First Friday Gallery Opening: April 2026

In the Harrison Gallery, Reverie in Revolt by Elise Howell. Howell’s latest body of work offers encouraging paintings as a refreshing alternative to the exhausting flow of information, unapologetically embracing feminine energy while revealing a connection to nature's dynamic gestures and resilience. Through gentle and attentive brushwork, these works invite viewers to reflect on tender emotions, memories, and desires, merging anthropomorphic qualities with the essence of the garden.

In the Gallery Annex, Of Earth and Sea by Emily Wingate. Through this collection of watercolor paintings, Wingate invites viewers to turn towards the beauty and tranquility of nature as a guide through life's challenges. In moments of heaviness, the soft petals and bold colors remind us that gentleness and strength coexist, while the calming waters soothe our frayed nervous systems.

In the Speck Gallery, Taoist Composition by Ting Waddles. Engaging with Taoist philosophy, Waddles embraces the continuous process of becoming through abstract assemblage. Her thoughtful use of repurposed materials and a minimalist palette blurs the boundaries between painting and sculpture, reflecting on the impermanence of existence and the emotional responses that arise from the process of creation.

In the City Gallery, Awaken Your City by Emily Winslow. Through both watercolor and oil, Winslow portrays the warm and soft light of Indianapolis just beginning to rise. Inspired by her faith in God, this collection looks for moments of hope in ordinary places and the joy that comes in the morning.

In Hank & Dolly's Gallery, RESURRECTION BLOOMS by Carolyn Springer. In her latest exhibit, Springer explores the beauty of flowers through the ancient technique of encaustic painting, infusing each piece with vibrant colors and depth. By channeling her emotions and thoughts into her work, she invites viewers to connect with the universal feelings of beauty and spirituality that flowers evoke.

In the Sky Gallery, IMMERSION by Jason Zickler. In his large-scale epoxy resin and acrylic paintings, Jason Zickler layers saturated neon color beneath glass-like resin, an invitation to step inside the surface. Exploring tension between control and spontaneity, these works transform painting from an object to observe into an atmosphere to experience.

In the Lift Gallery, Loopz by Valencia Bullock. Crafted using abstract shapes, asymmetry, and colors, Bullock creates a collection of crocheted purses that serve as wearable art. In crochet, a loop is formed when the beginning is connected to the end, symbolizing the constant ebb and flow of life's path. Just as people may "wear their heart on their sleeve," you can express your life's story by wearing this art on your shoulder.

In the Underground Gallery, Coloring Outside the Lines: A Journey Across Artistic & Geographic Borders presented by Exodus Refugee Immigration. This group show features the work of Cuban, Haitian, and Afghan artists who have experienced war, persecution, violence, and injustice. Some have been forced to flee their homes, while others have been forced to stay. It celebrates the vibrant humanitarian immigrant community, as every brushstroke tells a story of hope and loss, what was and what could have been.

In the Underground Gallery, enjoy Indianapolis Women's Chorus performances and join their sing-a-long.

In the Historic Gymnasium, Hobby Horse team members will demonstrate galloping, skipping, and jumping techniques. Hand-made Indiana Hobby Horses will be available for sale.

In the Courtyard, engage with Se(e) Change, a large-scale public installation by artists Michelle Walkey-Thornburg and Aaron Thornburg. Enjoy a warm fire pit stop while you’re there.

Hungry? Grab a bite across the courtyard from the Indi Taco food truck for Mexican-Indian fusion cuisine.

All shows will open at 6:00 pm on Friday, April 3rd, 2026.

Visitors can take in-person gallery tours Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Online galleries will open on April 4th. You can make an appointment or view the online galleries at harrisoncenter.org/buy-art.

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

With support from Indy Arts Council, City of Indianapolis, Indiana Arts Commission, Lilly Endowment Inc., 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 over 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, strengthening 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.

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