COLUMBUS, Ind. – First Presbyterian Church and Columbus Area Arts Council have announced that yard signs promoting solidarity with immigrant communities are now available. They were created through a design competition and are free to the community.
The initiative was developed to send a message of unity, belonging, and support for immigrant families. “We created this campaign to show our richly diverse immigrant community that we care,” said Rev. Felipe Martinez, pastor of First Presbyterian Church. “Our hope is that seeing the yard signs around town will encourage our immigrant neighbors and bring the community together.”
Signs are available for pickup and are free with a suggested donation of $10 to Su Casa, whose mission is to increase self-sufficiency, health, economic independence, and education, while ensuring Latino families feel a sense of safety and belonging.
Allison Horner was selected as the winner of the design competition. Out of 18 submissions, her design stood out for its powerful message of inclusivity, strength, and compassion. “Allison’s design is a powerful visual statement that speaks to the heart of this initiative,” said Brooke Hawkins, Executive Director of the Columbus Area Arts Council. “The imagery of hands clasped with the Statue of Liberty symbolizes unity and hope. The design is both eye-catching and deeply meaningful.”
All submitted designs and artists’ statements can be viewed at artsincolumbus.org/yardsigns.
Signs will be released at the Hands Off Our Democracy rally outside Columbus City Hall on April 5, and signs can be picked up at the following locations:
- Columbus Area Arts Council, 431 6th Street
- First Presbyterian Church, 512 7th Street (door #1)
- St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 1306 27th Street
- Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 7850 W Goeller Blvd.
- Viewpoint Books, 548 Washington Street
This project was made possible through generous contributions from First Presbyterian Foundation in Columbus, African American Foundation-Bartholomew County, Heritage Fund Bartholomew County, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbus, and supportive families. Their involvement has played a vital role in amplifying messages of unity and connection with immigrant communities.
