Joel Washington’s art is vibrant, soulful and like its Bloomington creator, much-loved.
When word got out this internationally known and self-taught artist, who’s worked 40 years as a custodian at the Indiana Memorial Union, had fallen on hard times, people rallied.
Health issues caused the 65-year-old to miss work. Rent went unpaid and he faced eviction from his apartment.
Until a friend told Washington’s story on Gofundme and sought $8,000 in donations to pay back rent and keep the artist in his home.
“For over 40 years Joel has worked full time for Indiana University, diligently he has tried to afford the rising costs of living in Bloomington, support his loved ones, and create his internationally acclaimed art,” the Sept. 23, 2025 post said.
“In 2023 Joel began dealing with harrowing medical issues that kept him hospitalized and out of work for over a year. Now he is facing potential eviction. He is in urgent need of the support from his community to raise the funds to keep him housed and build a safety net.”
Over the next few days, the fundraising goal increased as money poured in. By sunset Sept. 26, more than $58,000 had been donated by a total of 600 people. Contributions range from $5 an anonymous source pledges to $15,000 from billionaire businessman and philanthropist Mark Cuban.
“Joel’s generous contributions to his community know no bounds. Whether it’s through inspiring people to believe in themselves or helping loved ones when in need he has shown his true character again and again,” the fundraising site post said. “Let’s show him that we have his back.”
Done.
Washington was unable to be reached before this story’s deadline.
A living legend
In February 2021, Washington received the City of Bloomington’s Living Legend Award. “Through his art,” it was said, “Joel Washington hopes to inspire people to not only follow their dreams, but believe in themselves.”
In accepting the honor, Washington said what he does comes from the heart.
“This is a very sensitive time where we all need each other,” he said. “And even a smile can be a masterpiece. So let’s start with a smile and create masterpieces for each other. Be there for each other, love one another, take care of each other.”
Washington’s paintings are often displayed in local galleries and art shows. They grace walls in IU campus buildings and hang in Bloomington business and restaurants.
After a 2015 fire at the Village Deli on Kirkwood Avenue, the headline in The Herald-Times was “Village Deli making repairs; Washington’s paintings ‘just fine.'”
Several of the Black artist’s bold portraits displayed in the dining room were undamaged by fire, smoke and water, good news for Washington and fans of his work.
In 2010, he designed the artwork used on the Lotus World Music Festival T-shirt and lapel pin.
Contact H-T reporter Laura Lane at llane@heraldt.com or 812-318-5967.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Bloomington, Mark Cuban step up to help beloved Black artist Washington through rough time
Reporting by Laura Lane, The Herald-Times / The Herald-Times
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