Artist Alley saw its first display go up Tuesday, and it will be a recognizable one for those familiar with Kokomo’s automotive heritage.
Members of the Kokomo Art Association, Greater Kokomo Downtown Association and Caldwell Monuments worked to bring in a replica of the 1894 Haynes Pioneer automobile, which was created by artisans of Howard County’s Automotive Heritage Hall of Fame.
“This gallery has an industrial flair and it shows art from all over the place,” said Susan Alexander, business growth facilitator for the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance. “This is our largest piece, so we needed to set it first.”
The alley, located behind the Howard County Administration Center building, will begin to see a flurry of activity decorating its walls in the coming weeks with several pieces expected to be installed on Friday and Saturday. Nine different panels have been placed along the wall near 210 N. Main St. to display different art.
Kokomo Art Association President Cheryl Sullivan said nine new pieces will begin to go up along the walls of the alley around noon on Friday, with three more sculptures expected to be unveiled at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 3 during First Friday festivities.
“We can’t wait to see the art going in on Friday,” Sullivan said. “It’s been a long process, but it is finally coming to fruition.”
Art pieces will highlight former downtown businesses in Kokomo, an abstract watercolor painting and work from several IU Kokomo students, along with stone sculptor Troy Caldwell. Alexander noted that the art displays will be dynamic, meaning they will be changing constantly, with all of the pieces available for purchase.
“Artists of all ages, from home-schoolers to retirees from all over the county have created all different sizes of works for these art windows,” Alexander said.
“We are excited to have another wonderful art amenity in our community,” she added. “We’ve turned a dark alley into an art gallery with all of the collaboration from so many groups and organizations.”
The Haynes Pioneer replica was created from the efforts of Kokomo Automotive Heritage Hall of Fame President Vernon Graves and Director Dewayne Johnson, who produced the steel model in Johnson’s shop.
Graves said Alexander approached him about creating a piece that celebrated Kokomo’s automotive heritage, which is the aim of the hall of fame.
“[Alexander] asked if we had any ideas for an exhibit, and we thought, ‘Why not do a replica of Haynes’ first car?’” he said. “She really liked the idea and envisioned it as a permanent display that people could sit in and take pictures of in downtown Kokomo.
“We went to the steel yard and bought pieces there and started forming it,” he added. “Instead of a leather seat, we wanted something that would be a little more durable, so we made that out of steel as well. I think it’s a durable design that will last for several years.”
Partners that have made the funding of the Artist Alley possible include the City of Kokomo, Howard County, Cogbots LLC, the Community Foundation of Howard County, Huston Electric and J & J Electric.