Birch Bayh Federal Building Friezes - Indianapolis IN

City:: Indianapolis, IN
Site Type:: Art Works, Sculpture and Bas Relief
New Deal Agencies:: Treasury Section of Fine Arts (TSFA), Arts Programs
Completed:: 1939
Artist:: David K. Rubins

Description

The Birch Bayh Federal Building annex (the rear portion of the building, toward E. New York St.) features two vehicular entrances—one at the northeast and one at the northwest corner of the building. They are capped by identical limestone friezes, titled “Distribution of the Mail.”

Visitors’ Guide: “In 1939, Herron School of Art instructor David K. Rubins carved the limestone spandrels and keystones over the driveway entrance arches on the 1938 North Addition. He carved them in place. Mr. Rubins is also known for creating the statue of Young Abe Lincoln, which sits on the Indiana State House lawn, and the bronze cherub which graces the old L.S. Ayres & Co. clock at the corner of Meridian and Washington Streets every Christmas.”