to McMillen Park.

Faces of the Fort, which would entail large-scale murals of local faces who have elevated civil rights and other social issues in our city.

Topographic Light, which would feature artist-designed light installations that showcase important architecture.

Neighborhood Gateways and Gathering Spaces, which would enhance neighborhood identity through the use of murals, small sculptures and signs.

Riverfront Public Art Trail, which would highlight the popularity of the local trails while putting the spotlight on the history of our rivers. 

Discovery Walk, which would invite families to explore downtown while searching for small- and medium-sized icons. 

Grand Wayne Monumental Sculpture, which would entail the installation of a large-scale piece at the Grand Wayne Center. 

Fort Wayne Gateways, which would build on the ideas presented in the Front Door Fort Wayne Plan, the City’s plan to enhance and improve primary gateways and commercial corridors and calls for including public art along key corridors to promote a positive image to both residents and visitors.

The proposals are the result of input from more than 2,000 area residents and reflects the enthusiasm in this city for more public art in the future.

Down the Line 14

The Down the Line series is going into its 14th year. The fundraiser for the Historic Embassy Theatre has become a favorite tradition of music fans throughout northeast Indiana. With local artists covering the works of classic rock bands and singers, the evening allows for some enthusiastic appreciation of the talent Fort Wayne has to offer. 

This year’s lineup, which takes the stage at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 29, includes the Eliza Toth Band performing Dolly Parton, Scratch N’ Sniff performing Linda Ronstadt, The Shelly Dixon Band performing Fleetwood Mac, Marnee August and Moser Woods performing Led Zepplin, and Whoa, Man! performing The Bangles. 

Tickets are $15 and are available through Ticketmaster and the Embassy box office.