Elkhart says goodbye to Love Mural by honoring late artist & family

ELKHART, Ind. -- Demolition is nearly complete along Main Street in Elkhart.

Just one building remains, the old Louie and Kelly’s Bar, better known as the home to Kelby Love’s Peace Mural since 1996.

The mural has a story of its own, going back to the 1990s when artist Kelby Love shared his talents with his hometown, to bring a message of peace to the community, after the city saw 48 fatal shootings involving teens in just 29 months.

While the anti-violence message behind it is timeless, the brick behind it is not.

The building is over 100 years old, and the City with a Heart says they are unable to save it as they redevelop the area.

So they’re doing what they call the next best thing, sharing photos of the mural with whoever develops the site, in hopes it will be recreated one day.

Monday morning, emotions were high as folks gathered in front of the original masterpiece for one last time, before it comes down for good this week.

"It means so much to me that his legacy will live on... not just a memory of mine, but of the entire community,” said Glenda Love.

One piece of the original work already went missing.

Kelby’s signature was given as a gift of love for his mother, Glenda, who shared stories of her son alongside Mayor Rod Roberson, a lifelong friend of the artist, as he shared his vision for the corner.

"The wall absolutely cannot be saved. He had me meet with the powers at be, that made the decision on the study of the brick. I said if it has to be demolished, there's one thing I'd like to have... his signature... and it is his signature on all his work,” added his mother who expressed her gratitude to the city.

Hoping to keep Kelby’s legacy and the mural’s anti-violence message will live on in the future of Elkhart, even if the original artwork will not.

"So this corner should always be blessed for generations to come with Kelby's work,” said Mayor Roberson.

Bricks will be available following demolition, for those who want to keep a piece of Love’s Legacy.