Downtown Fort Wayne and Art This Way bring Studio Giftig mural to The Landing

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Downtown Fort Wayne and Art This Way announce that internationally recognized artist duo Studio Giftig will create a large-scale mural at 206 Pearl Street on The Landing. Installation will begin in mid-May, with completion anticipated in late May.

The mural will span the north-facing elevation of the building, home to Tolon and Randall Lofts Apartments, and will expand the growing collection of public art along South Harrison Street and the Urban Trail corridor.

A press conference and dedication event will take place on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the mural site. The public is encouraged to attend and to visit The Landing throughout the installation process.

Studio Giftig, Niels van Swaemen and Kaspar van Leek, is a Netherlands-based artist duo known for photorealistic and surrealistic murals. Since 2007, they have created large-scale works across Europe and the United States, including Miami, Florida. Their work has earned international recognition, including the “Best Mural Worldwide” award in both 2022 and 2024, most recently for Echoes of Harmony, which explored the unifying power of music.

The Fort Wayne mural draws inspiration from the city’s identity as the City of Three Rivers. Water is used as a visual thread to represent connection, continuity, and the passage of time. The composition also incorporates apples as symbolic elements, referencing the region’s natural richness and the legacy of Johnny Appleseed, while representing knowledge, insight, and awareness. The apples will emit a soft glow, serving as both a literal and figurative source of light within the piece.

“We believe that public art is more than just paint on a wall; it’s a transformative catalyst for community pride and identity,” said Greg Olson, Regional Vice President of Development at The Michaels Organization, property owner of 206 Pearl Street. “The Michaels Organization is thrilled to partner with the City of Fort Wayne and Art This Way to bring Studio Giftig’s incredible vision to life. Randall Lofts isn’t just a building. It is now a vibrant landmark in Fort Wayne’s growing cultural landscape.”

The project builds on recent public art momentum in the area, including eight murals installed at 222 Pearl Street last fall that celebrate Fort Wayne’s music culture and the Pearl Arts Center.

We are grateful for the partnership of The Michaels Organization and the support of the Randall Lofts community. Funding for this project is made possible through the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne’s Agile Grant, the Knight Foundation Fund, CertaPro Painters, and Downtown Fort Wayne.

To learn more about Studio Giftig, visit https://studiogiftig.nl/portfolio/murals/.

For more information about Downtown Fort Wayne and Art This Way, please go to DowntownFortWayne.com and ArtThisWayFW.com.