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The City of Kokomo has been awarded funding through the Indiana Arts Commission’s Arts Project Support program to support a collaborative public art project celebrating the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
The grant will fund a partnership with the Kokomo Area Career Center (KACC), where students in the welding program are currently designing, fabricating, and constructing a large-scale metal sculpture. Building on a successful partnership between the City of Kokomo and the Kokomo School Corporation, this initiative represents the KACC’s second major project for the city.
Under the guidance of instructor Brian Mikesell, students are working with a variety of metals to create a piece that incorporates imagery and design elements reflecting significant moments in local and national history. Weighing approximately 1,100 pounds, the sculpture represents a massive undertaking in technical skill and artistic vision.
“Kokomo has a strong tradition of supporting public art that reflects who we are as a community,” said Kokomo Mayor Tyler Moore. “This project is especially meaningful because it places our high school students at the center of that work—giving them hands-on experience, creative ownership, and a lasting connection to our city through an artwork they helped build.”
For KACC Director Jonathan Schuck, the project represents the modern evolution of trade education.
“At the Kokomo Area Career Center, we believe in a comprehensive approach to education where students engage with every element of a build. This sculpture project shows the full scope of that experience—transforming a pencil sketch into a digital rendering and ultimately a 1,100-pound reality,” said Schuck.
“We are grateful to Mayor Moore and the City for securing this funding, which provides our students with an incredible opportunity to demonstrate the high-level craftsmanship and creative problem-solving they practice daily. It is a proud moment to have students creating a permanent landmark that celebrates the 250th anniversary of our nation—a project that stands as a direct reflection of the professional-grade collaboration and elite technical skills that define the KACC experience.”
The project has already sparked a profound impact on the students involved, ranging from underclassmen who sought out these opportunities to seniors preparing for their transition into higher education and professional industries.
“I’ll be honest, I originally chose welding to try something new, and I wasn't entirely sure where it would lead,” said Kokomo High School senior Harry Blake. “But once I started this class, everything changed. Now, I’m heading to Hobart this fall to pursue a career in fabrication. Having the opportunity to build something that will stand in my hometown of Kokomo is a rewarding way to finish my high school career.”
For sophomore Jonathan Frye, who transferred to Kokomo High School during his freshman year specifically to gain early access to KACC programs, the satisfaction comes from the process itself.
“I’ve really enjoyed watching this come together—from the initial welding to the assembly and the polishing,” Frye said. “Even though we’re still in the early stages, there is a real sense of achievement in seeing your work and your progress in real time. Seeing a finished product that you helped build for your city is a great feeling.”
Throughout the build, students are gaining mastery in advanced techniques, including MIG, TIG, and ARC welding. The process demands intense collaboration as the students move through every stage of production—from the original concept to 3D rendering, build-out, sculpting, and finishing—serving as a powerful example of the hands-on learning and real-world application available through the variety of graduation pathways offered by the Kokomo School Corporation.
Upon completion, the piece will be installed along Kokomo’s downtown sculpture walk, providing permanent public artwork for residents and visitors to enjoy.
The Arts Project Support grants were approved during the Commission’s December Quarterly Business Meeting following a competitive review process. A total of 36 external reviewers from across Indiana and the nation evaluated applications, bringing expertise in the arts, community development, and nonprofit management.
The Arts Project Support program is administered in partnership with the Indiana Arts Commission’s Regional Arts Partners, who work to expand access to and participation in the arts statewide. Across the spring and fall grant cycles, 432 applications were submitted—representing a 34 percent increase over Fiscal Year 2025. In Fiscal Year 2026, the program funded 167 projects across 79 of Indiana’s 92 counties.