Happy New Year!

I have been very busy packing up paintings for my big show that I install on Monday down at the Artsgarden in the Circle Center Mall.  My studio has been getting very full, one wall is almost nothing but paintings!  By the time the Stutz Open house rolls around in April I am sure all THREE walls will be like this!

Less than five months until the big Stutz Open house. 

First Friday December 3rd 2010

I will be in my studio this first Friday 12-5 in the Stutz Building (10th and Capital) along with many other artists. At 5PM in the gallery downstairs a group show “Uncovered: Food for Thought” will be open. For more information on this show please visit the Stutz Artists Association website. There is also a restaurant downstairs called Bearcats, named after the Stutz racing car, so no need to worry about where to eat lunch or dinner while touring the studios and galleries tonight! Enjoy the last first Friday of 2010!

Stuck Between a Scylla and a Charybdis

20x20 inches Oil and Sand on Canvas

This one is from the Odyssey.  Odysseus had to choose between sailing closer to a giant whirlpool monster named Charybdis or a monster lady named Scylla who would grab sailors and eat them.

Eumachia: A Roman Woman's Legacy

Eumachia was a woman who lived in Pompeii 80-100 years before the famous eruption.  With her own money she funded the building of one of the largest buildings in Pompeii.  It was located right off of the town's forum and is now know as the Eumachia Building.  She also paid for her family's tomb which is the largest in Pompeii.  After her death the fuller's guild dedicated a statue to her which closely resembled the empress of Rome at that time.

Medusa's Gaze and Charybdis

For the Holiday show we are creating small 5x7 or 6x8 pieces to be sold for Riley Children's Hospital.  It was a challenge to go from four feet by six to eight feet to just a few inches! I decided that I wanted to work with my sand again since I love it and I haven't done that in a while.



Medusa's Gaze 5x7 Oil and Sand on Canvas Board



Charybdis 5x7 Oil and Sand on Canvas Board



I have been getting two paintings done a day around the studio now.  I am also working on about seven at a time now which means no room on my pallet.

2010 Stutz Artists Holiday Show

Start off this holiday season with the Stutz Artists Association Holiday show.  With more than 40 artists, there is a bunch to see!  There will be lots of food and music on November 19^th from 5-9PM.  Admission is free,  and there will be special small paintings created just for this show.  The proceeds from the sale of these pieces will be going to charity. The Stutzartspace will also be open for this event with their show “Uncovered: Food for Thought” which is part of the Indianapolis Sprit and Place Festival.   Artwork makes a wonderful gift for the holidays!

Sisterhood

This large 4 foot by 6 foot painting also took a while to finally finish.  I especially love the red background which glows in the sunshine.  It will look amazing hanging in the Artsgarden sunshine in a few months.  Be sure to check back often I am close to finishing up some SMALLER paintings.

Surprise

Someone notified me of this surprise on http://www.idada.org/ last night...

First Friday November 5th 2010

There are all kinds of new happenings this first Friday!  

Big News:

I was selected to be a part of the IDADA Members Exhibition which opens this Friday  5PM to 9PM at the 924 Gallery at 924 N Pennsylvania Street.  i am not going to tell you which piece was selected but it is one of my new series that will be on display at the ArtsGarden in January so be sure to stop by.

As always The Stutz building is having their monthly open studios from Noon to 5PM.  This is always free and tours are available.  The Stutz ArtSpace will not be open though.  This is because they are busy setting up a show for the Spirit and Place Festival "Uncovered Food for Thought" which will be opening next Friday November 12th.   However, there will be a flooding of artists on the first floor with easels set up so be sure to come check that out. Also, on November 19th The Stutz Artists will be having their annual Holiday Show.  There will be many artists on display and special small pieces which will sell for $100 and go to charity.

Charge!

I started working on this today while waiting for a few of my other pieces to dry.  It started out just being a test for a larger piece but I think it turned out well.

Website Refreshed

I have made some changes to my website.  Check it out at http://www.bonniefillenwarth.com/ . I have also been very busy in the studio the past few weeks so be on the lookout for new work to be posted soon!  Only six more months until the Stutz Open House...

Luv A Bully March 2010

Come bring your dog and people friendly canines to the 2010 Luv A Bully march on October 23rd (National Pit Bull awareness Day) to Monument Circle. Come help protest Breed Specific Legislation in Indiana.  There will also be a doggy Halloween costume contest. Don't have a doggy?  You can still come and enjoy!  For more information and to register please visit http://www.indypitcrew.org/ 

Also, I am very proud to announce that my studio mate (my doggy Amber) was chosen to be on one of the new Indy Pit Crew magnets!  Become a volunteer, give support by donations or buying merchandise, or just educate yourself or someone you know on the myth about American Pit Bull Terriers. For more information on the Indy Pit Crew visit http://www.indypitcrew.org/  To make a donation or purchase merchandise visit http://www.indypitcrew.org/merchandise.htm

Push Finished

As promised I finished this piece right before the Autumn walk and first Friday.  If you had told me before that I would have worked on this piece for 6+ months I wouldn't have believed you.  This one is four feet tall by eight feet long.  It is a unique piece because it is on a piece of hardboad.  It is also the largest piece I have ever done.

The Guild - Better Than TV

A while back I discovered a web series called The Guild. 

"The Guild is a independent sitcom web series about a group of online gamers. The show started in the late summer of 2007, and for the first season was financed solely by Paypal donations from LOYAL FANS. Since season 2, The Guild has been distributed by Xbox Live and Microsoft and sponsored by Sprint.

Episodes vary from 3-8 minutes in length, and follow the Guild members’ lives online and offline.

“The Guild” has won numerous awards, including the SXSW, YouTube and Yahoo Web Series Awards in 2008, and 3 Streamy Awards in 2009: Best Comedy Web Series, Best Ensemble, and Best Actress for Felicia Day." http://www.watchtheguild.com/

All the episodes are avilable on MSN video or Xbox

To get ya started here's the first episode:




And one of their music videos:

Push

Remember this giant monster from the 2010 Stutz Open House?  Its taken all summer but this painting will be DONE by first Friday so come be one of the first to check it out!  This piece is on hardboard and is four feet tall by eight feet wide.   For a blog about art, this one seems to be lacking some picture so I thought I would show a few pictures of the progress of this painting. Enjoy!



First Friday October 1st 2010

I will be in my studio this first Friday 12-5 in the Stutz Building (10th and Capital) along with many other artists.  This will be a big first Friday because the Stutz building is also hosting the Autumn Art Walk, so come down and see what all the fuss is about! At 5PM in the gallery downstairs a group show “Voices: Women of a Certain Age” is opening. A portion of the sales will be going to  St. Margaret's Hospital Guild.  For more information on this show please visit the Stutz Artists Association website. There is also a restaurant downstairs called Bearcats, named after the Stutz racing car, so no need to worry about where to eat lunch or dinner while touring the studios and galleries tonight!

After a rough few years of gallery's closing in Indianapolis, a new one will be opening this first Friday! Gallery 924 (924 N PennsylvaniaSt) will be having their first, first Friday event on October 1st. "Gallery 924's Inaugural Exhibition featuring the artwork of Ben Johnson.  Opening reception is from 6-9 pm.  Glass artist Ben Johnson's work is informed by texture, color theory, natural occurrences and the way living organisms affect one another. Johnson's first major exhibition in Indiana will highlight his current Host series.  Applying his extensive studies of glass working to contemporary sculpture, Johnson's work features raised patterns, underlying colors, and interior visual surfaces." - http://www.indyarts.org/
Find out more Here

Internet Scams

I recently received a fake request to purchase a piece of artwork and I thought I would share to help educate others on how to tell when you are being scammed. 

"Hello Friend,
I saw your contact while surfing via the internet. I will like to know if you have any Naturescape/Landscape/Animal painting in stock of price range not exceeding $700. Get back to me if there is any available for sale.
Regards,
David Taylor"
 
There is nothing that odd about this first e-mail I received besides the "surfing via the internet" and is there such thing as a Naturescape?  Figuring it was just a patron who did not know terms very well I sent him to my website and assuming he lived in the area invited him out to our monthly open studios.  I received this in reply:
 
"Hi Bonnie,
Thanks for your response to my request. I am interested in the one called: Aftermath:Leda and the Swan 2008 30 x 42 Inches Oil on Canvas price:$500 . As regards the payment I will give instruction to my clients there in the united states to send you a cheque in that amount. And I will be needing the address, the name to which the cheque will be issued to include your telephone number. So please get back to me soonest with all this information. Once i am in receipt of the nessesary infomation we can set up the transactions.
To let you know that I will be arranging for a pick up at your location as soon as the check cleared by your bank.
I await your response soonest.
David Taylor"

The big give away here is the "give instruction to my clients there in the united states to send you a cheque in that amount"  These overseas scams either never send a check or it is faulty, or they send you a check in a larger amount and ask that you return the excess money. They also like to use Western Union for scams. Another giveaway here is also the language used. the oddest one here is the use of the word "soonest", also the two different spellings of cheque and check.

There is very little that our government can do to stop these over seas scams and you will not ever get your money or artwork back.  My advice is to not deal in overseas transaction unless you actually know the person.

First Friday September 3rd 2010

I will be in my studio this first Friday 12-5 in the Stutz Building (10th and Capital) along with many other artists. At 5PM in the gallery downstairs a group show “Exploration: 2009-10 Stutz Residents Lydia Burris and Patrick Flaherty” is opening. There is also a restaurant downstairs called Bearcats, named after the stutz racing car, so no need to worry about where to eat lunch or dinner while touring the studios and galleries tonight!


The Harrison Center for the Arts is having open studios and:

"In Gallery No. 2 - Sparkles, Sprinklers and Bad Seeds - new work by Erin K. Drew and NERS. This show 'uncovers the secrets and treasures lurking in a dreamlike version of the suburban landscape in which we were reared . . . inspired by suburban wildlife, trash can plundering, air-conditioned wishes, goth garage sales, dogs in yards, huge lonely hardwood trees, throwing rocks at wasps nests, gravel driveways with acorns and seedlings, playgrounds, basements, and long adolescent nights where you can sit in the middle of the street and not see a single soul in any direction around you.'"

Cumberland Art Goes to Market

Summer is not over yet!  Cumberland's First Baptist Church is having there 2nd annual Cumberland Arts Goes to Market.

40 Art and Craft Booths


20 Farmer Market Booths

Arts Experience Pavilion

Food Tents

Raffle

Labyrinth walk

Free Children's Activities - Bounce House

Nuvo Stage Schedule
Located on the grass south of Saturn Street

9:00 Circle City Sound Quartet
10:15 Maennerchor
10:45 Blank Pages
11:30 Symphonic Youth Orchestra of Greater Indianapolis
1:00 Liederkranz Damenchor
2:00 Irish Airs

Arts Experience Pavilion Schedule
Located on the grass south of Speedway

9:00 Instrument Petting Zoo Open
10:00 Hearts Ablaze Cloggers
11:00 Young Hoosier Voices, directed by Steve Hill
11:30 Allison Thomas
12:00 Karaoke with Pat
12:30 Instrument Petting Zoo Open
1:30 Karaoke with Pat
1:45 Old Bethel Puppeteers


For more information visit http://www.cumberlandfbc.org/

First Friday August 6th 2010

I will be in my studio this first Friday 12-5 in the Stutz Building (10th and Capital) along with many other artists. At 5PM in the gallery downstairs a group show “Daring to Be Different” is opening. There is also a restaurant downstairs called Bearcats, named after the stutz racing car, so no need to worry about where to eat lunch or dinner while touring the studios and galleries tonight!

Art Bank is having a "Robbing the Bank" Festival on Massachusetts Ave. "The theme for this outdoor festival is “Dancing as Art”. Patrons will be able to dip their feet in paint and dance on a large canvas to the music." - IDADA.org

One of the Herron Galleries will be featuring their annual faculty Art show.  This is a great way to see what kind of artwork your teachers make.

And as always lots of different art and artist's studios at the Harrison center and Murphy building too!

Hope to see you there!

Indianapolis Island

I was so thrilled today to finally  have a day off to be able to go visit the new 100 Acres Art and Nature Pack down at the IMA.  I even took Amber with us since dogs are allowed.  We headed straight for Indianapolis Island.  We Looked for the Flag, Rang the bell, and hopped aboard for a tour.  Micheal said that Amber was the 3rd doggy to visit their Island.  Many of the kids have written messages to them and thrown them out on the lake in special containers that look like Indianapolis Island.

  Don't forget to bring something to trade Micheal or Jessica! I gave Micheal most of my lunch, I did not have mush else to trade except for a poop baggy. They are writing about their experiences on the island,  posting their messages sent to them, and pictures of their trades on their blog at http://www.imamuseum.org/island/

Nature Park to Open at IMA

The Viginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park on the IMA grounds will open June 20, 2010.  There will also be a Artist forum on the 19th.  I am so very very excited to see Andrea Zitel's floating island.  I am also so very very jealous of the Herron Students who will gwet to live on it through the summer.  For more information vist the IMA's Website.

Art Babble has a video of the making of Andrea Zitel's I-Land.
Above Picture from the IMA's Website.

First Friday June 4th 2010

I will be in my studio this first Friday 12-5 in the Stutz Building (10th and Capital) along with many other artists.  At 5PM in the gallery downstairs a Plein Air Show is opening.  There is also a restaurant downstairs called Bearcats so need to worry about where to eat lunch or dinner while touring the studios and gallery!

Stutz Artist Association Residency Grant

The Stutz Artist Association is now accepting Applications for the residency program. The artists will receive a free studio for a year from October 2010 to August 2011.  For more details and the application click here, Good luck :)

Jason Hackenwerth

One of the best lectures that ever came to Herron was from a artist that works in balloons.  His name is Jason Hackenwerth and he is most famous for his balloon creatures.  Many hang from the ceiling in galleries around the world any many more are created as suits.  When a person is inside the suit,  the artwork comes to life, following you around and shooting little balloon torpedoes at small children.  His work really belongs up there with the Art 21 series and the Art Now Books.  Bellow are a few YouTube Videos of his work and many more can be found on his blog http://jasonhackenwerth.blogspot.com/ and on his website http://www.jasonhackenwerth.com/ 

Some Helpfull Tips

• Use Dawn or another dish washing liquid to clean your brushes.  I  have used it on my brushes since I was in high school thanks to my old painting teacher Ms. Belmont.  Dawn is a degreaser so it works great at cleaning out oils especially and acrylics.  This works great for those big paint brushes and rollers used around the house to paint ceilings, walls, etc. This is a much cheaper and more environmentally safe way to clean up!
• Got paint on you? Kiss it off!  I have not gotten a stain that I have not been able to get out with this remover.  It is called Kiss Off and it comes in a stick similar to chap stick but larger.  It is great fro getting out paint.  I have even gotten several day old dry oil paint off before using it.
• You do not need that little jar of turpentine or other solvents for your brushes.  While items like Turpanoid and Gamasol have made it much safer for artists to use, a plain old jar of watter will do the same thing.  Water will keep your brushes from drying out and will dissolve the paint some.  Water is great at breaking down matter because of the same of the molecule.  Think about it: water carved out the Grand Canyon. I picked this up in Collage from one of my painting teachers the first day of painting class and never looked back! Thanks Andrew!
• One of twice a year I will soak my paint brushes in some Brush Cleaner & Restorer It almost instantly breaks down any dried up oil or acrylic paint.  The instrustons say a couple hours but I usually leave them in over night or for a day or so and occasionally move them around.  This really helps to restore the flexibility of your brushes.  It will not get off every spec of paint but it helps a bunch.  Watch that you do not over fill the jar though because it will eat away at the paint on the brush handle.
• You can save time, get more even coats, and waste less gesso if you do not use a brush but a drywall scraper instead.  You will also get wider stokes, unless you are already using a six inch brush.  excess gesso can be scraped back into the container and clean up is much easier than cleaning out a big brush.  I have a little cheep six inch plastic one that cost be about three dollars at the hardware store but there are also metal ones too.  The plastic ones will probably slowly widdle down. Another tip from Andrew.

First Friday May 7th 2010

If you enjoyed the Stutz Open House but not the large crowd, come visit the open studios from noon to 5PM in the Stutz building.  Not all the artists will be there but many will and best of all it's free!  Opening at 5 in the Stutz building is a show called “Romancing the Page: Drawings on Paper" which focuses on drawing as a final piece.  A friend of mine is having her Herron School of Art Senior Painting Thesis Show "a Well Without" at 940 Indiana Avenue which is across the street from the Taco Bell/Pizza Hut. The Harrison Center is having open studios and I have heard that Know No Stranger will be performing in the Wheeler Arts Community. Happy First Friday everyone!
 

So what normally goes on in the studio?

Well for starters I almost never go to the studio alone.  My studio mate Amber comes with me. She enjoys watching people pass by in the hallway, laying in the sunshine, and chewing up her bone while I work.

And here are a few shots of my studio slowly getting back to normal after the open house.

Torrit Grey

Ive been using Gamblin Artist Oil Colors for a few years now and I have gotten my share of free tubes.  Back in School i loved Torrit Grey because it was the same color at the floors at Herron.  While doing some research on there priming products I came across this on their website which I never knew:

"Torrit Grey Competition


If you took all the pigments in the color spectrum and mixed them together, what color would you make?

Every spring, Gamblin Artists Colors collects a wealth of pigments from our Torit® Air Filtration system. We filter the air around the areas where we handle dry pigments so that our workers are not exposed to pigment dust. Rather than sending any of our high quality, expensive pigments into the landfill, Gamblin paint makers recycle them into "Gamblin Torrit Grey".

"Pigment dust should not go into the earth, water or landfill, but into paint," says Robert Gamblin.

The mix of pigments is different every year, so Torrit Grey is always unique and will never be repeated. Torrit Grey tends to have a greenish tinge because of the great strength of the Phthalo Green pigment, which is a dark bluish green. Torrit Grey varies from a medium dove grey to a dark earthy grey.

We are now dating the tubes, so artists can collect them from year to year and enjoy the unique qualities of each edition. Whatever you create with these popular limited edition colors is solely up to you and your imagination.

Our Torrit Grey store promotion, which runs each year through the end of April in celebration of Earth Day, not only recycles pigment dust into paint but focuses artists on the importance of recycling, studio and environmental safety. Complimentary 37ml tubes of Torrit Grey are only available while supplies last through your local fine art materials retailer. Last year, we distributed more than 11,000 tubes of Torrit Grey! Limitations are often your greatest creative assets and it is remarkable what talented artists can achieve with a color palette limited to white, or black and Torrit Grey.

The Torrit Grey Painting Competition, conducted annually in the Fall, attracts more entries every year. In 2008, we received over 160 submissions from painters willing to take the challenge of making a value based painting using only Torrit Grey and any black or white oil paint. The competition is judged by Robert Gamblin and the winners receive a supply of Gamblin Artists' materials."

Debriefing

A big thank you to all of those who came and toured the studios at the Stutz Artist Open House this last weekend.  It was so good to hear people say that they cant wait for this event and come every year.  For those of you who could not make it here are a few pictures:

So now that you know what the artist's studios look like when they are all cleaned up, come see them work every first Friday 12-5PM.  You can also view work from many of the artists in the Stutz on the Stutz Artist Association Website.  You can also find contact information for all the artists.

More New Work Just in Time for the Open House!

I just finished this piece today and it will be on display (and hopefully dry) during the Stutz Artists Open House this Friday and Saturday!

Tara Donovan

If you have not made it to the IMA to go see the new show Untitled by Tara Donovan you must.  The first room is filled with drawings and prints made on handmade paper and foam core and around the corner are series of rooms that have been overtaken by objects that have been turned into growths on the floor and huge bulky landscapes.  The show lasts until August but do not put it off, you will surely want to see it again!

For more information visit the IMA's website
http://www.imamuseum.org/art/exhibitions/tara-donovan
the pictures above are from the IMA Website

Stutz Artist Open House 2010

Come visit my studio and the studios of seventy other artists during the 17th annual Stutz Artist Open House taking place April 23rd and 24th. The hours for this event are Friday 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM and Saturday 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The Historic Stutz Business Center is located at 1060 North Capital Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46204. My studio is E-340 located on the third floor.


Before entering you will receive a packet of information which includes a map that gives the location of all the artists and businesses that are participating in the open house. There will be food and drinks available from vendors set up throughout the building. There will also be several musical performers throughout the building. The Stutz Art Space will also be featuring a “One-Peek Show” show in the gallery on the first floor. This show features one piece of artwork from the many of the artists in the Stutz Building.This show will also be open during the open house so visitors can get a preview of the studios they would like to visit first.

You can buy tickets in advance from participating Old National Banking Centers or The Stutz Business Center office for $10. You will also be able to purchase tickets the day of the event for $12. The majority of the proceeds raised from the open house fund the Stutz Residency Program. Parking is free in marked lots for the event. You can go to http://www.stutzartists.com/ for more information or by call (317) 503-6420.

*** New Work ***

Triage

40 x 33 Inches

Oil on Canvas

Stutz Artist Website

You can now find me on the Stutz Artists Association website. If you cannot make it to the Stutz Art Space to view the "One-Peek Show" this is another way to view samples of different artist's work before the open house in about two weeks. On the website is also more information about the open house, the Stutz Art space, Art classes and workshops being offered, and much more. Also, there still may be some volunteer opportunities left. Volunteers usually work a couple hours and receive a free t-shirt and free admission to the open house. This seems like the perfect job for high school or college students who have an interest in the arts.



http://www.stutzartists.com/artistFillenwarth.html

First Friday April 2nd 2010

This is your last chance to see my studio all messy before it gets all cleaned up for the 2010 Stutz Building Open House! I have a few pieces that are very close to being finished. I am currently sending out invitations, postcards with new work, and coupons to for the open house. If you would like to receive these too join the mailing list at http://www.bonniefillenwarth.com/ or send me an e-mail at bonnie@bonniefillenwarth.com. Also, at 5PM the Stutz Art Space will be opening a "One-Peek Show" which features one piece of artwork from different artists in the Stutz building. This is a great way to get a preview for the open house.

First Friday Open Studios in the Stutz building are Noon to 5PM

For more information on the 17th Annual Stutz Artists Open House go to www.stutzartists.com

IDADA Website

You can now find me on IDADA's Website.  Click Here to check it out!  You can also check out other artists in the Indianapolis area and get informed on events like First Fridays.

New Drawings!

It’s been a few years since I’ve actually sat down and done drawings in charcoal or graphite but I figured I would have a go at it again. These are a few that I have done this past week and the first pieces of artwork to be completed in my new studio. These will most lily turn into my next two larger paintings which will hopefully be completed by the open house next month.

Push (working title) 14x22 Inches Charcoal on Paper

Phalanx 14x12 Inches Charcoal on Paper

New Studio!

I officially moved into my new studio on Monday and am in the process of moving in and getting ready for the Stutz Building Open house in April. Come by and see my new work this Friday during the First Friday Open Studio Tour from 12-5pm. It is free and my studio is E340! Also, at 5pm there will be a show opening in the Stutz Art Space Downstairs. And after 6pm go see NERS's Show in the Big Car Gallery in the Murphy building.

P.S. Here is a better shot of the Amazon Warrior

*** Amazon Warrior***

***New Work!***

Amazon Warrior

20x30

Oil on Canvas

2010

Better picture to come soon! This one has a little glare but I was just too excited that it is done!

First Friday March 5th 2010

This First Friday you can find me in the Stutz building 12-5, not because I am wondering through the open studios, but because I will be in MY OWN STUDIO E-340 on the third floor.  I will have just moved in a few days earlier so it will not be too messy and not have too much there but I will defiantly have the pieces that I am working on for Amazonomachy. But beside my normal rounds of the Harrison Center, the Murphy Building, LCi Gallery, and more; A show that I plan to spend some time at this First Friday is one of my friend and former class mate NERS. His show "Magical Wonderfulness" will feature work inspired by his recent tour through the country and his blog . More information on his show is on Facebook and hopefully eventually on the Big Car Gallery's Website

An Update and a Project

I, many other regular First Friday attendees, and many school children wish the snow would have come Monday morning or Sunday night. I was not able to attend this First Friday because of the weather. However, being snowed in has giving me some time to work and I will be posting some new pictures in a few days.


I also may have found a studio space downtown! Be on the lookout for Open studio invitations in the mail when I find out for sure.

As many artists know many supplies labeled "art" products seem to be more expensive. An art box used for painting and drawing students looks and functions very much like a toolbox or tackle box, but costs more even though many of the "Art" boxes are made from plastic and not metal. There are many more examples.

Like the other "art" products simple carts can be in the hundreds of dollars:

http://www.dickblick.com/products/extra-heavy-duty-service-cart/
http://www.dickblick.com/products/open-studio-art-cart/

So build your own with household tools for half the price and in only about two hours! Below are instructions to build your own cart out of 2x4's, two precut boards, wheels, and tools found in your garage (or a friends’ garage).

Click Here for Instructions

IDADA First Friday February 5th 2010

For many Artists and Galleries this is the first First Friday of the year. For those who do not know, in the Indianapolis Area most Galleries, Studios, etc., have opening receptions on the first Friday of the month. Most of them open around 5-6p.m. and close at 9,10, or midnight. Most of the events are listed on IDADA's (Indianapolis Downtown Artists and Dealers Association) website. On the homepage you can find a very handy map of where the galleries and studios are as well as a listing of hours and who will be featured in what galleries. If you cannot attend First Friday or simply cannot visit as many as you would like in the few short hours, most are open during business hours throughout the month. The hours of operation are also listed on the map. I plan on attending:


• Open studios in the Stutz Building from 12-5

• The Murphy Building including the Big Car Gallery, the new home of IMOCA, AND the Mt. Comfort Gallery (A space for Champions)

• The Harrison Center for the Arts

• LCi Gallery

• Herron School of Art Galleries

Seak Peak - New Year, New Work

I am now out of school, the holidays are over, and all studio buildings are full. I have started my next project which will hopefully end in a show in October called Amazonomachy. The theme of this show is related to a previous work I had made for a show for Wishard Hospital in Indianapolis. The piece entailed linking the ancient stories of the Greek Amazon women who were rumored to remove a breast in order to better shoot their arrows to modern day breast cancer.

Since the studio buildings are full I have started out with sketches, drawings, and a few small watercolors. I am now onto some oil paintings which should be posted on the website by the beginning of February! Now that some of the work has been started I am currently looking for venue. While the traditional gallery is fine I am also looking into hospitals and centers for women. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

In the meantime here are a few clippings from my sketchbook: