The “Hoosier Poet” James Whitcomb Riley (1849-1916) is honored in this portrait mural adorning the Lockerbie Lofts residences.  The apartment complex is located adjacent to the historic Lockerbie neighborhood, where Riley lived from 1879 to his death.

Riley was among the most popular and prolific writers of the late 19th- and early 20th century, known for his “uncomplicated, sentimental, and humorous” writing. Often writing his verses in dialect, his poetry caused readers to recall a nostalgic and simpler time in earlier American history. This gave his poetry a unique appeal during a period of rapid industrialization and urbanization in the United States.

The artist, Blice Edwards Inc., is a partnership of artists Christopher Blice and Jon Edwards and is based in Indianapolis. Read more about their work at http://bliceedwards.com/