Community Art

“All in This Together for Social Justice” 

A message of social justice, unity, diversity and inclusion for all people told through the viewpoints of four Zionsville students – that is what is at the heart of the traffic control box at the northwest corner of Main and Sycamore Streets. 

The project, “All in This Together for Social Justice,” is the brainchild of an 8^th grade Zionsville Middle School student Phoebe. Inspired by the Black Lives Matter murals, Phoebe organized an art contest as part of a Girl Scout silver award. Phoebe raised all the funds to accomplish this project.

Phoebe worked in collaboration with the Zionsville Cultural District, the Mayor’s office, Palette Art Studio and Robert Goodman Jewelers. Art entries were submitted and a panel of judges selected the winners. Judges included Phoebe, Senator J.D. Ford, Zionsville artist Cynthia Young, Zionsville business owner Lolly Mahaney, Zionsville photographer Tom Casalini and Zionsville Diversity Coalition member Monisha Mitchell. A winner was selected from each Zionsville school: elementary, middle and high school.

The traffic control box features the words “All in This Together,” transgender symbols, a raised fist symbolizing unity and solidarity with our community figuratively standing up for social justice and lifting up those who are made to feel unequal and other imagery that brings awareness to social justice and unity. As the Town of Zionsville continues to be engaged in honest community dialogue around social justice, diversity and inclusion, this art project is indicative of the students’ perseverance and their generation’s willingness to become engaged in supporting human rights at a young age.

Making art is often a form of self-expression, a way for the artist to paint, draw, sing or form what they or others feel strongly about. Artwork can move people to look closer at their own emotions, at social issues and at the environment that surrounds them. Thanks to these young students, the topic of social justice is being discussed, opposed, considered, supported and impacted here in Zionsville. 

"I think there are a lot of really strong, young leaders in this community, and it’s exciting the way that they want to make a difference,” said Mayor Emily Styron. “This is our message that social justice matters and that these are part of our values as a town. We’re committed to the meaning of the message.”

“Zionsville enjoys a rich history of supporting the arts, which continues to underscore our uniqueness as a community,” said Zionsville Town Councilor Brad Burk. “Public art is especially important because it helps illuminate our past - and all we hope to be. Art can also encourage us to think, discuss and learn. Believing in dynamic and strong community values and encouraging diversity, our future is in good hands. We should be proud of our young artists and their timely message of togetherness.”

The art on this traffic control box created a safe space for our town’s youth to share messages of social justice and unity and for self-expression. As a community, we are opening our eyes to the topics of diversity and inclusion and letting our students’ voices for positive change to be heard. In doing so, we will become a destination for people of all walks of life.  

“This artwork serves as a beautiful and resilient representation of social justice in our community. Let the voice of these young change-makers ring positively in our Zionsville community,” said Mayor Emily Styron.

If the artwork has moved you, the Town of Zionsville encourages you to keep the momentum going and ask for ways to continue to have a dialogue around social justice. Projects like this help define and shape the quality of life in Zionsville. They speak to the important, although sometimes difficult, conversations our town is engaged in.

Ribbon cutting ceremony held on October 25, 2020.