River Fish

The White River has been undergoing revitalization, and it is now known for its beauty and the wildlife that inhabits the river.  River Fish pays homage to that wildlife, in particular to four species of fish that are native to the White River:  bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish.  The sculpture also celebrates the fishing culture that has been part of the Westside community for decades, as evidenced by the Westside Bait and Tackle Shop, located adjacent to the sculpture and in business for 67 years (as of 2019). The 12 kinetic elements are placed along the banks of the river in such a way that the water is seen behind them–as if they were part of the habitat–and when the wind blows just right, the fish move as if they were swimming.

River Fish was a collaborative project between the University of Indianapolis and the adjacent Riverview Apartments (developed by Strategic Capital Partners and Goodwill), and facilitated by the City of Indianapolis’ Public Art for Neighborhoods program. The project artists, James Viewegh and Nathan Foley, were members of the Art & Design faculty at the University of Indianapolis.  Additional assistance was provided by the university’s engineering program and Maya Johnson ’20, a student in the university’s sculpture B.F.A. program.