Zionsville Monthly-January 2023

20 COVER STORY

Zionsville Cultural District Showcases

Zionsville’s Past and Present with Public Art

This month, Zionsville Monthly is proud to feature on the cover the town of Zionsville’s brand-new public art installation off Main Street presented by the Zionsville Cultural District. The latest installation of public art honors the historic district’s past while celebrating its evolution into the present day. The purpose of ZCD is to promote Zionsville’s diverse art, culture, history and community assets to residents, visitors and potential employers to enhance interest in Zionsville, increase tourism and stimulate economic development. We spoke with ZCD Board President Steve Mundy about the latest public art installation as well as ZCD’s goals for 2023.

ZIONSVILLE MONTHLY

PUBLISHER / Neil Lucas neil@collectivepub.com / 317-460-0803

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / Neil Lucas neil@collectivepub.com / 317-460-0803

PUBLISHER / Lena Lucas lena@collectivepub.com / 317-501-0418

DIRECTOR OF SALES / Lena Lucas lena@collectivepub.com / 317-501-0418

HEAD WRITER / Janelle Morrison janelle@collectivepub.com / 317-250-7298

For advertisement sales call Lena Lucas 317-501-0418 or email lena@collectivepub.com

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Cover photo // Trevor Ruszkowski

The Annual Fur Ball Is Poised to be a “Furbulous Pawty!”

Join Zionsville Monthly at the Fur Ball, a Mardi Gras Pawty to support the Humane Society for Boone County on Saturday, February 25, at the Cardinal Room at the Golf Club of Indiana in Whitestown.

In addition to delicious food, lots of fun, silent and live auctions, a dog and cat mask contest and other surprises, this signature event presented by Dentons Bingham Greenbaum and HSforBC, will raise funds and awareness for the care of homeless dogs, puppies, cats and kittens.

WHO’S READY TO

PAWTY?

HSforBC Executive Director Susan Austin graciously acknowledged her volunteers’ and sponsors’ support of the annual fundraiser and mentioned that people can donate items for the auctions through a new “Donate Items” button

that is located on the website under the Fur Ball sponsors’ page.

“We will have the wine and spirits pull again,” Austin shared. “The wine pull is $20, and the spirits pull is $30. We have a few bottles already that are valued well over $50, so we’re making sure that our average meets those numbers. The silent

auction will launch online the Sunday before the event, and it goes until noon Sunday after the event. For the live auction, if somebody wants to bid on something but will not be at the event in person, they just have to contact us by 5:00 p.m. the Friday before the event so that we can have a proxy bidder for

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // submitted

them. The live auction items will be posted online, but people won’t be able to place bids, of course. Silent auction items can be picked up at the [HSforBC] shelter on Sunday from 2:00 to 5:30 p.m.”

In addition to the wonderful list of auction items, there will be “instant items” that include opportunities to “Name a Litter of Puppies or Kittens,” and for purchasing heartworm and flea and tick medicines for the cats and dogs in HSforBC’s care.

There is a “Donate Now” button on the HSforBC website and people can make monetary donations anytime 24/7, 365 days a year!

For folks wishing to support the event from home … no worries! Austin reassured us that the virtual “in-home” party option is still available, and folks will have a VIP Virtual Pawty kit — complete with a King Cake — delivered to their front door so they can experience the spirit of Mardi Gras and giving while watching the event and participating in the auctions from home!

So, don’t wait! Register for your seats, tables of 8 or VIP Virtual kits TODAY! And should you feel compelled to donate, sponsor or become a foster to a homeless

cat or dog, please visit HSforBC’s website at hsforbc.org to learn how you can change the life of a pup or kitty in need of some TLC!

Senior portraits Headshots

Family photos

Submicron

It’s Like Taking Two Breaths in One

The quality of air that people breathe has never been so important to human health. Submicron — a veteran-owned small business —offers cutting-edge technologies and approaches that deliver unrivaled, portable air purification systems that are proven to not only purify the air but are the only purification systems in existence that are capable of increasing blood oxygen levels.

REVOLUTIONIZING AIR PURIFICATION SYSTEMS

Submicron was founded in 2018 by John Combs. Combs’ background as an electrical technician and healthcare administrator was the impetus for inventing the patent-pending purification systems that Submicron has assembled and is currently selling in the B2B market.

Submicron air purifiers are designed to deliver extraordinarily high levels

of microbial filtration and elimination, as well as provide unmatched removal of VOCs — volatile organic compounds from certain solids and liquids in the form of gases — from the air that we breathe. Submicron’s design philosophy ensures its purifiers offer a relatively small footprint, low energy consumption and minimal noise levels suitable for occupied spaces. These proprietary air purifiers are designed and built using

military-grade components and highly advanced technologies.

Submicron products are built to last and are constructed from corrosion-resistant marine grade aluminum, making them suitable for all environments in which they operate. Another remarkable feature is that the noise level can go as low as 56 decibels at its maximum setting, which makes Submicron’s air purifiers ideal for occupied spaces such as hospitals, firehouses, schools, Department of Corrections facilities, Department of Defense facilities, manufacturing facilities, salons and more!

DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION

Combs shared that while he was developing his air purification systems, his teenage son came into their home after he’d been working out and stuck his face into the filter that Comb’s was working on.

“He said, ‘Dad, it’s like taking two breaths in one,’” Combs shared. “Each of our main filters is individually tested

and certified that it is 99.998% efficient, which is jaw-dropping. What you typically see in the market are purifiers that say ‘Will filter up to 99%.’ That is key … that is like a 50% off sale where everything is ‘up to 50%’ off and there’s a bin of junk that’s 50% [off] but everything else is more like 10% off.”

Combs continued, “Our purifiers are averaging about a four-point increase [in blood oxygen levels], and consistently bump people up to 100. You can’t trick a pulse oximeter. It reads what it reads. Other than putting someone on oxygen, there’s nothing else in the market that has done that before. And yes, our air purifiers eliminate things like COVID, but that’s more of an afterthought.”

Combs shared that increasing one’s blood oxygen levels is critically important to folks who suffer from lung diseases such as COPD and asthma and can conceivably keep people in the hospital from being put on a ventilator. Additionally, it can assist patients with tolerating room air when being extubat-

ed by keeping their oxygen saturation levels up.

ENERGY AND SPACE EFFICIENT

There are currently three air purification units that Submicron offers to accommodate a variety of spaces. The units themselves have a small footprint and are portable.

“The air purifiers are designed to be like a tower that doesn’t take up too much square footage and are built on casters so that they can be easily moved,” Combs explained. “The prefilters are conventional [air] filters that can be purchased at home improvement stores. At full blast, our purifiers use about 275 watts, and the fans are a newer technology — EC fans, electronically communicated — and use very little energy. Our fans are warrantied by the manufacturer for 2 years, and we add another 2 years so that the fans are under warranty for 4 years.”

It takes approximately 1 week for a unit to be assembled because they are assembled by hand, but they require little

time to install once onsite. It’s a matter of wheeling the Submicron air purifier tower to its designated spot and plugging it in.

“People ask me why somebody hasn’t done this before, and I tell them it’s a variety of reasons,” Combs said. “There were countless hours of development and engineering involved. And a study out of South Korea proving what this [level of air purification] can do only came out in 2017, so people are just now starting to get a true grasp of it. To purify air at this level takes a lot, and there’s nothing remotely like our purifiers on

For more information and to schedule a free consultation, visit Submicron at submicron.net. And be sure to follow Submicron on Instagram for educational materials and current product information.

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK CIVIC PRESENTS:

Based on Anne Frank’s diary, this production explores the relationships between Anne and her sister, Margot Frank, as well as with Peter Van Daan and the adults who lived in the secret annex. It also takes a deeper dive into the relationships between the adults, providing audiences with an authentic depiction of the day-to-day goings on for these eight humans. The set itself provides visuals of life within the annex as well as projections of historical images of the atrocities that were occurring outside of the walls that protected the inhabitants of the annex for just a little over 2 years.

CLAIRE WILCHER – DIRECTOR

SHOWTIMES:

FEBRUARY 10–25, 2023

THURSDAYS, FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS @ 7:00 P.M.

SUNDAYS@ 2:00 P.M.

STUDENT MATINEES:

FEBRUARY 15–17, 2023 @ 10:30 A.M.

FEBRUARY 24, 2023 @ 10:30 A.M.

In this transcendently powerful new adaptation by Wendy Kesselman, Anne Frank emerges from history a living, lyrical, intensely gifted young girl who confronts her rapidly changing life and the increasing horror of her time with astonishing honesty, wit, and determination. An impassioned drama about the lives of eight people hiding from the Nazis in a concealed storage attic, THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK captures the claustrophobic realities of their daily existence — their fear, their hope, their laughter, their grief. Each day of these two dark years, Anne’s voice shines through: “When I write I shake off all my cares. But I want to achieve more than that. I want to be useful and bring enjoyment to all people, even those I’ve never met. I want to go on living even after my death!” This is a new adaptation for a new generation.

(Dramatists Play Service, Inc.)

PURCHASE TICKETS AT THECENTERPRESENTS.ORG.

Ispoke with a few of the lead cast members and their remarkable director, Claire Wilcher, about how they’ve been preparing for this powerful production that requires the actors and crew to capture

all of the human emotions and portray eight ordinary human beings whose lives became extraordinary through the diary of Anne Frank.

The cast and crew will be taking the audiences on a trip back in time, but as director Wilcher says, “We’re not telling a Holocaust story, we’re — we’re telling a story of humans living in the Holocaust time.”

The story of Anne Frank really coincides with my love of literature, and in capturing the story through the eyes of Anne [Frank], we get a snapshot of history through a young person’s eyes. I took this [production] on because I love making theater and working with young artists. I love doing dramatic theater because there is room for levity, hope and heart in the saddest of pieces. I enjoy the challenge of walking that fine line of honoring, in memoriam, and respecting the story while bringing out the love and joy that we get from the story, because Anne’s joy and inherent love of creating, writing and connecting shows that she was a person that really cared for people. Anne Frank is a historical touchstone for just about everybody. It was a no-brainer for me when I was asked to take on the project to say yes. Civic is professional … all the way. I can’t image a better environment to tackle such a subject.

GEMMA ROLLISON – ANNE FRANK

There’s definitely a lot of research that had to be done. Honestly, there was so much that I didn’t understand. I’ve watched a lot of movies and read books and read what [Anne] actually wrote. She was aware of the situation that was going on around her and still had love and joy in her heart. I think my eyes have been opened, in a lot of different ways, to who this girl actually was, her story and her history.

I feel that, in a way, this role has been easier for me than others because I feel

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Courtesy of Civic Theatre

that [Anne] was very similar to me in that she was fiery and always had a lot to say. She was curious and, like a detective, she was always exploring.

REBECCA PIÑERO – MARGOT FRANK

I am an older sister of two younger siblings, and I feel like I understand [Margot]. She makes sense to me. And the actions that she takes towards Anne, the protectiveness that she feels over Anne — as an older sister, I completely relate to her role in the family.

The unification that these people felt even in dark times, and the joy that they felt … they focused on the triumphs throughout that time. Learning about this piece of history and humanizing these people is very important to me.

GARRETT ROWE – PETER VAN DAAN

Peter has a lot of guards up, and he’s at that age where he’s a lot more self-conscious. At 16, he’s not very confident and looks down on himself. It’s an opposition to Anne, who’s more carefree and sees the world differently.

I was reading into the death marching, and it struck a chord with me. And knowing that I am playing a role that was a real person, I think is really impactful. I am finding ways to bring the character to life while making sure that I’m presenting [Peter] in the truest way possible.

If I could tell Peter anything, it would be that he is worthy. I’d say, “You are enough. You don’t need to prove yourself. And then, I’d give him a hug. I think he would have needed a hug.

SYDNEY PINCHOUCK –ANNE/MARGOT SWING

Both characters have such different personalities, but they connect so well. It’s really an honor getting to learn about

both of them. I’m so glad that I get to connect with both characters, and I’m having a lot of fun with it.

I’ve always felt a bit of a connection with Anne because I’ve been raised celebrating both Jewish and Christian holidays because my parents are different religions. I’ve read The Diary of a Young Girl, and Anne really helped me connect and understand my Jewish heritage.

I wanted to be part of this show because it’s really thrilling to actually be part of this story that has had such an impact on my life. And I hope that it’s going to make an impact on somebody else.

NEWLY ADAPTED BY Wendy Kesselman

A PLAY BY Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett

BASED UPON

“Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl”

CAST LIST

Anne Frank – Gemma Rollison

Margot Frank – Rebecca Piñero

Anne/Margot Swing – Sydney Pinchouck

Mrs. Frank – Brittany Magee

Mr. Frank – David Wood

Peter Van Daan – Garrett Rowe

Mrs. Van Daan – Carrie Reiberg

Mr. Van Daan – Jay Hemphill

Mr. Dussel – Mookie Harris

Miep Gies – Kelsey VanVoorst

Mr. Kraler – Kevin Caraher

CENTER PRESENTS: THE PALLADIUM // FRIDAY, FEB 24, 8 P.M. ET

LVIV NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA OF UKRAINE

Established in 1902, the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine has collaborated with many of the world’s great composers and musicians. The orchestra regularly performs at top international festivals and has released acclaimed recordings on major labels, including Naxos and Brilliant Classics. Ukrainian-American Principal Conductor Theodore Kuchar will lead the orchestra in a program of Brahms, Grieg and Dvořák, featuring pianist Oksana Rapita.

It was one of the highlights of my career to interview Maestro Theodore Kuchar. He provided wisdom and insight to current events as they relate to the arts as well as thought-provoking historical references that have made a lasting impact on me, both as a journalist and as a member of the human race.

FOR TICKETS, VISIT THECENTERPRESENTS.ORG.

Janelle Morrison: Maestro, what an honor it will be to have you and the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine perform at the Palladium in Carmel, Indiana. The fact that you have included our city on your tour is a testament to the faith you all have in our audience.

Theodore Kuchar: It is a great honor for us. I know Europe and America very well, and both have been extremely good to me. This is the first time that the orchestra as a whole has been able to have such a tour.

JM: I would like to convey to my readers how incredible it is that the entire company is touring, having survived the pandemic and now, as the war in Ukraine wages on. How important is it to you and your fellow musicians to continue performing under such challenging circumstances?

TK: We are living in a new world, but at the same time, I think about the world that we’ve come from. I think during the nearly 2 years of COVID, we were the most active orchestra in the world, performing every Friday or Saturday doing online concerts. I was very proud that there was at least one orchestra that was trying to keep a sense of normalcy about its existence, and this orchestra, under the most sever obstacles and circumstances, just like the Siberian Huskies ... we mush! We just keep on moving.

JM: What has your reception from audiences been throughout this tour?

TK: The orchestra walks out, and the public is standing on its feet and screaming. People who are not Ukrainian bring Ukrainian flags. Let’s face it, this tour was organized long before the war started, but with what is happening now, there’s a whole different, emotionally charged message with our presence. Even in December, nobody was completely sure that we would be here. This [war] is nothing new ... it is a historical evolution ... a continuation, except it’s growing to a different level. Ukraine is in a geographically difficult position and has always maintained its identify and its need for the language to exist under various politically occupied systems. Stalin didn’t start [this] during the war of 1932–33. This [current war] is a continuation of what has been going on for the last 500 years [regarding Russia], and the Ukrainian spirit and the language have always been prevalent in western Ukraine, and the biggest obstacle or barrier of any oppressive regime is nationalism.

JM: You were born in New York, raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and have had directorships in the U.S., Australia and across the globe. What compelled you to go back to your family’s place of origin in western Ukraine?

TK: My father always said, “You don’t know how lucky you are to be an American and to have

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Courtesy of the Center for the Performing Arts

this life. You have to go back [to Ukraine] and do for those people and give them what you were fortunate to have.” At 24, I thought, “What better time to go and try life in Europe?” And the 5 years that I lived in Helsinki were the most productive in my life. I earned the credentials to have that first music directorship in Brisbane, Australia, at the age of 27. The Soviet Union went kaput, and suddenly, many Ukrainian elites who had emigrated after the Second World War were going back to Ukraine to try to help in whatever ways possible to redevelop the country. At the same time, various people were asking Ukrainians from America if they knew of any symphony conductors who would like to come back and give to their mother country. My name, Theodore Kuchar, came up.

In 1994, I became the principal conductor and artistic director of the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. Those 10 years were the most fruitful 10 years of musical existence in Ukraine, because those were the first times that Ukraine was a free nation and was able to negotiate with the West, for itself, to do musical business. People very quickly found out that Ukraine was not some provincial culture. So, from 1991 up until February 25, 2022, it was the most joyous and fruitful existence for

JM: It is not lost on me that the date of this concert falls on the one-year anniversary of the official start of the war in Ukraine, albeit it was scheduled more than 2 years ago. What do you want the audience at the Palladium to take away from an evening with you and the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine?

TK: We will be presenting a rather well-rounded symphonic program for the people of Carmel to enjoy. We are not coming seeking pity because of the war. The point of this tour ... I see myself and the orchestra that travels with me as being ambassadors for an international awareness to what not only exists in Ukraine presently but to what has existed all along but has been suppressed and hidden from Western awareness. We’re still 32 years into this democracy, but I would say the world is still largely unaware.

SOCK DRIVE FOR UKRAINE

February 24 is the first anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine and also the date of a performance at the Palladium by the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine. In conjunction with the concert, the Center for the Performing Arts is assisting the local nonprofit organization Indiana Supports Ukraine in its mission to provide supplies to military personnel and civilians at the front lines of the ongoing conflict.

One critical need in Ukraine is thick, heavy socks for men and women that can be worn with boots. Through February 24, donations of new socks only will be accepted for delivery to Ukraine.

Donated socks can be dropped off at the west entrance of the Palladium. In Zionsville, Robert and Rose- Marie Goodman have graciously agreed to have their store, Robert Goodman Jewelers, located at 106 N. Main Street, Zionsville, 46077, as a collection point.

More information on the aid effort is available at IndianaSupportsUkraine.org.

More information on the concert is available at TheCenterPresents.org/UkraineOrchestra.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17th

Black-tie, Cortona-inspired Dinner and Jazz Concert Featuring the AB&C Trio from Cortona, Italy, at Feinstein’s Cabaret Club

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19th

World-renowned Pianist Francesco Attesti of Cortona, Italy, Performs at the Palladium with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra

Proceeds from the events will benefit the many local organizations and projects the Rotary Club of Carmel supports throughout the year.

World Class Musician and Italian Deputy Mayor to Perform at Palladium

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // submitted

World-renowned pianist and Deputy Mayor Francesco Attesti of Cortona, Italy, is considered one of the finest interpreters of the Romantic and early Twentieth Century Repertoire, and he is scheduled to perform at the Palladium alongside the Carmel Symphony Orchestra and will also be performing at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in February.

Upon Attesti’s arrival to Carmel, Indiana, the Carmel Rotary and the City of Carmel will host an authentically Italian experience — Arte d’Italia — on February 17 and 19, 2023, during the Celebration Launch Weekend for Carmel’s sister-city relationship with Cortona, Italy. Proceeds from the events will benefit the many local organizations and projects in Carmel that the Rotary Club of Carmel supports throughout the year.

Purchase your tickets for the show at the Center for the Performing Arts or indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime, VIP opportunity to witness an artist and his craft while partaking in an authentically Italian meal featuring wines directly imported from Cortona.

For more information, visit www.arteditalia.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH, 5:30 P.M.

Black-tie, Cortona-inspired Dinner and Jazz Concert

Featuring the AB&C Trio from Cortona, Italy, at Feinstein’s Cabaret Club at Hotel Carmichael

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH, 7 P.M.

World-renowned pianist Francesco Attesti of Cortona, Italy, performs at the Palladium with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra in a program including works

of Rossini, Copland and Grieg. Following the concert is an “Elegantly Italian” VIP dessert reception in Hotel Carmichael’s Cole Porter Ballroom, featuring Italian-inspired desserts, coffees and liqueurs.

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR HOOSIER ARTS ORGANIZATIONS AND VENUES TO SHINE ON A GLOBAL STAGE

Hotel Carmichael General Manager Jamie Hopwood and Carmel Symphony Orchestra Artistic Director Janna Hymes weighed in on this spectacular opportunity to showcase some of Carmel’s finest and most beautiful venues and organizations.

“We are delighted to welcome Francesco Attesti to Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael,” Hopwood expressed. “Our Chef, Jason Crouch, and his team [have] curated an amazing menu focused on the richzz culinary influence found in this

region of Italy. We are excited to be part of this collaborative event and excited to bring another songbook experience to our fans.”

Just as Attesti expressed his enthusiasm for performing with CSO and Maestra Hymes, Hymes spoke about what the upcoming performance means to her and the members of CSO.

“Francesco is so excited, we Zoomed with him twice,” Hymes shared. “He is a very well-respected not only politician but also a concert pianist. So, when we were approached about doing a concert with him, we designed a whole new program, and I thought it would be nice if we featured Italian and American pieces to show the collaboration that we’re doing. And to perform these with this Italian pianist along with an American orchestra is a wonderful combination and he loved the idea!”

STRENGTHENING DIPLOMACY THROUGH ART AND CULTURE

Attesti became Deputy Mayor in 2019 and Counsellor of Culture and Tourism for Cortona, an interesting path for a world-renowned musician. We had the great privilege of speaking with Attesti about how he is using his political position to increase cultural awareness of not only his city of Cortona and the country of Italy but to enhance the economic development of his city by strengthening relationships with countries like America and cities such as Carmel, Indiana.

“I travel the world [as a performer and as Deputy Mayor] to be connected with several cultural institutions, universities and foundations for music and culture,” Attesti shared. “This position allows me to improve the cultural and touristic revenue for my city. It is a very complicated mission because Cortona is quite known worldwide, and so what we are trying to do is bring a better kind of tourism experience so that people stay longer than a few hours and maybe in the future will stay for a longer period of time. We are using new technologies and social media [to promote Cortona], and we are the first Tuscany town that does its own TikTok page! We also have Instagram and of course Facebook to promote Cortona

through upscale cultural events. These could be exhibits, concerts and conferences — inviting important guests from different sectors and from businesses all over the world.”

The Deputy Mayor of Cortona proudly shared that his city is known for its many festivals that celebrate the various facets of Tuscan life in a modern era.

“We have several festivals — all different from each other,” Attesti expressed. “The festivals start from June and go through the end of summer, so into September, October. We have all the history; we have all the culture and the heritage. And we have museums, and we have wonderful buildings from medieval and renaissance times, the Roman time and so on. And then we have good food and wine, which is what we are known for!”

MUSIC IS A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE

Attesti has a penchant for all kinds of music and has been growing his passion for music since the age of 6. Although he is, of course, classically trained, Attesti enjoys a myriad of genres and will be performing with his trio, the Jazz Ensemble AB&C Trio of Cortona, Italy, at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael.

Attesti spoke with exuberance about performing timeless and beautiful classical works with CSO at the Palladium. With as much excitement, Attesti spoke about performing with his trio from Cortona in an even more intimate setting at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael.

“I am sure these will be great evenings of friendship and music,” Attesti stated. “I always say that music is the only language where, without saying anything, everyone in the world can understand you. My trio is a small formation of three musicians: piano, drums and double bass. We revisit the classical [pieces] in a different and modern way. It’s just my approach and is a project that I’ve wanted to realize since I was about 20 [years old] and started to do it only 4–5 years ago. It is very nice and very lively. I have a feeling that the public will be moved by it. Everybody knows the tunes that we are playing, but we present it in a very different style. You will see what we do in our performance!”

I always say that music is the only language where, without saying anything, everyone in the world can understand you.”

At Feinstein's, enjoy upscale dining and cocktails in an intimate venue. Feinstein's delivers patrons a unique entertainment experience unlike any other in the Midwest! Scan for a chance to win 2 tickets to a March show at Feinstein's!

Zionsville Cultural District Showcases

Zionsville’s Past and Present with Public Art

This month, Zionsville Monthly is proud to feature on the cover the town of Zionsville’s brand-new public art installation off Main Street presented by the Zionsville Cultural District. The latest installation of public art honors the historic district’s past while celebrating its evolution into the present day.

The purpose of ZCD is to promote Zionsville’s diverse art, culture, history and community assets to residents, visitors and potential employers to enhance interest in Zionsville, increase tourism and stimulate economic development. We spoke with ZCD Board President Steve Mundy about the latest public art installation as well as ZCD’s goals for 2023.

A GLIMPSE OF MAIN STREET’S PAST

The six black-and-white historic images that were selected to be on display, visible to both pedestrians and those driving along Main Street, showcase Zionsville’s character and growth simultaneously.

“We are really happy with the way it came together,” Mundy expressed. “It’s obvious and visible, right there on Main Street, so both residents and visitors

will see it. The SullivanMunce [Cultural Center] was instrumental in this project. With access to their files of old historic photographs and the help of Cynthia [Young], who looked through microfiche to get details on some of the photographs, they were a big contributor to this [public

One of the sources of inspiration for this specific public art display came from ZCD Board Vice President Mark Nagy, who saw a similar display while touring a small village in Italy.

“Last summer, Mark was in Italy and visited a small village with a population of only 300–400,” Mundy shared. “He saw old historic photographs of the village and of some of its residents over the years that were in public spaces. So, the thought behind the project was that if we could find a great alleyway to do that with some incredible historic photographs, find the funds and then convince a building owner to allow us to install the images, we felt that we could something like that too.”

According to Mundy, the ZCD Public Art Committee sorted through hundreds of old photographs that were provided by the SullivanMunce Cultural Center located in Zionsville. When asked how the committee decided on the six images, Mundy responded, “We wanted to focus largely on Main Street, since that is the most known street in Zionsville to both residents and visitors. We wanted to catch a glimpse over time, so the earliest photograph in this collection is from 1905 and the most recent one was around 1960. In some of the images, you can certainly see that the buildings are still here and are still being used. They are recognizable to people who are familiar with Main Street. We could afford to include six images in this collection, and these are the six that were [ultimately] chosen.”

PUBLIC ART AND LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS

Mundy graciously gave credit to all of the local people and organizations who made this public art installation possible.

“The building itself — the Bender Building — has a little unusual side façade,” Mundy explained. “It’s a porcelain tile block building on the side, and there’s a wide alley with a lot of visibility for people

Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Trevor Ruszkowski and submitted

walking or driving on Main Street. The Benders have been longtime residents, and we thought they might be receptive to the idea. The building is owned by the Bender Family Limited Partnership. So, we approached the family matriarch, Delores Bender, who, with the input of her children, made the decision to go with it, and we were really thrilled with that [decision].”

Mundy added, “We have ensured the Bender family that if the photographs should ever be removed in the future, the façade could be immediately restored to its original condition. The installation was completed by a local company — A Sign By Design. The photographic images were printed by a company in Indianapolis called Repro Graphix, who printed these [six] images using aluminum that is bonded onto another board and is weatherproof through a process called Dibond®. And Don R. Fitzpatrick Fine Art did a lot of the digital cleanup on the photographs to make them as good as they could be before blowing them up [to] the large sizes that we used. They’re each a little different size, and all are quite large, so to be seen from some distance.”

Since its inception, ZCD has made remarkable strides in garnering the support of the community, and its public art initiatives are funded by the support of individuals, organizations and the municipality.

Mundy shared how this specific public art display was funded.

“Holliday Farms made a sizable contribution to establish an endowment through the Community Foundation of Boone County, on behalf of ZCD, at the end of 2021,” Mundy said. “That provided us with funding for a number of things. At that time, the Community Foundation was offering a matching grant for notfor-profit organizations up to a certain dollar level. So, we got the benefit of the matching grant along with the endowment, and in addition to some other funds provided by donations made to ZCD for public art, we were able to cover all of the costs related to this project.”

A CRUCIAL PIECE OF ZIONSVILLE’S CULTURE

The ZCD Value Statement expresses that its board of directors are “A tapes-

try of skill, commitment, points of view and desire to bring forth to the Town of Zionsville a broad representation of art, history, and culture for all to enjoy and participate in. We will never discriminate or tolerate discrimination against our fellow neighbor or visitor based on race, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion or on any other basis. We honor and respect everyone’s personal journey through life and we conduct ourselves in relation to each other with integrity and kindness.”

Examples of the board’s work and commitment to its mission to “enrich the lives of residents and visitors by promoting and celebrating our arts, history and culture,” include the popular — and FREE — summer ZCD Concert Series, Dahlia Giveaway, and the much beloved Sidewalk Poetry Contest. These signature events contribute to the remarkable Zionsville culture, as do ZCD’s public art initiatives. These projects and events do rely on the generosity and support of local residents, businesses and organizations. Mundy shared that those interested in making a monetary donation can contribute to the ZCD endowment through the Community

Foundation of Boone County or they can donate online or via U.S. postal mail.

“We are hoping to raise funds to do another large [public art] mural,” Mundy said. “By large, I mean on the side of a building like the Lincoln mural back on 1st Street. If people would like to make a contribution, they can do so on our website, and we have a mailing address, which is P.O. Box 103 Zionsville, IN, 46077.”

For more information on the Zionsville Cultural District, visit zvillecd.org. Please feel free to address inquiries to candaceu@zvillecd.org or to carlah@zvillecd.org.

Public Art Committee members 2022

President – Steve Mundy

Members: Susan Schube, Mamata Patel, Liz Ellis

2023 ZCD Board officers and members

President – Steve Mundy

VP – Mark Nagy

Secretary – Erika Revercomb

Treasurer – Candace Ulmer

Director – Liz Ellis

Director – Christine Fitzpatrick

Past president/Director – Carla Howie

Director – Casey Maish

Director – Mamata Patel

Director – Susan Schube

St. Luke Catholic School Celebrates

Six Decades of Academic Excellence

For more than 60 years, St. Luke Catholic School has been a beacon of faithbased learning and development for students, is rated a 4-star A school by the Indiana Department of Education and has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School.

A LEGACY BUILT FROM DECADES OF TRADITIONS AND VALUES

Having an established reputation as a premiere faith-based school for more than 60 years, it is no wonder why many of St. Luke’s current students are the second or third generation to attend from within their families.

St. Luke is an educational institution that prides itself on its ability to fundamentally prepare each student so that they can attain their greatest spiritual, academic, social, physical, emotional and creative potential to make a positive difference in their religious community and beyond.

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT AS A FAITH-BASED SCHOOL

St. Luke Principal Johnathan Grismore shared more on what makes St. Luke Catholic School one of the archdiocese’s most reputable and successful K–8 schools.

“As of December 2022, we had 566 students enrolled, and from this point last year, we have grown 20 students,” Grismore stated. “Since my first year here [2020], we have grown considerably,

and St. Luke is one of the larger schools in the archdiocese.”

St. Luke is also unique in its music and STEM curriculum offerings.

“We just completed a significant building campaign, and as a result, we were able to add four fine arts classrooms: two music [rooms] for orchestral and band instruction, a STEM lab and an art room that we opened for this current school year,” Grismore said. “We also added a new kindergarten classroom and a new resource room.”

Grismore elaborated that these additional spaces allow St. Luke to maximize all of its spaces.

“The new spaces allow us to be fully functional,” Grismore said. “We have three sections per grade and can accommodate up to 70–75 students per grade level and still have room for capacity.”

DIFFERENTIATING FACTORS

When asked what factors differentiate St. Luke from other area private and public-school options, Grismore explained, “We are a traditional-progressive school, so we are always looking

to be better and to be current with the times without losing focus on our roots in our Catholic faith. That is reflected in our curriculum as well.”

Grismore added, “Part of our mission is to look at each individual child and provide them all of the support they need. I think another thing that sets us apart is that by having three sections per grade level, we’re able to keep the class sizes relatively small. We also have a robust resource department as well as four full-time resource teachers. In addition, we have two enrichment teachers. This year, we’ve added an ENL [English New Language] teacher. When you think of a true-to-tradition Catholic community, that’s exactly what St. Luke is.”

ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE

What many folks may not realize is that St. Luke’s student body and parish comprises many families from Hamilton and Boone Counties. Grismore, a Zionsville resident, enjoys a short 20-minute commute to St. Luke Catholic School.

“About 20 percent of our students come from Hamilton County,” Grismore stated. “And we’re seeing an increase just over the past couple of years of students coming from the Zionsville, West Carmel areas. We’re seeing that [growth] as a parish too.”

Though private school tuition retains a stigma of being unaffordable to most of the state’s population, Grismore explained that because of the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program and other available resources through the school and parish’s designated programs, financial support is available to most families that might think they wouldn’t qualify.

“The Indiana Choice Scholarship Program is fairly generous,” Grismore emphasized. “A family of four making less than $154,000 a year would qualify. All of the application and registration information is on our website. And you can schedule an individual tour, which we do every week, so that prospective families experience the individualistic approach from the very beginning of their St. Luke Catholic School journey.”

For more information and to schedule a tour, visit school.stluke.org.