City of Shelbyville announces new mural honoring basketball legend Bill Garrett

The City of Shelbyville, alongside Blue River Community Foundation, Duke Energy and Mainstreet Shelbyville, Inc., has announced the installation of a new mural honoring local legend William "Bill" Garrett.

The mural is being painted on the west side of Cagney’s Pizza, 33 E. Broadway (photo below), by acclaimed artist Pamela Bliss. It will celebrate Garrett’s groundbreaking contributions to basketball and his deep connection to the Shelbyville community.

Bliss, an Indiana-based artist, is known for her skillful depiction of cultural and historical icons. Her works include the iconic mural of Reggie Miller in downtown Indianapolis, as well as other notable figures such as John Mellencamp and Kurt Vonnegut. Bliss’s ability to capture the essence of her subjects has made her a sought-after artist throughout the state, and Shelbyville is honored to be the site of her latest creation.

The subject of the mural, Bill Garrett, is a figure of immense significance not only in Shelbyville but also in the history of American sports. Born in 1929 in Shelbyville, Garrett left an indelible mark on Shelbyville basketball and American sports.

Growing up playing basketball in his hometown, Garrett became a standout player for the Golden Bears at Shelbyville High School. During his senior season in 1946-1947, Garrett led the team to its first, and only, state basketball championship. In the final game, Garrett’s 21-point performance secured a 68-58 victory over Garfield High School. He was later bestowed the title “Mr. Basketball.”

Garrett’s success extended to the collegiate level when he became the first African American to play on Indiana University’s basketball team during the Big Ten Conference in 1948. His remarkable career at IU saw him recognized as the team’s most valuable player, a first-team All-Big Ten selection and a consensus All-American.

Upon graduating in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science in physical education, Garrett held the IU men’s basketball scoring record with 792 points over three varsity seasons. That same year, he made history again as the third African American player ever drafted into the NBA when the Boston Celtics selected him in the second round of the 1951 NBA Draft. He was also drafted into the U.S. Army and never took the court in the NBA.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Garrett’s legacy includes a lifetime of dedication to education and youth development, serving as a coach, educator and advocate for equality. He led Indianapolis Crispus Attucks to the 1959 state title to become the first Mr. Basketball recipient to win a state championship as a player and a coach.

Garrett later became Crispus Attucks’ athletic director and was assistant dean at IUPUI. He was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1974 (photo above).

The gymnasium at Shelbyville High School bears his name: William L. Garrett Gymnasium. Garrett’s jersey No. 9 was retired by the basketball program in 2017.

This mural is part of the Blue River Community Foundation’s (BRCF) “Pride in Place” program, an initiative aimed at increasing public art installations throughout Shelby County. The program seeks to foster community pride, enhance the quality of life for residents, and create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors and potential new residents.

The Pride in Place program is driven by BRCF’s mission to celebrate Shelby County’s rich history and to share the stories that have shaped our community.

“Through our past placemaking efforts, BRCF alongside our local partners, realized that creative placemaking can provide positive economic changes within a community as well as positive physical changes. Efforts in reimagining our current public spaces can ignite positive social change by providing community identity and community collaboration. Every community has a story to tell and we are proud to help share Shelby’s,” said Jennifer Jones.

The funding for this mural, along with other upcoming public art projects, has been generously provided by BRCF, with support from Lilly Endowment Inc, Duke Energy, and Mainstreet Shelbyville, Inc.

BRCF has established a Creative Committee to guide the selection of artwork that reflects Shelby County’s history and values. This mural of Bill Garrett is the first of several murals planned for highly visible locations throughout the county, and BRCF has already received interest from multiple property owners eager to contribute to this initiative.

“We are thrilled to have Pamela Bliss bring her extraordinary talent to Shelbyville,” said Scott Furgeson, City of Shelbyville Mayor. “This mural not only honors the incredible legacy of Bill Garrett but also reinforces our commitment to celebrating the rich history and culture of our community. We believe this artwork will inspire both residents and visitors, reminding everyone of the importance of inclusivity and progress.”

Pamela Bliss is expected to complete the mural by early fall, and a dedication ceremony will be held to commemorate this important addition to Shelbyville’s growing collection of public art.

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