INDIANOLA, Iowa — Painting murals isn’t a new way to freshen up a space, but the city of Indianola is putting a new twist on it.

Downtown Indianola and its city square have undergone significant transformation over the past several years. Businesses are booming and thriving. The city square is becoming so busy that it can be difficult to find street parking. The city of Indianola resurfaced parking lots surrounding the square, but they weren’t always a pleasant experience to reach.

The “Illuminate Indianola” project hoped to fix that. The city sought to enhance the lighting in an alleyway while also making it visually appealing and interesting. That would mean combining art and light.

After receiving a grant and other funding, the city gave that task to artist Lori Hepner. Hepner had experience with light murals and went to work. She involved the community in the design, which is now made up of hot air balloons, silhouettes, and bright colors.

Lights and projectors were added to complement the art on the alley walls. These additions also light the alleyway, making it more accessible and safer to use at night. The result is a combination of lights and murals that create a colorful, scenic, and lighted sight.

Those involved with the project hope it will contribute to Indianola’s growth and make the city square an even more appealing place to visit. The Indianola Public Arts Commission is already searching for its next project to keep Indianola’s art momentum going.