February First Friday Gallery Opening

On February 7th, join us for First Friday! Enjoy these openings:

In the Harrison Gallery, Days Gone By by Courtland Blade. This body of work is a reflective journey through time, capturing the essence of moments that have shaped our collective and personal histories. Each piece in this collection is a window into the past, painted to evoke nostalgia and contemplation. Through vibrant oil paintings, Blade explores themes of memory, change, and the enduring beauty of familiar spaces.

In the Gallery Annex, Under The Influence by Derrick Carter and The Harlem Renaissance group show curated by Kayla Harvey. Artist Derrick Carter blends his training in graphic design and experimental fine art using an unconventional medium: sand and acrylic paint. These layered paintings explore the artist’s belief that perfection, inspiration, and success are intrinsically linked. Harvey’s project seeks to honor integral figures in the powerful movement of the Harlem Renaissance.

In the Speck Gallery, The Chapel of Love, a group show. In the spirit of connection and collaboration, Chapel of Love celebrates the profound intersection of art and love. Featuring the work of artist couples, this February exhibition honors the creative dialogue that thrives within shared lives and studios; the act of creation becomes a testament to the beauty of working together.

In the City Gallery, Urban Indianapolis & Beyond, by Diane Staver. In this show, Staver captures the dynamic energy of city life through bold colors, graffiti-inspired textures, and architectural forms. Drawing on influences from the Chicago Imagists, her work celebrates the raw beauty of urban environments. Rooted in photographs taken during and after COVID-19, Staver’s art reflects the enduring spirit and rhythm of the cities she draws inspiration from.

In the Hank & Dolly’s Gallery, Elements by Stuart Alter. This exhibition explores the dynamic interplay between human experience and the natural world, reflecting on the forces—both seen and unseen—that shape our existence. This body of work draws inspiration from the structures of urban life, the vibrant energy of cultural traditions, and the cosmic beauty of creation.

In the Underground Gallery, Second Mutation by Ess McKee. In her latest body of work, McKee expands on her previous exploration of graffiti titled Mutations of the Same Essence, integrating more 3D works and larger canvases to delve deeper into the essence of street art. The gallery is transformed into an immersive urban landscape, inviting viewers to engage with the vibrant energy of the pieces in a dynamic new context.

In the Sky Gallery, Sender/Receiver by Eric Lubrick. Lubrick's latest body of work offers a unique exploration of the impact of technology on human connections through the lens of still-life photography. Merging natural and man-made elements, Lubrick evokes a sense of nostalgia for pre-digital socialization. Utilizing innovative techniques, including Liquid Nitrogen and a BB gun, these photographs capture the fleeting moment of impact between objects, inviting viewers to ponder the beauty of real-life abstractions and reconsider the value of genuine human connections in the digital age.

Guests can also enjoy:

The Annual Winter Window Walk outside around the perimeter of our building. This year, we introduced art and literature to the Window Walk with the theme BookTok. Local artists created three-dimensional displays in our street-level basement windows, recreating the nostalgia of reading their favorite literature.

Live Jazz Band with Arts With a Purpose in the Historic Gymnasium. Renowned musicians such as Cathy Morris and Rob Dixon will be performing. Let the soulful rhythms transport you while celebrating creativity and community.

Indianapolis Animal Care Services adoption booth in the lower level. Stop by this heartwarming event and see if you could end up bringing home a new friend!

All shows will open at 6 pm on Friday, February 7th.

Visitors can take in-person gallery tours Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Online galleries will open on February 8th. You can make an appointment or view the online galleries at harrisoncenter.org/buy-art.

Special Senior Hours are every Friday from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. No appointment is needed.

With support from Indy Arts Council, City of Indianapolis, Indiana Arts Commission, Lilly Endowment, and Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation.

About the Harrison Center

The Harrison Center is a community-based, nonprofit arts organization that seeks to be a catalyst for renewal in the city of Indianapolis. Founded in 2001, the organization's work is two-fold. The Harrison Center is for the Arts by hosting 40 artists' studios and 8 galleries. It provides programming to foster the creation of new art, build community among artists and emerging patrons, and provide a forum for public conversation. The Harrison Center is for the City by connecting people to culture, community, and place to strengthen Indianapolis's core neighborhoods. For more information on the Harrison Center, call 317.396.3886 or visit www.harrisoncenter.org. Connect with the Harrison Center on social media at Facebook/@HarrisonCenterArts, Instagram/@harrisoncenterarts, Youtube/@hca4thearts, or Twitter/@HarrisonCtrArts.

Host or Publisher Harrison Center