Together, We CAN!
This mural was painted as part of the 2017 Indy Do Day, a city-wide effort for neighbors to come together to improve their community. The mural was painted by members of the Midtown Anchor Coalition, which includes the Butler-Tarkington Neighborhood Association, Butler University, Christian Theological Seminary, Citizen’s Energy Group, Crown Hill Cemetery, the International School of Indiana, Midtown Indianapolis Inc., and Newfields.
The title of the mural is based on a quote by Helen Keller, “We live by each other and for each other. Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.” The theme refers to three virtues which are held to be the cornerstones of personal character: responsibility, resilience, and respect. Known as “The Three Rs,” in education they are widely acknowledged as traits that enable successful learning.
James Whitcomb Riley Elementary School (IPS School #43) is located within the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood and has a strong partnership with the Butler-Tarkington Neighborhood Association. Among its alumni is the famed American novelist, Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
The artist, Christi Ziebarth, lives in Warsaw, IN. Her education as a graphic designer informs the striking composition. She designed the mural so that the volunteers who painted it could select the colors themselves, with the only rule that adjacent shapes had to be different colors. Her inspirations for the design include stained glass, ethnic batik fabrics, and mosaics.
