ART SCENE

Kokomo has a variety of art experiences

Kokomo Sculpture Walk

The Kokomo Sculpture Walk is a mile long and winds along trails and waterways through the heart of the city. It’s dotted with a collection of nine large-scale sculptures created by regional and national artists.

The juried collection is selected from submissions by artists across the country. The walk includes pieces that are visually interesting and enriching.

The exhibit changes every two years, with a new collection to be installed in 2023. The sculptures are on display along the Industrial Heritage Trail and Kokomo Riverwalk, both paved surfaces.

Artist Alley

Artist Alley is Kokomo’s first 24/7 outdoor art gallery. A once dark, forgotten downtown alley was transformed into a space that enlivens the downtown landscape. It showcases painted and multimedia art as well as sculptures.

The alley’s industrial theme creates a connection to Kokomo’s rich industrial heritage and is complete with a replica of a 1894 Haynes automobile. You can even hop in and snap a picture!

You’ll find Artist Alley next to Artworks Gallery on Main Street. The exhibit is open to the public year-round. The juried exhibit changes annually.

Murals/Public Art

From quirky to thoughtprovoking to just plain Instagram-worthy, there’s no shortage of public art in Kokomo.

You will find large, colorful murals painted by local and renowned visiting artists on many buildings and even bridges throughout the community. From realism to expressionism to abstract, they all create a beautiful backdrop for Kokomo.

In downtown, you certainly won’t miss KokoMantis, the 17feet tall, 22-feet long, and 6-feet wide bug sculpture. It’s just one of many sculptures and statues you’ll find throughout the community.

Art Galleries

Pieces created by artists and artisans are featured in galleries throughout Kokomo.

There are displays of art in every medium and a variety of artisan creations at Artworks Gallery and Kokomo Art Center.

In downtown, be sure to explore the ever-changing art on display in the lower levels of the downtown library. You’ll find art on skin and canvas at Bohemian Tattoo Club & Art Gallery, home to renowned tattoo artists.

The IU Kokomo Art Gallery hosts many fine art exhibitions, each curated by campus faculty and students. Shows include local, regional and national artists.

Performing Arts

Kokomo offers a wide variety of world-class performing arts that you can enjoy all year long. Enjoy live theater performances from the Kokomo Civic Theatre or Curtain Call Children’s Theatre.

Don’t miss out on concerts from musicians in the Kokomo Symphony Orchestra, Kokomo Community Concerts, the Kokomo Park Band or students at the Rhum Academy of Music.

Plus, catch free outdoor entertainment throughout the summer in downtown as part of the Kokomo Summer Concert Series and the Riverwalk Concert Series.

You can also hear live music at venues such as The Coterie and Kokomo Country Palace.

DIY Art

You can create your own masterpiece at a number of art studios in downtown Kokomo. You can paint your own pottery at Fired Arts Studio, which also offers events that explore new techniques to try. There’s a number of artists at the Kokomo Art Association that offer classes, from watercolor to Zentangle and more.

The Palette Room at Solstice Art Gallery offers adult and kids painting classes, as well as wine and canvas events. Or you can learn a new skill at SHAK Makerspace, a collaborative, artistic and educational community space.