Artist: Chelsea Jones

Title: Nostalgic Muncie

Location: Madison and 9th

Statement: When I was little, “going to Muncie” always meant we were doing something fun. We didn’t live far out of town, but I remember the drive and the anticipation. There was ALWAYS one for sure marker telling me we were here. A giant purple face that I couldn’t wait to see. I know that purple hippo sparked joy in more than just myself, and you cannot think of Muncie without remembering him. I wanted to bring that joy and excitement back for the entire city - in a form that won’t move. I wanted to encompass the Muncie that I knew in my childhood, from cornfield to the city, from Chief Munsee to the purple hippo to chasing fireflies and just remembering the joy.

Bio: My name is Chelsea Jones. I grew up in and around the Muncie area and have lived here my entire life. Art in all forms has always come naturally to me. From candle-making to collage art, I’ve done more crafting than I can remember. It took me no time to find that painting was my go-to creative outlet. I’ve sold a few paintings here and there but never felt like I’ve truly made my mark. I’ve never broken into the art scene in Muncie, it's always just been something I do for fun because I love it. Now I am a wife, mother to three beautiful daughters, and currently work for the State of Indiana. Art has taken a back burner for the last few years, and I am determined to bring it back and finally make my mark.