Creativity blossoms in Southern Indiana. With magnificent murals, striking statues and local galleries, SoIN is an art lover’s paradise!
Don’t know where to start? The free Inspired SoIN digital passport makes it easy to explore SoIN’s eclectic arts scene. Simply sign up and pick from any of the 20 selected sites to discover. Plus, you can earn prizes along the way! After you’ve checked in at 10 sites, you earn a poster designed by artist and SoIN native, Matthew Clinard. Each check-in will also earn you an entry into our grand prize drawing, which includes an art party for 10 at Viva Art with catering from Union GameYard and Restaurant.
Made to Inspire, you can download the passport today to begin exploring SoIN’s vibrant local arts scene.
Here’s how to hit 10 spots in one weekend!
Day 1: Clarksville
Kick off your art-filled weekend on Friday night in Clarksville along the Ohio River Greenway. Here you’ll find two statues that commemorate historical figures. Located at the Falls of the Ohio State Park, the Lewis and Clark Handshake statue (1) marks the location where the two explorers began their partnership ahead of their famous expedition. Continuing along the Greenway, you’ll find the Rosie the Riveter statue (2) in Ashland Park overlooking the Ohio River. You can soak up the river’s views and the Louisville skyline with Rosie and your crew. Make sure to snap a selfie with her!
Finish off your night with a sweet treat from Widow’s Walk Ice Creamery. Note: There is some exciting construction going on along Riverside Drive, but you can still access Clarksville’s attractions using recommended detours.
Day 2: New Albany
Spend Saturday in downtown New Albany, where the streets are loaded with art. Before you embark on your art-filled excursion, grab brunch at a restaurant such as Toast on Market or Wild Eggs.
You’ll begin on Main Street, traveling to long-time business Schmitt Furniture. On the side of the building, you’ll discover your first mural (3) of the day, “Ohio River.” This mural represents the natural beauty of SoIN. Local wildlife, iconic landmarks and a gorgeous color palette make this modern masterpiece a staple of New Albany’s downtown.
After checking out Main Street, you can stroll over to Market Street to view your next mural. Market Street is home to the “Space Cats” mural (4). Created by local artist David Thrasher, the “Space Cats” mural juxtaposes evergreen trees with futuristic kitties against a pale blue background. Make sure to take a selfie with these out-of-this-world felines.
From Market Street, you’ll go to Spring Street, where the next couple of murals reside. The Harvest Homecoming mural (5) captures everything we love about this Southern Indiana tradition. From the parade to pumpkin chunking, carnival rides and crafts, the festival has it all and this mural proves it. Along the side of Wine Shop, you’ll see the “Opera Singer” mural (6), by artist Carrie Johns. This mural pays homage to the building's former life as the New Albany Opera House. Built in 1866, during the nation's Steamboat Era, some of the biggest stars of the stage performed at the opera house during its 40-year run.
Day 3: Jeffersonville
On Sunday you’ll make 4 stops around Jeffersonville, where you’ll be delighted by murals, statues and more. Start at Maxwell’s Mural (7), which is painted along the side of Maxwell’s House of Music. With guitars, keyboards, and bass strung together through a colorful galaxy of paint, this mural is a must-see for music lovers!
The next mural honors Claysburg, a historically Black neighborhood in Jeffersonville. The Claysburg mural (8) was created with the goal of instilling peace in the community, empowering the Black community, and promoting the community garden it overlooks.
Following Claysburg, you’ll travel to NoCo (9), Jeffersonville’s art hub! With 22 acres to explore NOrth of COurt Avenue, the arts district has many intriguing outdoor masterpieces, which are free to view 24/7. From the refurbished water tank to the Story Trail and exterior walls of the community arts center, NoCo is a creative wonder.
The final stop on your art-filled adventure is the newly opened Southern Indiana Visitor Center. Painted upon the bricks of the south side of the building is a “Greetings from… Southern Indiana” postcard mural (10) that showcases iconic Southern Indiana attractions within the lettering. After you’ve checked in, snapped a pic and tagged @GoSoIN on social, head inside to chat with one of our travel counselors and to get some SoIN gear!
We hope this weekend leaves you feeling INspired!
Claim Your Prize
Congrats! You've done it! You've experienced the vibrancy of Southern Indiana’s local art, and now it's time to claim your well-deserved poster through the Inspired SoIN app. Simply go to the “Rewards” section on your passport and tap “Claim Now” under the “Inspired SoIN Poster Prize." This beautiful poster serves as a lasting reminder of your unforgettable journey.
Keep in mind that each check-in earns an entry into the grand prize drawing for the “SoIN to Art” package. The package includes an art party for 10 at Viva Art with catering from Union GameYard and Restaurant.
Sign Up Today!
Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the creativity of Southern Indiana. Start your art-filled adventure today with the Inspired SoIN Digital Passport and share your amazing experiences with us using the hashtag: #InspiredSoIN. SoIN is waiting for you!
BONUS STOPS
Here are 10 additional stops to explore, earning you entries into the grand prize giveaway!
- Bourne-Schweitzer Gallery (137 E. Main St., New Albany)
- Here you’ll view many different art mediums. The gallery presents different exhibitions throughout the year, all free and open to the public. Click here to view the current exhibition schedule.
- Super Kid mural (134 E. Market St., New Albany)
- This mural is located along the side of Bella Roma and is a comic-book-style slice of inspiration for young people. Intended to advocate for autism awareness, it is a reminder to ALL kids that they can be anything they want, even a superhero.
- Chefs’ Mural (216 Pearl St, New Albany)
- Inside MESA you’ll find this heartwarming mural hidden on the backside of the restaurant. Six world-renowned chefs, including Anthony Bourdain, who the mural is dedicated to, as well as Jamie Oliver, Emeril Lagasse, Mashama Bailey, Nancy Silverton, and Julia Child are featured along with quotes to make up the inspirational piece. While you’re there browse the cookware or check out the latest business occupying MESA’s incubator space.
- Cheese Fork Statue (316 State St., New Albany)
- After taking a couple of pictures with this cheesy work of art, dine at one of the amazing nearby restaurants such as Parlour or The Exchange Pub + Kitchen.
- Flood Wall Murals
- Here you’ll discover a collection of murals that showcase different parts of the region’s history. With dozens of different pieces containing historical figures, old buildings and even maps, the murals are a fascinating sight to explore.
- Bark Jeff Mural (1006 E 10th St., Jeffersonville)
- Check out this doggy daycare center where adorable pups wrap around the building. The bright colors and happy dogs welcome you to stop by and take a pic. Maybe even bring your own pup to enjoy the uplifting artwork by Often Seen Rarely Spoken.
- The Lady (Winds of Change) Statue (759 Champion Rd., Jeffersonville)
- Off the beaten path you’ll find a 21-foot metal statue that stands gracefully looking over Jeffersonville. This mysterious sculpture is worth the visit.
- Art Garden (12 W Chestnut St., Jeffersonville)
- This is a small slice of paradise hidden in plain sight along the corner of W. Chestnut and Spring Streets. Filled with whimsical works of art, brick paths, and many spots for a photo op, checking out this pocket garden is a must.
- Circum (117 E Riverside Dr., Jeffersonville)
- Head back to the Ohio River Greenway (where you started your exploration on Friday) to view “Circum”, a giant paddle-wheel sculpture that was created by artists Quincy Owens and Luke Crawley in 2019. Seated right along the Ohio River, the sculpture glows a beautiful blue at night! After you’ve soaked up the views of the Ohio River, check out one of the nearby restaurants like GAME on the River or Harry’s Taphouse and Kitchen or get some exercise in with a walk across the Big Four Bridge.
