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Gary, IN — Mayor Eddie Melton and community members dedicated a new Jackson 5 mural today in Gary's Miller Beach neighborhood. The privately funded artwork created by local artist Felix "Flex" Maldonado celebrates Gary's unique musical heritage and the legendary Jackson family's roots in the city. City officials leveraged the occasion to announce plans for additional public art projects to be implemented in the Miller Beach neighborhood and Broadway corridor over the next two years.
"Gary has always been a city of heart and soul, and we owe so much to the Jackson family for the precious cultural heritage they've given us," stated Mayor Eddie Melton. "My administration is strongly committed to creating opportunities for public art and supporting talented artists like Felix Maldonado who bring these visions to life. This new mural will support our local businesses along Lake Street while giving visitors another compelling reason to discover Gary as the premier beach front destination in Northwest Indiana."
The original Lake Effect project launched in 2013, bringing over 40 artists to the Miller Beach Arts & Creative District with support from Lake Street business owners who enthusiastically allowed 19 walls and alleys to be transformed into canvases for community art. The core mission was to establish the Miller Beach Arts and Creative District as a destination that would draw visitors to Gary through the transformative power of public art. The project's success was evident when many artists returned in 2015 to refresh and update existing murals.
The original Jackson 5 mural on Lake Street became one of the most beloved pieces from that era, but deterioration led to its removal in 2018. Local residents consistently expressed their desire to see it restored. Recognizing the community's attachment to this important artwork, Karren and Pat Lee initiated efforts to commission a new Jackson 5 mural in its new location at 610 S. Lake St. that would be three times larger than its predecessor. The project was privately funded equally by Karren and Patrick Lee, and Tom and Sylvia Collins.
"We are honored to contribute to the beautification of our community and to see such an iconic symbol of Gary's musical heritage brought to life in such a grand way," said donor Karren Lee. "We believe in the power of art to transform, inspire, and bring people together."
Felix "Flex" Maldonado, known for his previous work in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, spoke about his work as the artist leading the project. “The Jackson family’s music helped define a generation—and it all started right here in Gary,” said Maldonado. “I wanted this new mural to feel alive, so that people can connect with the joy and pride this city feels for them. It’s not just art—it’s a celebration of legacy.”
Phil Taillon, CEO of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority (CVA), spoke about the organization's support for the City of Gary's growing tourism sector, which has been driven by eco-tourists to Indiana Dunes National Park. In 2024, the State of Indiana and City of Gary completed significant infrastructure investments to support this growth, including the new bike-friendly Miller NICTD train station, and the Lake Street Bike Path.
“The return of this iconic mural is more than just a tribute—it’s a symbol of Gary’s momentum,” said Taillon. “It enhances Lake County’s tourism appeal by connecting music history, public art, and outdoor recreation in one powerful experience.”
In August 2025, the South Shore CVA will partner with the City of Gary once again to bring the Gary Airshow back to Marquette Park.
Visit Miller Beach Gary, a dedicated volunteer non-profit organization, has been instrumental in driving tourism in the Miller Beach neighborhood, implementing wayfinding signage, street banners, digital maps, and paper maps to help guide tourists through the business district and to local trails and parks. "There is so much to see and do in Gary," explained Peggy Blackwell, President of Visit Miller Beach Gary. "Visitors can take their bike on the South Shore train from Chicago, get off at Miller Station, stop to look at the Jackson 5 mural, shop or dine in the Miller business district, then it’s a quick ride to the beach. It's a complete day of art, food, and natural beauty."
Mayor Melton announced the City of Gary's own significant investment in public art, scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025. The City of Gary's Redevelopment Department will work with acclaimed artist Ish Muhammad on the installation of three new murals located around the downtown Broadway corridor, featuring significant Gary musical icons, including Deniece Williams, the Jackson Family, and Vivian Carter from Vee-Jay Records.
The city also plans to collaborate with Indiana University Northwest School of Arts on an art installation on the former Sears Building that sits along Broadway. IU School of Arts students/alumni will be painting a series of murals that will tell the story and history of Gary and some of its most influential citizens. These city-funded projects represent a commitment to honor Gary's musical heritage and invite the public to experience Gary's downtown revitalization.
Media Contact:
Erika Blackwell, Chief Communications Officer, City of Gary
eblackwell@gary.gov | (219) 806-6489
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