Columbus Propeller has unveiled the design for new wall murals that will be featured on the east facades of its two buildings.
Indianapolis-based artist Nick Smith, also known as “Nick Abstract,” has been commissioned for the project, with painting expected to begin in September.
“Abstract’s ability to meld vibrant colors with dynamic designs made him the selection committee favorite,” Propeller officials said. “Notably, Abstract’s creative footprint extends beyond this latest venture, as he previously left his mark on the walls of a Sixth Street building enclosing the Sixth Street Arts Alley with a captivating mural that captured the spirit of the city’s legacy of modern design.”
Smith, who was selected from more than 20 artists, also stood out because of his distinct blend of “contemporary aesthetics and meaningful storytelling.”
Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce President Cindy Frey said that Smith’s design for Propeller was “definitely aviation-inspired.”
“What he told the committee was he took airplane wings and then kind of like stretched them different ways using his graphic software just to kind of make them more extreme,” she said.
According to his website, Smith is a color-blind contemporary artist “specializing in geometric abstraction.”
Propeller leadership hopes to have the walls primed by volunteers during United Way’s Day of Service on Sept. 8, and Smith is under contract to have the murals done by the end of September, Frey said.
Columbus Propeller, which has been described as a makerspace and “innovation center,” houses a 3-D printing lab, welding bay, metal shop, woodworking shop, electronics lab and a classroom. It is also home to the Columbus Area Arts Council studio and three entrepreneurial tenants.
Earlier this year, Propeller completed a successful crowdfunding campaign to beautify the outside of its facility by using the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s “CreatINg Places” matching grant program and Patronicity. The campaign raised more than $120,000, Frey said in March.
The wall mural is just one piece of this larger project, which is based on an exterior master plan prepared by Landscape, Art & Architecture Office. The firm also designed the Sixth Street Arts Alley.
Lulu Loquidis, principal architect with LAA Office, guided Propeller’s mural selection process. The mural committee included Bryan Rushton, Brian Payne, Cindy Frey, Brooke Hawkins, Ashley Dieters, Veronica Franzese and Tracy Munn.
“We think our community will love watching this next step of Propeller’s exterior transformation,” said Propeller board chair Bryan Rushton. “Nick Abstract’s new design boldly reflects the energy, creativity and innovation of the work happening inside the facility.”
