BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Mark Fisher President
Eric Armstrong Vice President
Ebony Carter Secretary
Kristen Devine Treasurer
Eva Marquez Past President
MEMBERS
Annie Caruso
Kären Haley
Karissa Hulse
Michael Lofton
Brandon Powell
STAFF
Rachel Dickerson Executive Director
Late summer in Midtown carries its own kind of energy. The days are still long, the evenings are warm, and there’s a sense of both momentum and reflection in the air. It’s a season that invites us to slow down just enough to take in what’s around us, and to look ahead at what’s possible.
In this issue of Midtown Indy Magazine, you’ll find stories of big ideas made real through steady, community-powered work. From a housing development 14 years in the making to grassroots safety improvements led by neighbors, these efforts remind us that meaningful change is often built step by step, over time, and always with people at the center.
That spirit of celebration and local pride is also at the heart of something new w’re especially excited about: the Best of Midtown Indy Awards Contest. After an enthusiastic nomination round, voting is now open! This community-engaging contest is designed to spotlight the people, places, and small details that make Midtown such a special place to live, work, visit, and play. Whether it’s a beloved coffee shop, an inspiring neighbor, or a hidden gem of a green space, this is our chance to honor the best of what Midtown has to offer. We can’t wait to celebrate the winners.
At Midtown Indy, everything we do is rooted in connection. Whether it’s reimagining public spaces, strengthening housing stability, or creating new opportunities for neighbors to engage and be heard, our work is about building a community where everyone belongs and where local voices lead the way.
We’re proud to be part of this work, and we’re grateful for the many ways you show up to support it. Whether it’s through a vote, a donation, a conversation, or simply by staying curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood, you make a difference.
As you flip through this issue, we hope you’ll find something that sparks your interest, makes you smile, or inspires you to get involved. Midtown thrives when we do this together.
Sincerely,
RachelDickerson Executive Director
Mark Fisher Board President
Volume 4, Issue 3, August 2025. ISSN 2473-3334 (print) ISSN 2473-3342 (online). Contents © Midtown Indianapolis Inc., and Midtown Indy Magazine contributors. Viewpoints expressed in Midtown Indy Magazine are those of the bylined authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the magazine’s publishers, advertisers, or donors.
Midtown Indy Magazine is an independent community advocacy publication that supports all Midtown Indianapolis neighborhoods. The magazine is published by the 501(c) (3) nonprofit communty service organization Midtown Indianapolis, Inc. to support the organization’s mission: “To cultivate an equitable, healthy, and sustainable community in which stakeholders of all incomes, races, and ethnicities have access to the opportunities, services, and amenities they need to thrive.”
magazine, website, and flipbook are made
and advertisers.
Publisher: Midtown Indianapolis, Inc.
Managing Editors: Rachel Dickerson, Rachel@midtownindy.org, Julia Davenport-Drake
Contributors: David Bacon, Francesca Brady, Garrett Dickerson, Karissa Hulse, Mark Apple, Rachel Nelson
Monumental Sculpture Coming to Broad Ripple, Sparking Art Renaissance in Community
Local artist Jason Myers unveils Gavin-Divergence, a 30-ft, LED-lit public art installation
INDIANAPOLIS (July 21, 2025) – A new 30-foot LEDlit public art installation created by Hoosier artist Jason Myers is coming to the northwest corner of College Avenue and Westfield Boulevard in Broad Ripple later this year. The sculpture, called GavinDivergence, represents the divergence of history, culture and community, celebrating Broad Ripple’s ongoing commitment to artistic expression, human connection and the unity found in its diversity.
Gavin-Divergence is completely funded by private dollars through a donation from the Birge Family Foundation. The installation is also made possible through a successful public-private partnership between several organizations and individuals passionate about beautifying and uplifting the Broad Ripple community, including the Broad Ripple Village Association (BRVA), Indy Art Center and The Penrod Society.
The installation is part of renowned multidisciplinary artist Jason Myers’ “Gavin” series of figurative sculptures, ranging from life-size to monumental in scale, with other installations located around the world. Gavin-Divergence is crafted from metal, recycled scrap steel and standard building materials. Its skeletal, transparent design mirrors the interconnectedness of Broad Ripple’s people, highlighting the collective efforts that shape its character. Placed at a major intersection, Gavin-Divergence will stand as an illuminated, watchful guardian, paying tribute to those who have and continue to make the area vibrant and dynamic.
“Gavin-Divergence symbolizes not just the diverse history of Broad Ripple, but also the continuous evolution and growth of its people,” said Myers. “I lived in the Indianapolis area for over 15 years, and Broad Ripple is a special place of creative energy. I’m honored to create this for the community and contribute to its ongoing narrative through this sculpture.”
Rhonda Long-Sharp, owner of the Long-Sharp Gallery in Indianapolis, said, “Jason Myers is a born and bred Hoosier with works in the permanent collection of important museums and three solo museum exhibitions in his rear view mirror. He has earned the respect of the art community locally, nationally, and internationally. By bringing his sculpture to Broad Ripple, the community is celebrating its legacy as a destination for arts and culture while illustrating the quality of the artists who create within Indiana’s borders.”
As one of Indianapolis’ first cultural districts, Broad Ripple has long been a hub of artistic activity and continues to draw people from all walks of life. The Gavin-Divergence sculpture marks the first spark of an art renaissance in the neighborhood, with a vision to install three to five more pieces of public art in the community by a variety of artists, funded by private donations.
Tag Birge, founder of the Birge Family Foundation, said, “The upcoming installation of Gavin-Divergence is a testament to Broad Ripple’s commitment to the arts and to community-driven transformation. It’s inspiring to see how this project has brought together local businesses, residents and organizations to create something that will enrich this neighborhood for years to come. I am confident this is just the start of something very special for Broad Ripple.”
“I’m proud to serve a neighborhood filled with committed individuals who are making significant investments into elevating our community,” said District 7’s Indianapolis City-County Councilor John Barth. “Public art is known to create safer, more desirable streets and public spaces. Gavin-Divergence and the installations to follow will not only beautify Broad Ripple, but also inspire conversation, encourage gatherings and enhance community pride.”
Following Gavin-Divergence’s installation, the Indy Art Center will assume ownership of and maintain the sculpture.
To learn more about Gavin-Divergence and upcoming public art installations in Broad Ripple, please follow Jason Myers on Instagram or the BRVA on Instagram.
