Martin County – Two Martin County organizations have been selected to participate in the prestigious 2025 IU Rural Placemaking Studio initiative. This program connects the expertise of Indiana University students and faculty with rural communities across the state to revitalize and enhance public spaces through innovative art and design projects.
The Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth and Community Action, as well as Leading Loogootee, will each benefit from this collaborative effort.
Continuing their work from last year’s involvement with the IU Rural Placemaking Studio, the Martin County Alliance for Economic Growth will once again partner with IU students. This year’s focus will be on creating new and engaging business signage for the Main Street area in Shoals. This project aims to enhance the visual appeal of the downtown area and better highlight local businesses.
Meanwhile, Community Action Leading Loogootee will launch a new project through this initiative. Their focus will be on designing interpretive signage for the town’s seven historically significant Mesker facade buildings. These unique 19th and early 20th-century storefronts are a key architectural feature of Loogootee. The interpretive signage will be a crucial component of a future architectural walking and driving tour, celebrating these distinctive buildings and their history.
The IU Rural Placemaking Studio initiative provides valuable resources and creative energy to rural communities like Shoals and Loogootee, fostering community pride and potentially boosting local economies through thoughtful design and artistic interventions. The partnership promises to bring fresh perspectives and tangible improvements to the public spaces of both towns.
