What Wise Travelers Know About Art and Community
Experienced globe-trotters know that one of the best ways to experience any city in the world is to dive into its local arts scene. The local art scene anywhere in the world provides insight into that community’s unique character, its values and people, and artisanship! Through the arts you can develop a deeper understanding of a community’s historic, social and economic contexts. They express a place’s human ideas, ideals, beliefs and struggles. The arts are truly universal and can be the most elemental way of communicating a city’s cultural narrative.
“First Fridays” of the month are a great way to experience Indiana’s thriving and diverse arts communities. On December 2 from 6 – 10 p.m., we invite you to join INTLCXN as we dive into the local arts scene at the free Holiday Open House and First Friday event at the Harrison Center for the Arts. Enjoy the annual color-themed group show in the Harrison Gallery and Gallery Annex. Blue Indy is the sponsor—and this year’s color theme is, fittingly, electric blue. The galleries will feature an eclectic collection of original works by area artists incorporating this theme color along with nods to our state’s bicentennial. There will be an exhibit by Potowatomi ceramic artist, Jason Wesaw, in the City Gallery, and new works by Elise Snow and Matt Kenyon will be in the Speck Gallery. Over 100 local artisans will be offering their works as part of the INDIEana Handicraft Exchange in the gymnasium and the Underground.
This festive evening is family-friendly with the opportunity to visit artists in their open studios on site. There will be music and carols in the sanctuary of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, along with food and beverages. A free shuttle will operate between the Harrison Center and the Stutz building’s First Friday Artist Open House. The International Christmas Market will be just across the street at Joy of All Who Sorrow Church. Truly an ideal night to enjoy our local arts scene and one-of-a-kind holiday shopping!
The Harrison Center is located at 1505 N. Delaware Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202 (near the corner of 16th Street & Delaware). There is a rear parking lot as well as street parking nearby. Let us know if will join us by contacting INTLCXN Project Leader, Joan Monninger, at jmonninger@internationalcenter.org.
By Joan Monninger, International Relocation Coordinator
