The Indianapolis I-Spy Mural is a community-created playful learning installation located on the city’s Near Eastside. Designed to engage children and caregivers waiting at the bus stop at East 10th and Gray streets, the mural transforms an everyday public space into an opportunity to observe closely, search for hidden details, share stories, and explore the city together.

Indianapolis I-Spy Mural

Created by Indianapolis artist Ess McKee, the mural features a vibrant I-Spy scene inspired by Indianapolis. Families are invited to search the artwork for familiar places, symbols, and details while talking about what they notice. The design encourages children to slow down, pay attention, ask questions, and make connections between the images in the mural and the community around them.

The mural was brought to life through a community paint day, where neighbors of all ages helped complete the artwork through an accessible paint-by-number process. This collaborative approach gave community members a direct role in creating a joyful and welcoming installation for local families.

The Learning Goals

The Indianapolis I-Spy Mural supports playful learning by encouraging communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creative innovation from the 6Cs.

Children and caregivers are invited to search the mural together, describe what they see, ask and answer questions, and share stories about Indianapolis. Discussing the images supports vocabulary, conversation, and content knowledge about their surroundings.

Because the mural was painted with the community, it also demonstrates collaboration and creative innovation. The project shows children that public art can be shaped by many people working together and that neighborhood spaces can reflect local identity, creativity, and pride.

The Team

The Indianapolis I-Spy Mural was created through a collaboration between Playful Learning Landscapes, John Boner Neighborhood Centers, and 10 East Arts. Local artist Ess McKee designed and led the creation of the mural with participation from members of the Near Eastside community.

Supporters

Special thanks to the Near Eastside residents and families who participated in the community paint day, artist Ess McKee, John Boner Neighborhood Centers, 10 East Arts, and everyone who helped bring the mural to life. This project was made possible through the generous support of the Indiana Department of Health.