The arts — theatre, music, painting, sculpture, literature, dance, film, etc. — is on an extended intermission. Unable to open to the public, arts organizations and individual artists are finding ways to brighten the days with creative works. On this First Friday (the second one since the lockdown), virtual tours and events are popping up online to help fill the void.
Theatres have been especially hard-hit as shows had to be canceled. The IRT has created “IRT at Home,” using their social media channels to share fun ways to be creative together, even when everyone is apart. Visit the IRT on Facebook to view videos for all ages. IndyFringe, best known for its August Fringe Fest, has year-round productions that have been cancelled, but remains active in keeping the community connected. Visit their Facebook page for links to dance, music, and edgy theatre news.
10 East Arts Hub, which opened in February of this year, was just getting its wheels under it on East 10th St. near the Rivoli, when the pandemic forced them to close the building. Nevertheless, they have introduced a video series called “Self Care Monday” that includes meditation and yoga to help with stress. In addition, their Web site, 10eastarts.org provides links to other arts resources on the east side.
The Harrison Center and WFYI join forces this month to virtually present “Everglow,” new work by Benaiah Cusask in the Underground Gallery. Cusack’s collection of nocturne landscapes explores the atmosphere of Bio-Luminescence in a surreal world of bonfires, fireflies, and orbs that transport the viewer to another place and may spark a beacon of hope. Watch the gallery tour safely from your home by tuning into WFYI or the Harrison Center’s Facebook pages.
In addition to “Everglow,” two more shows at the Harrison Center will open virtually this month. “Varied,” by Tom Day will be on view in the online gallery. The collection includes mixed media portraits, a number of which have been made during quarantine. Also opening in the online gallery, “The Endless Complexities of People & Places” features new work by Herron School of Art + Design seniors Gabriel Akre and Anita Gordon. Akre’s work, a series of paintings, explores landscape as a vehicle to express sublime experiences and their ability to draw us closer to the divine.
“The Great Outdoors,” a new body of work by Emma Overman, remains on display and available for sale in the online gallery.
The Harrison Center invites local residents when out exercising or walking to enjoy the “Social Distance Window Walk,” a series of unique installations by local artists located in the windows on the perimeter of the building. This outdoor installation is currently open 24/7 for walkers and bikers to enjoy.
Also on First Friday, the Harrison Center will unveil the completion of the historic smokestack restoration as public art — watch as colored smoke puffs from the top of the smokestack for the first time ever at 9:30 pm. Follow them on social media to see the video update on the smokestack in the week following First Friday.
Newfields, the Eiteljorg, and other large galleries offer online views of their collections as well as educational videos for the whole family. Visit the Eiteljorg at home at eiteljorg.org to see exhibitions and collections. Visit Newfields at discovernewfields.org for home activities, information about gardens, conservation, and much more.
In these days of physical distancing, arts help bring our communities together in new ways.
