Hoot

Irvington is an eclectic neighborhood known for housing the original location of Butler University. It is also home to a group of artists, academics, and individuals who take great pride in producing community events and supporting one another. In 2012, the Irvington Development Organization started to work with two neighbors calling themselves Foundation East, who wanted to see more public art on Indianapolis’ Eastside.  Their idea was to create sets of themed artworks on traffic signal control boxes along the main corridors in the neighborhood. By 2014 18 boxes were enhanced, and they attracted the attention of the entire city.

In 2015 the box at the corner of East Washington St. and Emerson Ave. (the western border of the neighborhood) was hit by a vehicle and needed to be replaced.  The box remained unenhanced until 2017, when the IDO held an open competition for a new design. Irvington artist Andrea Light’s suggestion was the favorite, and her stylized owl uses Irvington’s signature colors.

According to the artist, her intention was to place a majestic creature that would stand guard and watch over the neighborhood.  The owl has a complex set of symbols:  owls are birds of prey, and since they are nocturnal they are often associated with magic and mystery. They are also an ancient symbol for knowledge and enlightenment. Finally, they inhabit the woods of nearby Pleasant Run and can be seen in the neighborhood.  The artist felt that an owl would be the perfect design motif to pay homage to the history and residents of the neighborhood.

Andrea Light is an Indianapolis-based graphic designer and digital media specialist.  Learn more about her at http://www.andrealight.net/