FRANKLIN, Ind. (WISH) — In downtown Franklin, alleys are being transformed into vibrant art galleries, thanks to the efforts of local artists who are bringing color and community to unexpected places.
Kuji Alley, a once-overlooked pass-through space, has become a destination showcasing the artistic revitalization of Franklin.
This transformation is part of a broader movement led by Franklin artists such as Gordon Strain and Greg Potter, who have been instrumental in transforming the city’s alleys into canvases for public art.
“When I moved to Franklin, there was not a lot of public art,” Strain said. “I felt like this was a town primed for murals and sculptures and stuff, so I started finding ways to talk to the city.”
Potter added, “Now, when we started this, we did cover up another mural and that stirred up some things, you know? But, back then, I don’t think people understood that public art will die at some point and there will be a new vision.”
(Provided Photo/Greg Potter)
The art installations in downtown Franklin include vibrant murals and interactive pieces that create “Instagramable” moments, attracting foot traffic and boosting community pride. One of the most recent projects, Kuji Alley, is a tribute to Franklin’s sister city in Kuji, Japan, featuring a blend of Japanese motifs and Indiana heart.
Strain explained the inspiration behind Kuji Alley: “When the city talked to us about doing the Kuji Alley. We were trying to think of interesting things that fit with our sister city. Having not been to Japan, we considered motifs that central Indiana could latch onto. The idea of the coy being this cool symbol of peace and calmness, we just thought- let’s do coy.”
The project has quickly turned into a movement, attracting visitors, inspiring young artists, and reshaping how people see the spaces between. Strain added, “We see a lot of prom pictures or other important photos that people take in front of it. When you have public art in towns, people tend to use it for these types of purposes. It brings foot traffic, it gets people out and taking pictures, and then hopefully gets people into stores that are nearby.”
Lola Hamilton, co-owner of Expo Arts, commented on the impact of the art installations. “I think that when the general public walks by and sees something like this, they do realize that art is still a very important part in the community. It could inspire some people to get involved in the arts, donate to the arts, and become philanthropists to the cause of beautifying a public space like this.”
The transformation of Franklin’s alleys into art galleries symbolizes a city investing in creativity and connection, with public art bringing new life to these spaces and fostering a sense of community pride.
