A South Bend artist is a finalist to paint a mural of the legendary Indiana Fever in Indianapolis.

In the heart of downtown Indianapolis, a new chapter of Indiana basketball history is being painted—literally. As the city prepares to host the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, the Indy Arts Council, in collaboration with the WNBA All-Star Host Committee, has launched a mural initiative honoring one of the most iconic figures in women’s basketball: Tamika Catchings. Among the talented finalists selected to bring this tribute to life is a South Bend-based artist whose life, work, and passion for community storytelling make him uniquely suited for the task.

For this artist—whose name will soon be as well-known as his brushstrokes—being selected as a finalist is more than a professional milestone. It’s a chance to celebrate a legacy, represent a region, and channel decades of Indiana basketball pride onto one of the most prominent canvases in the state: a wall on Massachusetts Avenue, the heart of Indianapolis’s arts and culture district.

A State Steeped in Hoops and Heritage

Indiana is more than a basketball-loving state; it is a basketball sanctuary. From the rural high school gyms where legends are born to professional arenas where careers are made, the game is part of the state’s DNA. For the Indiana Fever, founded in 2000 as one of the WNBA’s original expansion teams, that legacy was cemented through players like Tamika Catchings—a tenacious forward who played all 15 of her WNBA seasons with the franchise, earning a championship in 2012, 10 All-Star nods, and countless fans along the way.

Catchings is more than just a basketball player. She is a humanitarian, a businesswoman, a role model, and a symbol of perseverance. Her journey—marked by hearing loss, tireless work ethic, and an unshakeable love for community—makes her one of the most beloved athletes in Indiana sports history.

Thus, when Indianapolis was announced as the host of the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, there was little doubt that the city would use the opportunity to honor her in a lasting, visible way. And what better way than through a public mural—one that will live on long after the last buzzer sounds at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in July?

The Vision Behind the Mural

The mural project, announced earlier this year, is part of a broader effort to use public art to highlight the WNBA’s impact and Indiana’s contributions to the sport. The Indy Arts Council issued a call for artists to design a large-scale portrait mural of Catchings on Mass Ave—an arts district known for its eclectic culture, boutiques, eateries, and deep appreciation for visual creativity.

The request for proposals made clear that this would not be a generic painting of a basketball player. Artists were encouraged to reflect Catchings’ multidimensional legacy: her contributions as an athlete, her work through her Catch the Stars Foundation, and her status as a community icon. Submissions were required to incorporate themes of empowerment, resilience, and transformation—all hallmarks of Catchings’ journey.

Out of dozens of applications from professional artists across central Indiana, only a handful were selected as finalists to produce full concept designs. Among them is a South Bend artist whose path to this point is itself a compelling Indiana story.

From South Bend to Center Stage

While Indianapolis often grabs headlines as the state capital and sports hub, South Bend has its own rich tradition of artistry, grit, and community pride. The finalist from South Bend—whose identity is currently being kept under wraps until the final selection—is known regionally for blending realism with social commentary in public art. His murals often center on unsung heroes, local history, and social justice, and he has previously led public arts projects that involve collaboration with youth, schools, and local nonprofits.

“It’s about more than painting something pretty,” he said in a recent interview. “It’s about capturing the soul of a subject and giving people something to connect with.”

When he heard about the Catchings mural, he didn’t hesitate.

“I grew up watching Tamika. She was fierce, she was graceful, and she never backed down. She played the game the way it’s supposed to be played—with passion, with smarts, and with heart. As an artist and a Hoosier, I knew I had to be part of this.”

The Design Process

Each finalist was given a modest stipend to develop a detailed concept for the mural. The designs had to adhere to specific size constraints, be weather-resistant, and complement the architecture of the building. More importantly, they had to convey Catchings’ essence.

While final designs have not been released publicly, the South Bend finalist shared that his concept draws on three pillars of Catchings’ life: her basketball legacy, her advocacy work, and her impact on youth.

“I wanted to tell a story in layers,” he explained. “At first glance, you’ll see Tamika mid-action—maybe leaping for a rebound or locking eyes on the rim. But woven around her figure are subtle images: kids reading books, fans cheering in the stands, and symbols from her foundation work. There’s also a silhouette of her holding the 2012 championship trophy, a nod to the Fever’s proudest moment.”

His use of color is symbolic as well—blues and reds to represent both the Fever and the WNBA, while golden undertones evoke strength and legacy. The background includes a faded skyline of Indianapolis and textured elements resembling a basketball court.

“I wanted people to walk by and feel uplifted,” he said. “To be reminded that greatness isn’t just about stats. It’s about how you carry people with you.”

Community Input

One of the most powerful elements of the mural initiative is the community’s role in the final decision. Indianapolis residents were invited to review the four finalist designs online and submit feedback. Public engagement, transparency, and inclusivity are at the heart of the Indy Arts Council’s mission, and the mural selection process reflects that ethos.

“We don’t want to just unveil a mural and hope people like it,” said Shannon Linker, Vice President of Artist Services at the Indy Arts Council. “We want people to feel like they helped shape it.”

The public’s input will be considered alongside expert panel reviews and project feasibility as the final selection is made in the coming weeks. The mural is slated for completion in mid-July—just in time for the WNBA All-Star festivities scheduled for July 18–19.

A Legacy in Paint

As the South Bend finalist awaits the verdict, he continues to work on other community art projects and mentor young artists in his hometown. But he admits that this mural could be the most significant piece of his career.

“It’s rare that you get to paint history as it’s being made,” he said. “Tamika Catchings changed lives through basketball, but also by how she carried herself and how she gave back. I just hope I’ve done justice to that story.”

For fans of the Indiana Fever, Catchings, and women’s sports in general, the mural represents more than just a painting. It’s a permanent tribute to resilience, excellence, and community. It’s a reminder that legends don’t just play the game—they inspire generations long after the final buzzer.

And for a South Bend artist, it might just be the perfect canvas for everything he believes art can and should be.

Catchings’ Enduring Influence

Tamika Catchings’ impact goes beyond her WNBA accolades. Born with a hearing impairment, she overcame adversity early in life to become one of the most respected voices in professional sports. Her Catch the Stars Foundation empowers youth through literacy, fitness, and mentoring. As a front-office executive and sports analyst, she has continued to break barriers and blaze trails for women and athletes of color.

When asked about the mural project during a press conference in February, Catchings was visibly moved.

“I’ve always believed in giving back, in using your platform for good,” she said. “To see that message celebrated through art—and to know that young girls will walk by that mural and feel inspired—that’s what it’s all about.”

What’s Next

As Indianapolis gears up for the WNBA All-Star weekend, the excitement around the mural continues to grow. Whichever finalist is selected, the mural will undoubtedly become a landmark—drawing locals, tourists, and basketball lovers alike.

But there’s something particularly poetic about a South Bend artist being one of the final contenders. It’s a reminder that inspiration and talent aren’t confined to city limits. They bloom in every corner of Indiana, from the hardwood to the mural wall.

And if the South Bend finalist is chosen, it will be a homegrown triumph for Hoosiers everywhere.