Palm
December 2017
16'h x 4'w x 4'd
Weathering steel, aluminum, acrylic
2830 S Holt Road, Indianapolis, IN
We were intentional about listening to the community at Community Caring and Sharing (CC&S) throughout the process of designing an artwork for their new greenspace. Our goal was to create a physical embodiment of the people and work that happens at this faith-based community organization. Since CC&S is so strongly rooted in its community, we began by seeking inspiration in the larger Mars Hill neighborhood context, researching the history of the neighborhood and how it functions today.
Mars Hill in Greek is “Areopagus,” the name of a prominent rock outcropping in Athens that is full of centuries of history and narrative. Within its storied past, the Areopagus is known to Christians as the location where the apostle Paul delivered his famous anti-paganism speech wherein he proclaims, “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of Heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.” To them, this coincidence spoke to the Christian mission of CC&S.
In addition, we listened to the continued respect paid to the late Elden Palmer of nearby Palmer Trucks during meetings with the project committee and the broader community. Palmer had purchased an abandoned school building in the Mars Hill neighborhood and donated it to CC&S, which had previously operated out of residential homes. We researched the palm tree image that was prominent in Palmer Trucks branding, and learned that historically the palm was a symbol of victory. It seemed appropriate to them to tie in a palm metaphor as an opportunity to honor Elden Palmer and his impact on the community.
We are eager to see the plantings fill in, people using the greenspace, and the community interacting with the sculpture. The artistic intent is that it be seen as a beacon for the community and Elden Palmer while beautifying an amazing new park.
16'h x 4'w x 4'd
Weathering steel, aluminum, acrylic
2830 S Holt Road, Indianapolis, IN
We were intentional about listening to the community at Community Caring and Sharing (CC&S) throughout the process of designing an artwork for their new greenspace. Our goal was to create a physical embodiment of the people and work that happens at this faith-based community organization. Since CC&S is so strongly rooted in its community, we began by seeking inspiration in the larger Mars Hill neighborhood context, researching the history of the neighborhood and how it functions today.
Mars Hill in Greek is “Areopagus,” the name of a prominent rock outcropping in Athens that is full of centuries of history and narrative. Within its storied past, the Areopagus is known to Christians as the location where the apostle Paul delivered his famous anti-paganism speech wherein he proclaims, “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of Heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.” To them, this coincidence spoke to the Christian mission of CC&S.
In addition, we listened to the continued respect paid to the late Elden Palmer of nearby Palmer Trucks during meetings with the project committee and the broader community. Palmer had purchased an abandoned school building in the Mars Hill neighborhood and donated it to CC&S, which had previously operated out of residential homes. We researched the palm tree image that was prominent in Palmer Trucks branding, and learned that historically the palm was a symbol of victory. It seemed appropriate to them to tie in a palm metaphor as an opportunity to honor Elden Palmer and his impact on the community.
We are eager to see the plantings fill in, people using the greenspace, and the community interacting with the sculpture. The artistic intent is that it be seen as a beacon for the community and Elden Palmer while beautifying an amazing new park.
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