Latest Art Project Showcases Transformation Of DigIndy Tunnel System

Taylor Bennett

Artist, Sammy Peñaloza
*DigIndy Art Project*

The DigIndy Art Project is part of ongoing efforts to educate the public about the the DigIndy Tunnel system.

This year, the Citizens building, at 3750 W. Washington St. has been transformed into a massive mural using painted panels.

Citizens Outreach Coordinator Jessica Castellanos said the mural site is in a neighborhood with a large Hispanic population, and the art reflects the transformation of Indy’s waterways by incorporating Aztec iconography.

“We wanted to look for an opportunity to make it beautiful and something the community could embrace and appreciate,” Castellanos said.

Sammy Peñaloza is the selected artist.

“I was inspired by water. And when I thought of water I thought TialocTlaloc - the [Aztec] god of rain and thunder,” Peñaloza said.

The installation of the mural coincides with the start of Hispanic Heritage Month on September 15.

The Art Project has also featured original art hand-painted on manhole covers around the city and a mural hand-painted on a Citizens pump house at Westfield Boulevard and Meridian Street.

The DigIndy Art Project is a joint effort between Citizens Energy and Big Car Collaborative.

Contact WFYI Morning Edition newscaster and reporter Taylor Bennett at tbennett@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @TaylorB2213.

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