Art & Literacy Piece Specifically for Neighbors.

Horizon House is honored to be a location for an art and literacy piece from The Public Collection. In Indianapolis, there are nine locations that have a Public Collection artistic lending library. We are fortunate that our particular project is just for neighbors at Horizon House. Artist, Stuart Hyatt with architects Josh Coggeshall and Janice Shimizu developed our library entitled, "Table of Contents". Prior to starting work, Stuart, Josh & Janice met with neighbors to uncover what they would like to see in the finished product. As a result, we have a beautifully constructed wooden unit where neighbors can sit, roll up to in a wheelchair and select a book from one of the nooks. Books on tape are available as well. 

Construction of the Table of Contents took place onsite for a few weeks. In fact, six neighbors from our employment program were hired to help complete the work. The crew took reclaimed wood from old houses and other sources, cut, sanded it and put it back together into a beautiful wooden structure that is warm and inviting.

On August 27, 2015, The Public Collection opening was held on Monument Circle. Stuart, Josh & Janice were recognized during the event along with neighbors who helped to create the library. All the names of those who contributed to Table of Contents are listed alphabetically on a plaque attached to the library.

We have Rachel M. Simon and the Herbert Simon Family Foundation to thank for this generous and inspiring gift. Rachel’s vision included lending libraries throughout Indianapolis for people who otherwise might not have easy access to books. Having a Public Collection piece at Horizon House means so much to us and our neighbors. It is the opportunity to open a whole new world through a book. 

Books are provided by the Indianapolis Public Library.  Each week a representative comes by to restock the nooks. As part of the Table of Contents proposal, Stuart included monthly book readings from published authors. Recently we welcomed Enrique Ramirez who read from his book about his experience growing up in Puerto Rico and moving to Louisiana.