The Arts Federation and Kokomo community are collaborating to create a mural on the Foxes Trail restaurant (305 Main Street in Kokomo). The project aims to acknowledge the Native American land where Kokomo now stands with a portrait of a descendant of the Miami Tribe.
Inspiration for the initiative started as far back as 2019, when the town celebrated its 175th anniversary. According to the City of Kokomo's website, "serious research was undertaken to learn more about the Native people who have lived here for hundreds of years..."
Sally Tuttle, member of the Choctaw Nation, resident of Kokomo, and member of the Local Lead Team states, “what was forcibly taken away is being put back through this mural.”
CEO of TAF, Tetia Lee says, “Representation of individuals of diverse backgrounds is critically important, especially for our young people, in order for individuals to see themselves reflected in those that are portrayed through artwork. Public artworks, like this mural, increase access to the arts for all people.”
Residents of Howard County and the Kokomo community worked with TAF to select artist Detour, who is on site painting this week. Members of the public are welcome to stop by during daily work sessions. A dedication for the mural is scheduled for Sunday, August 14, at 6 pm.
Detour is a Denver-based artist whose colorful, realistic portraits have been featured throughout the nation and abroad. Thomas Evans, a.k.a. Detour, is an all-around creative specializing in large scale public art, interactive visuals, portraiture, immersive spaces, and creative directing. His focus is to create work where art and innovation meet.
TAF wishes to acknowledge the many Howard County community members who helped make this project possible through their planning and hospitality: J.C. Barnett, Maynard Eaton, Mayor Tayler Moore, Sally Tuttle, Robin Williams, Janie Young, and Fox's Trail building owners Chris Ward and Linda Lucas. In addition to support from community members, this project was created with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
