In The News
New Indianola Downtown Balloon Mosaic Takes Flight
Indianola Chamber of Commerce awarded $17,500 through Iowa Creative Places Accelerator for new mosaic public art project
INDIANOLA, Iowa (August 2026) — What began nearly a year ago with a walking tour, a blank wall, and a lot of possibilities is taking shape as a new public art experience in downtown Indianola.
The Indianola Chamber of Commerce has been awarded $17,500 in implementation funding through the Iowa Creative Places Accelerator to bring a large-scale mosaic hot air balloon installation to the north wall of 126 N. Howard St, locally known as the “Harrison’s Building.” The artwork will be created off-site over the coming months by local mosaic artist Nicole K. James with installation planned for the spring of 2027.
The project is the result of an extensive creative placemaking process that began in fall 2025, when Indianola was selected to participate in the Iowa Creative Places Accelerator. The Chamber initially applied for the program in August 2025 under former President & CEO Amanda Zwanziger. Following Indianola's selection, the local Creative Places team began a months-long process of exploring how public art could create a meaningful and lasting impact in the community.
On October 22, 2025, representatives from the Iowa Creative Places Accelerator visited Indianola for the team's first onsite meeting. Together, they walked the Downtown District, considered potential locations and began conversations about what the project could be.
What followed was a much larger creative process than simply selecting a piece of artwork. Through workshops, regular meetings and ongoing conversations, the team explored different forms of public art and a wide range of concepts. Ideas evolved from painted artwork and other installations to mosaic puzzle pieces throughout the community and a large mosaic postcard.
Eventually, the conversation returned to one of Indianola's most recognizable symbols: the hot air balloon.
“Throughout the process, we kept coming back to the question of what truly represents Indianola,” said Kristy Brouillet, President & CEO of the Indianola Chamber of Commerce. “Our community is more than balloons, but they are undeniably woven into our story and our identity. Once we embraced that, the vision started to come together. Eventually, we began to see the wall as more than a location for one piece of art. It became a blank canvas and an opportunity to imagine what this space could become over time.”
The final project will feature a colorful mosaic hot air balloon designed to create a memorable visual experience for residents and visitors. An interactive basket component will invite people to become part of the artwork, creating a new photo opportunity and point of interest within the Downtown District.
The mosaic balloon will be the first piece of artwork introduced to the expansive wall. While there are no current plans for additional installations, the team sees long-term potential for expansion.
The building's owner, Lee Adams, has supported the project and the team's vision throughout its development.
“Lee has been wonderful to work with throughout this process,” Brouillet said. “He has been open to the vision from the beginning and willing to see the potential in what we are creating. That kind of partnership is important in bringing ideas like this to life and creating something of value for the community.”
The project reflects the broader purpose of the Iowa Creative Places Accelerator, which brings together cross-sector community teams to develop arts-based projects that serve as catalysts for livability, economic development, and community connectedness. The program's creative placemaking approach also recognizes the role arts and culture can play in activating spaces, strengthening local identity, supporting tourism and increasing community pride.
For the Chamber, those goals align with ongoing efforts to strengthen Indianola's Downtown District and create experiences that encourage residents and visitors to explore the community, spend time downtown, and connect with local businesses.
Indianola's Creative Places team includes Kristy Evans, local artist and curator of The Gallery at the Sagewood; Al Kratz, Indianola Public Arts Commission; Kristy Brouillet, Indianola Chamber of Commerce; Grant Darrah, Owner of Gradient9 Studios; and Elyse Morris, Simpson College. Local mosaic artist Nicole K. James was commissioned to bring the team's concept to life.
The $17,500 implementation award requires a one-to-one local match. Under Iowa Creative Places Accelerator guidelines, matching support may include eligible cash and in-kind contributions, including donations. Businesses, organizations and community members interested in supporting the project or learning more about opportunities to contribute may contact the Indianola Chamber of Commerce.
Support is provided by the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
Kristy Brouillet
President & CEO
Indianola Chamber of Commerce
kristy@indianolachamber.com
About Indianola Chamber of Commerce:
The Indianola Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting business and community growth in Indianola. Through networking, advocacy, and community engagement, the Chamber works to foster a vibrant, connected, and thriving local economy.
