by Paul Diebold, Contributor
Just shy of a hundred years ago, visitors to Irvington could find art in many places. There were the home studios of the Irvington Group artists scattered throughout Irvington. IPS 57 had large paintings of the seasons of the year executed by William Forsyth. Dorothy Morlan’s studio was in Irvington Terrace, William and Connie Forsyth’s home and studio were at Washington and Emerson, to name just a few. Carr’s Hall, a limestone-faced building just east Ritter on the north side of East Washington, held annual art exhibits from 1928–1937. No doubt, people saw artists sketching or painting along Pleasant Run Creek. While some of these landmarks are gone, creativity continues to thrive in Indianapolis’ cradle of the arts, Irvington.
Here are some of the many places you can experience art in the greater Irvington area. Be sure to find them on social media for specific events:
• Bona Thompson Memorial Center, 5350 University Ave.This restored 1903 former library of Butler University often displays the Irvington Historical Society’s collection of Irvington Group art (c.1910-c.1950). Various other arts events are held throughout the year, including shows by current area artists. Open Saturdays and Sundays, 1-4 p.m. and for special events.
• Irvington Lodge/Third Floor Gallery, 5515 East Washington St. Do yourself a favor and take the elevator up to the Third Floor Gallery on any given First Friday. Co-owner Yasha Perrson has created a well-lit, lofty gallery space while keeping all the charm of this 1921 Masonic Lodge. You’ll find eclectic, affordable art for sale, and often, live music. The adjoining pinball room, packed with vintage games, is usually open on First Fridays. The art is free for viewing, pinball is $5/all you can play.
• Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza, 5646 East Washington St. Owner Mick McGrath and his business partners have been hosting local artists in this well-loved pizza restaurant for more than ten years. Styles range from representational to eclectic contemporary pieces. All are for sale.
• Magpie Gallery, 206 South Audubon Rd. Located in Irvington’s “first downtown” at Bonna and Audubon, this space often features the meticulous and large-scale work of Jamie Willis, painter, whose works include personal family scenes and altarpiece-like images of contemporary female legends. Willis is often at work in the space. Thanks to the large amount of glass, window shopping is always an option. Hours by arrangement, grand opening coming in April 2024.
• The Med, 5614 East Washington St. Following the tradition of The Legend restaurant, who formerly occupied this space for years, The Med recently started exhibiting local artists.
• BaZaar Oh Vintage, 5844 East Washington St. This shop features hand-crafted textiles and wearables. Contemporary pieces made of found objects are also for sale.
• Beth Clary Schwier Fine Art, 5636 East Washington St. Schwier’s large canvases of floral arrangements were used in the TV show Good Bones for several years. Gallery shows include other artists. Most work is in large format acrylic or oils, in a loose, palette knife style. Schwier is often seen at work in the gallery, which is typically open for First Fridays.
• Hampton & Company and Market Vintage, 5515 East Washington St. Located on the ground floor of the Irvington Lodge, this shop has all kinds of vintage items and curiosities. Prints and fine art pieces tend toward the eclectic, contemporary style. Worth the visit, and on a First Friday, combine it with Third Floor Gallery and Market Vintage in the same building.
• Irvington Vinyl and Books, 202 South Audubon Rd. Practically next door to Magpie Gallery, Irvington Vinyl has local, contemporary art pieces for sale, along with used books and lots of used records.
• Vining Gallery, 2620 East 10th St. Leading Indiana plein air painter Justin Vining lives in Irvington and exhibits often at his gallery near 10th and Rural. Justin and his artists in residence were featured in the TV show Good Bones. Vining’s landscapes and neighborhood scenes continue the American Impressionist tradition of the original Irvington Group artists. Open this Friday, March 1st.
• 1979 Co., 201 South Audubon Rd. Owner and craftsman Nate Olp opened his leatherworking shop here in 2018. He creates wearable art — handbags, messenger bags, wallets and other items.
• Other local Irvington artists that work from home studios and are very successful are Laura Hildreth, Rita Spalding and William Lawson. Find them on Facebook.
Paul Diebold is a long-time Irvington resident as well as a visual and music artist. He is currently the President of the Irvington Historical Society.
