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Carmel redevelopment staff preview local artist’s butterfly mosaics for downtown alley and Monon spot
Summary
Redevelopment Director Henry Mestetsky presented a plan to install small stained-glass mosaic butterflies by local artist Nancy Keating at a paved alley by a garage and around an existing butterfly near a Monon Trail playground; one developer has pledged $2,000 and building owners have agreed to placement terms, the commission heard.
Carmel Redevelopment Director Henry Mestetsky told the Art in Public Spaces Advisory Commission on May 12 that the city will place small butterfly mosaics by local artist Nancy Keating in two downtown locations: a paved alley between a garage and an office building, and around an existing butterfly on a concrete wall near a Monon Trail playground.
Mestetsky said the city obtained a small grant to help with the project and has identified two installation sites where building owners have agreed to the artwork. "We had a local artist, Nancy Keating, who I think most of you know well, do some small butterfly mosaics," he said.
Commission discussion and staff comments described the alley installation as four mosaics affixed to precast panels on the garage intended to draw people into a paved alley with string lights and rear doors from the office building. Mestetsky said the other mosaics would "surround that existing butterfly" at the Monon playground, calling the concrete facade there a frequent photo spot and exercise area.
When Commissioner Julie asked about materials, Mestetsky said the mosaics are a "stained glass kind of material" similar to the material used in larger Civic Square garage murals previously done by the artist. He added that Keating organizes community mosaic events in which local participants contribute to the work.
Mestetsky said the garage building owner agreed to allow the mosaics but has no funds to help with installation; he said the developer JC Hart has agreed to contribute $2,000 toward the Monon installation. He also said staff are preparing a contract with the garage owner that would require the mosaics to remain in place for a specified period to ensure the city realizes the public value of the installation.
The commission treated the presentation as informational and asked no formal questions beyond material and placement; no vote or formal action was taken at the meeting.
Staff next steps that were discussed included finalizing written agreements with building owners and coordinating installation logistics and funding. Mestetsky and commissioners thanked the presenter and moved on to the meeting’s next agenda item.
