A VIEW FROM THE PORCH
Artist: Reinaldo Correa Díaz
Installation: 2025
Location: Deming Park 500 S. Fruitridge Avenue
A View from the Porch by artist Reinaldo Correa Diaz represents a porch setting that chronicles the story of the Lost Creek Settlement through images and historical information. Díaz, a Puerto Rican artist based in Florida, brought a distinct cultural perspective to his work. He collaborated closely with the descendants to capture the essence of this significant chapter in American history.
As visitors walk through the interactive art installation, they learn about a group of free African Americans who courageously traveled from Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia to settle in Vigo County, to escape the racial violence and systemic oppression of the pre-Civil War South.
The piece captures this history in three zones – Exodus, Settlement, and Legacy. The vibrant design is comprised of historic photographs, compelling content and significant artifacts intertwined with traditional quilt patterns. Between each zone hangs a traditional porch swing allowing for a moment of contemplation and rest. The landscaping of rows of grasses reflects the agricultural foundation of this community. The path envelopes visitors into a broader spatial experience and a deep understanding that the settlement was much more than a single point in time.
In the face of inequities in Indiana, the people of Lost Creek demonstrated resilience, determination, and grit to create their American dream. For many generations, they established a successful, thriving farming community with churches, cemeteries, general store, blacksmith, and schools, employing their own teachers when it was forbidden to educate African American students in Indiana public schools. They overcame various forms of marginalization and left a legacy of faith, perseverance, and service, which lives on in the lives of their descendants, who have shaped the community and culture in innumerable ways
A VIEW FROM THE PORCH
Artist: Reinaldo Correa Díaz
Dimensions: XXXX
Installation: 2025
Location: Deming Park 500 S. Fruitridge Avenue
A View from the Porch by artist Reinaldo Correa Diaz represents a porch setting that chronicles the story of the Lost Creek Settlement through images and historical information. Díaz, a Puerto Rican artist based in Florida, brought a distinct cultural perspective to his work. He collaborated closely with the descendants to capture the essence of this significant chapter in American history.
As visitors walk through the interactive art installation, they learn about a group of free African Americans who courageously traveled from Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia to settle in Vigo County, to escape the racial violence and systemic oppression of the pre-Civil War South.
The piece captures this history in three zones – Exodus, Settlement, and Legacy. The vibrant design is comprised of historic photographs, compelling content and significant artifacts intertwined with traditional quilt patterns. Between each zone hangs a traditional porch swing allowing for a moment of contemplation and rest. The landscaping of rows of grasses reflects the agricultural foundation of this community. The path envelopes visitors into a broader spatial experience and a deep understanding that the settlement was much more than a single point in time.
In the face of inequities in Indiana, the people of Lost Creek demonstrated resilience, determination, and grit to create their American dream. For many generations, they established a successful, thriving farming community with churches, cemeteries, general store, blacksmith, and schools, employing their own teachers when it was forbidden to educate African American students in Indiana public schools. They overcame various forms of marginalization and left a legacy of faith, perseverance, and service, which lives on in the lives of their descendants, who have shaped the community and culture in innumerable ways
Additional Information:
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