08/13/2026
We’re super excited to see this meaningful project moving forward!
Thank you to the Blue River Community Foundation, the City of Shelbyville, and everyone involved for their continued work on this special installation honoring the Sister City relationship between Shelbyville and Shizuoka, Japan.
We also appreciate the patience and understanding of our visitors throughout the process and look forward to seeing the finished project!
For over two years, the Grover Center and the City of Shelbyville have graciously worked alongside the Blue River Community Foundation (BRCF) team to bring a large-scale public art project to the alleyway between Grover and Fire Station 1. This installation will honor the longstanding Sister City exchange between Shizuoka, Japan, and Shelbyville, Indiana.
The project was originally anticipated to be completed last spring. During construction of the sculpture’s foundations, unforeseen structural considerations required modifications to the engineering plan. Work on those adjustments continued throughout the summer to ensure the installation is completed safely and successfully.
BRCF recognizes that the extended timeline has created challenges for the Grover Center and its visitors, particularly because the alley closure affects access to the museum’s side entrance and elevator. We are grateful to the Grover Center, the City, and our community for their patience and flexibility as the necessary engineering adjustments have been addressed. What initially appeared to be a relatively straightforward modification ultimately required a more extensive process than anticipated to ensure a proper and safe installation.
We are pleased to share that construction is expected to resume within the month. We appreciate everyone’s continued patience and partnership, and we look forward to seeing this meaningful project completed and enjoyed by our community.
