A controversial 30-foot-tall LED sculpture has moved one step closer to becoming a permanent fixture in Indianapolis' vibrant Broad Ripple neighborhood after receiving official approval from the city's Board of Zoning Appeals on Tuesday night. The massive artwork, titled "Gavin - Divergence," represents a significant artistic investment in the community and has sparked passionate debate among local residents.
Created by Indiana-born artist Jason Myers, the towering sculpture is constructed from metal, recycled scrap steel, and other building materials, weighing approximately two tons. The artwork will stand on a 2.5-foot-tall base at the prominent intersection of College Avenue and Westfield Boulevard. According to the project team's press release, the sculpture symbolizes "the divergence of history, culture and community, celebrating Broad Ripple's ongoing commitment to artistic expression, human connection and the unity found in its diversity."
Local reactions to the proposed installation have been mixed, with community members expressing both enthusiasm and concern. Kelsey Ebbert, who works in the area, acknowledged the sculpture's unique appearance while supporting artistic initiatives in the neighborhood. "It looks like it's going to be interesting," Ebbert said. "It looks strange in my opinion, but I'm all for art in the Broad Ripple area." However, she expressed some reservations about the location, noting that the intersection is heavily trafficked and such a large installation might prove distracting to drivers and pedestrians.
Longtime resident Charlotte Fisher, who has lived in the community for 27 years, expressed strong support for the project. "I like the artwork," Fisher said. "It will be nice to have it lit up. It'll be a destination where people will say, 'Oh, look at that.'" Fisher views the installation as a positive investment in the Broad Ripple community and has grown frustrated with negative commentary on the neighborhood social media platform NextDoor, where some residents have described the sculpture as "creepy, ugly and distracting."
The ambitious project is being funded through a generous donation from the Birge Family Foundation and involves a collaborative partnership between several prominent local organizations, including the Broad Ripple Village Association, Indy Art Center, and The Penrod Society. This multi-organizational approach demonstrates significant community backing for the artistic endeavor.
According to the Board of Zoning Appeals agenda, the installation plans have been carefully designed to minimize disruption to existing infrastructure. The project will not impact the existing tree or traffic signal box at the intersection. However, some modifications will be necessary: a changeable copy sign will be removed from the intersection, and one light pole will need to be relocated to accommodate the sculpture.
Recent arrivals to the neighborhood, Robert and Mary Beth St. John, expressed general support for public art initiatives despite not having previously heard about the sculpture proposal. "I think it adds to the pedestrian experience and adds to the character of a neighborhood," Robert St. John commented, reflecting a broader appreciation for community art installations.
With the zoning approval now secured, the project team behind "Gavin - Divergence" indicated that their next priority is obtaining the necessary permits from the city, a process they report is already underway. Once all proper permits are secured, the installation of the two-ton sculpture can proceed, bringing this ambitious artistic vision to life in one of Indianapolis' most culturally vibrant neighborhoods.
