New downtown Spencer mural honors trans advocate Vicci Laine, celebrates rural LGBTQ+ pride

Courtesy photo – Spencer Pride

Staff report

SPENCER, Ind. — A new mural honoring the life and legacy of Vicci Laine — a trans advocate, drag performer, and early supporter of the Spencer Pride Festival — will soon bring bold color and visibility to downtown Spencer.

The artwork, created by nationally recognized Indiana muralist KODA, will be installed beginning Aug. 11 on the exterior of the Spencer Pride commUnity center. Organizers say the vibrant, story-driven piece is designed to inspire authenticity, celebrate LGBTQ+ lives in rural Indiana, and connect more people to Spencer Pride’s mission of improving quality of life for LGBTQ+ individuals in south central Indiana.

“This project is about visibility and belonging,” KODA said in a statement. “Vicci Laine’s legacy reminds us that joy, strength, and pride are alive in Indiana.”

The mural is funded primarily through private donations, with additional support from the Indiana Arts Commission, the State of Indiana, and the National Endowment for the Arts. It is part of a growing effort to establish a welcoming mural district in downtown Spencer.

A ribbon-cutting and multigenerational queer panel will take place Sunday, Sept. 14, at the Spencer Pride commUnity center before the organization’s annual meeting.

For nearly two decades, Spencer Pride has been an all-volunteer force for education, advocacy, and inclusion in rural Indiana — hosting an annual Pride festival that draws more than 7,000 visitors to the town of 2,400, operating a year-round LGBTQ+ center, and sharing its expertise nationally on rural Pride events and accessibility.

“We are absolutely thrilled to unveil this incredible mural by KODA,” said Spencer Pride President Jonathan Balash. “It’s more than just beautiful art; it’s a powerful declaration of our unwavering commitment to our LGBTQ+ community, especially our transgender siblings. It serves as a constant reminder that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and safe in being their true selves.”

More information about Spencer Pride, the mural project, and ways to support the organization’s work is available at spencerpride.org.

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