By Claire Kohl
Mural Celebration and Community Art Project at Star Lofts (2701 Ingersoll)
The 2700 block of Ingersoll is arguably the heart of the Ingersoll business district, with a mix of retail, protected bike lanes, a public salsa garden, and Iowa’s first zero-carbon-certified building, Star Lofts.
The newest addition, “Nothing but Flowers,” a two-story mural on the west-facing wall of 2701 Ingersoll, reflects the marriage of the urban core and environmentalism along The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand.
“We designed this piece thinking about the interconnection between people and the planet we take care of, and the planet that takes care of us as well,” said artist Cat Rocketship, who created the piece with their wife Dani Awesome.
Cat Rocketship and Dani Awesome pose in front of their newest mural
“We were communicating some of the intent of Star Lofts. (Developers Scott and Molly) Cutler are doing some amazing innovations around town, and using materials like mass timber in this building to make the whole process more sustainable, and make our lives more green.”
‘Once there were parking lots, now, it’s a peaceful oasis’
The bold new Star Lofts mural features a colorful display of people celebrating, with some even tending to the Earth. The first time Cat and Dani went up on the lift to paint the mural, “(Nothing but) Flowers” by Talking Heads started playing.
“(The song) talks about the idea of environmentalism and stewardship in a tongue-in-cheek way. Someone who is used to living in an urban environment is suddenly dropped into a nature paradise,” Dani said. You can read their full Artist Statement here.
The demolished Star Gas Station haunts the east staircase on its former grounds
Cat and Dani named the Star Lofts mural “Nothing but Flowers” after the song because the song’s meaning aligns with their message for the mural, which happens to sit on the site of a former gas station:
From the age of the dinosaurs
Cars have run on gasoline
Where? Where have they gone?
Now, it’s nothing but flowers
‘There was a shopping mall, now, it’s all covered with flowers’
“Nothing but Flowers” by Cat Rocketship and Dani Awesome
The couple intentionally painted “Nothing but Flowers” in figures that form a puzzle to demonstrate that environmental change is possible if we work together.
“The pieces slide together like one big puzzle, so that they have this feeling of unity despite being full of energy,” said Cat.
Fittingly, the zero-carbon-certified building is home to sustainable grocery store The Refill Market. Just down the block is Preservation (2717 Ingersoll), a boutique focused on slow fashion, making the 2700 block of Ingersoll a must-visit for the environmentally conscious.
“We have absolutely loved being a part of this neighborhood in this temporary way,” said Dani. “Every time we do a mural, we get to become a part of that neighborhood and really live in it for a while, and this is a wonderful neighborhood to live in.”
The new Star Lofts mural by Cat Rocketship and Dani Awesome was made possible by Invest DSM, Wells Fargo, and Cutler Development.
“Great neighborhoods are built through investments that strengthen both places and people. Public art has a unique ability to bring communities together, celebrate local identity, and create a sense of pride that extends far beyond a single project,” said Theresa Greenfield, Executive Director, Invest DSM. “Murals reflect the creativity and energy of our city, and we are proud to support efforts that make our commercial corridors more vibrant, welcoming, and connected.”
Contact the artists: Find Cat Rocketship via their website or shop Dani Awesome’s work on her Etsy page or find her on social media.
You can find another mural by Cat and Dani at 218 5th Street in Historic Valley Junction.
