Dancing in the Streets: Opie’s “Ann Dancing”

On January 22, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene & Marilyn Glick installed and illuminated its first permanent public art piece. “Ann Dancing,” by internationally renowned artist Julian Opie, is a four-sided LED animated display installed outside the Old Point Tavern, at the intersection of Massachusetts Ave., Alabama St., and Vermont St.

The animation, “Ann Dancing,” may be new but the hardware and concept were introduced during last year's city-wide Opie exhibition. Opie's “Sara Dancing” was located on the northwest corner of Illinois and Maryland streets across from Palomino. “Ann Dancing” is a new animation created specifically for Indianapolis.

The total cost for the project – the re-used hardware and the new animated artwork along with the permanent base and installation costs – is approximately $150,000. It is paid for by the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, which is primarily funded by private donations, and the Indianapolis Cultural Development Commission, which is supported by the Lilly Endowment.

Patti Perrin, who owns the Old Point Tavern with her husband Chick, said, “We were delighted when this world-class amenity was sweeping by our door, and now we’re thrilled the plaza is home to a permanent art installation easily in view for all of our customers and employees.” Patti and Chick have owned Old Point Tavern for 17 years.

If you can’t see “Ann Dancing” in person, check it out on our Web site.

Photo by: Daniel Axler Photography

Next Brown Bag Lunch

February 26 - Madame Walker Theatre, 617 Indiana Ave. (free parking available in lot west of building). Our monthly, fourth Tuesday of the month meeting begins at 12:00 noon and ends by 1:00 p.m. This month, we’ll focus on the 2008 design and construction of the Northeast and North Corridors. Please feel free to bring your own lunch and beverages.

Mark your calendar for next month: March 25, Indianapolis Marion County Public Library, Fountain Square Branch, located at 1066 Virginia Avenue. For a complete 2008 schedule, visit www.IndyCulturalTrail.org/GetInvolved.

Trail Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what others think about the Cultural Trail and how it will impact our community.

“As a resident of Fletcher Place, I can barely contain my excitement for the arrival of the Cultural Trail to the southeast side of downtown! The parking garage tunnel at the north end of Virginia Avenue seems to form a physical and psychological barrier to the inspiring neighborhoods of the Southeast. The Cultural Trail, through art and design, will turn a barrier into an inviting bridge. Fletcher Place and Fountain Square have much to gain from the increased foot and bike traffic from the trail, but the city of Indianapolis also has much to gain from a greater connection to this unique district. The Trail is the ultimate win-win project for Indianapolis!”

Scott A. Keller

Care to share your Trail Testimonial? E-mail it to contact@IndyCulturalTrail.org.