FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A Brushstroke of Progress
Spencer Pride and KODA’s Powerful New Mural Reshapes Indiana’s Narrative on Equality
August 5, 2025
SPENCER, IN — Spencer Pride is proud to announce a vibrant new mural coming to downtown Spencer, honoring the legacy of Vicci Laine—a beloved trans advocate, drag performer, and early champion of the Spencer Pride Festival. The artwork, created by nationally recognized Indiana muralist KODA, will be installed on the exterior of the Spencer Pride community center beginning on August 11, 2025.
The mural brings bold color and powerful storytelling to Spencer’s Main Street, designed to inspire authenticity, celebrate LGBTQ+ lives in rural Indiana, and connect more people to Spencer Pride’s mission of improving the quality of life for LGBTQ+ individuals in south central Indiana.
“This project is about visibility and belonging,” said artist KODA. “Vicci Laine’s legacy reminds us that joy, strength, and pride are alive in Indiana.”
The mural is funded largely through private donations and made possible in part by the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts. The building mural is part of a growing effort to establish a welcoming mural district in downtown Spencer. It also kicks off a slate of upcoming community programming, including a multigenerational queer panel and mural ribbon cutting hosted at Spencer Pride’s commUnity center before their annual meeting on Sunday, September 14.
For almost two decades, Spencer Pride has been an unwavering force for good, not only transforming the landscape of rural Indiana but also significantly influencing the broader U.S. Pride movement for organizations in conservative or rural areas. Their nearly 20-year commitment to education and advocacy has established them as a national leader, demonstrating how a dedicated, all-volunteer organization can foster allyship, create vital safe spaces, and champion equity. With the recognition of the smallest town in the United States with a dedicated LGBTQ+ pride center, their impactful annual pride festival in October that brings over 7,000 people to their town of 2,400, and extensive free community programming, they have consistently provided a powerful voice for the LGBTQ+ community, proving that unwavering dedication can cultivate compassion and celebration for all, far beyond their local roots. Their consistent engagement with networks like USA Prides to share their expertise on rural pride events and accessibility, solidifies their position as an influential and inspiring model for pride organizations nationwide.
“We are absolutely thrilled to unveil this incredible mural by KODA. It’s more than just beautiful art; it’s a powerful declaration of our unwavering commitment to our LGBTQ+ community, especially our transgender siblings, here in Indiana and beyond,” said Jonathan Balash, President of Spencer Pride. “This mural embodies the visibility and celebration that are so vital, serving as a constant reminder that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and safe in being their true selves. It’s a testament to the progress we’ve made and a beacon for the inclusive future we continue to build here at Spencer Pride.”
To support Spencer Pride’s ongoing work, including their commUnity center’s rehabilitation work and free community programming, visit https://spencerpride.org/donate/ to make a one-time gift (select rehab or community center in the drop-down menu) or become a sustainer with recurring gift (select sustainer in the dropdown menu). Every donation helps build a more inclusive, vibrant future for LGBTQ+ individuals in south central Indiana.
For more information, follow @SpencerPrideInc and @koda.witsken on social media or visit their websites at spencerpride.org and kodawitsken.com.
Media Contact and Inquiries:
Elisabeth Solchik, Vice President & Development Director, Spencer Pride
765.414.1842, elisabeth@spencerpride.org
About Spencer Pride:
Spencer Pride is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization based in Spencer, Indiana, dedicated to improving the quality of life for rural LGBTQ+ people in south central Indiana. They achieve this by fostering allyship and understanding through education and advocacy, creating safe spaces, and addressing social inequities. Spencer Pride operates the Spencer Pride commUnity center, and hosts a variety of programming, including health and wellness services, in addition to the annual Spencer Pride Festival in October.
About KODA:
KODA (she/her) is a nationally recognized muralist and art consultant based in Indiana, known for vibrant, story-driven public art that uplifts community voices. Her work—featured by brands like Starbucks, Target, the NBA, and the Indiana State Fair—centers on equity, joy, and place-based storytelling. As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community with rural Indiana roots, KODA brings a deep personal connection to this project and honors the power of visibility in spaces where it matters most. Her works aim to inspire, heal, and help communities see themselves more clearly—one wall at a time.
