LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) -- A state-funded art project is brightening the streets of Wabash Avenue.
On Saturday, Wabash Ave. neighbors came out to paint a colorful crosswalk outside Sacred Grounds Coffee Shop. The project is through the Tippecanoe Arts Federations and it's designed to help slow down traffic and make the area safer and more pedestrian-friendly.
TAF received a grant for this project from the Indiana Department of Health earlier this year.
Chicago artist Janson Rapisarda created the abstract design for the project. He's worked on a number of murals in and around Tippecanoe County.
He said he wanted it to be something that catches the eye while not distracting drivers.
"If I'm driving on the street, you know, I feel like I'd want something that was more decorative and something that would kind of catch my attention, maybe slow me down but not so complicated that I couldn't read it while driving by so kind of quick at a glance but something that's bright and beautiful," said Rapisarda.
He said he has enjoyed spending time bringing art to Greater Lafayette.
"Lafayette has been one of these really special places where people come up and offer a hand, you know, so I've had a couple of people come up, offer to help me paint or bring coffee," said Rapisarda.
There are two painted crosswalks going up Wabash Ave. One at the intersection of Ellsworth St. and the other at the intersection of Green St. The artist working on the Green St. crosswalk is Anthony Brooks. His crosswalk design is a little more intricate so he has decided to paint it on his own.
Both crosswalks are expected to be finished this weekend.
