Current
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made changes to our programs and events, as well as the flow of the building. Hand sanitizer is available at the entrance, guests must sign-in at the front desk, everyone (staff and guests) must wear a mask correctly, and maintain six foot social distancing.
Main Exhibitions
November 5 - January 30
Main Gallery
Across the Bridge
“Across The Bridge” is one of three exhibits in Indianapolis during the months of
November and December by the artists of The Jacmel Arts Center of Haiti curated
and organized in partnership with Indy Convergence. This time of year is an especially
meaningful season to spotlight Haitian culture because it is one of the most sacred
and significant times of year in Haiti, the time of “Guede” when the lines between life
and death are blurred and communion with the ancestors guides the living. It is a time
of year when those on this earth are invited to stand at the threshold, pass through the
gateway, and cross the bridge between this life and the next. We are invited to do so
at the guidance and assistance of the “guede” who are the spirits that govern the
afterlife and provide us all with connections to our past and those who have made the
transition before us.
The art featured in this exhibit expresses the vibrant colors, the powerful energy,
and the strong connection that the Haitian people have with the spirit world.
Through this art one can see the spirits themselves depicted, but also the human and
natural world of Haitian’s everyday lives that cannot be separated from that which is
spiritual, and abstract expressions of color that translate emotions into visual form. Every work of art created in Haiti is the product of channeling the spirits themselves to work through the mind and the hands of the artist. Through viewing these works we hope that you are able to cross the bridge yourself and connect with something beyond this world.
The Jacmel Arts Center is an inclusive space for the exhibition, exhibition, promotion, and production of Haitian art and culture in the city of Jacmel, Haiti, which is considered the country’s artistic capital. The Jacmel Arts Center has partnered with Indy Convergence of Indianapolis, for a number of years, to facilitate artistic exchanges between the two countries including traveling artist residencies and international exhibits. Indy Convergence in a multi-disciplinary arts nonprofit working in the Near West neighborhood of Indianapolis to embolden and connect artists and communities from all backgrounds to each other in an inclusive, collaborative environment. Together, The Jacmel Arts Center and Indy Convergence hope to share the culture of Haiti with the Indianapolis community through unique perspectives and tangible cultural experiences.
Take a monochromatic journey by viewing artwork by local artists featuring different
shades and tints of black, white, and gray. Artwork in a variety of mediums, including
painting, photography, drawing, and more, allow you to look more closely at the subject
matter when it’s void of color and give you a sense of nostalgia. Explore how these
artists use monochromatic palettes to demonstrate light, shadows, shades, and tints
in these beautiful pieces.
Speaking in Silence by Mirvia Sol Eckert
As part of Indianapolis’ Bicentennial celebration, Mayor Joe Hogsett and the Indianapolis
Bicentennial Commission hosted a bicentennial logo design competition encouraging local
artists of all ages, abilities, and disciplines to submit their artwork. Designs celebrate the city
and address one or more of the Bicentennial Commission themes of history, civic pride,
innovation, and legacy. Check out the artwork submitted by local artists as part of this
competition and get inspired to celebrate Indy Turns 200!
Solo Exhibitions
November 25 - January 29
Lobby
Being: The Human Experience
This small collection of oil paintings by Westfield artist Kathryn Smith displays moments
in the experience of being, specifically, of being human. Kathryn uses her own life
experience as a reference to the subjects and affairs that she paints. Her new collage of
paintings emphasizes the groups and positions of people that naturally occur around the
gathering of piñata candy at a child’s birthday party, and observes the roles in which both
children and adults place themselves. Viewers are encouraged to examine these
moments in time and reflect upon their being as they draw connections from their own
human experience as related to the paintings.
Saudade by Kathryn Smith