January can be a challenging month: too long, yet somehow always flying by, too cold and grey, but not enough snow for this Michigan girl-at-heart, too many items on my beginning of the year checklist. The first half of the month is foggy with a post-holiday-emotional hangover, and the second is a race to complete the tasks I ambitiously assigned myself back in the heady days of December.
January’s redemption, however, comes in the possibilities that each new year brings when you work in public arts.
We’ve built out a challenging and interesting gallery calendar, set dates for the “On the Roof” series, and have begun booking bands; emails are swirling – fast and furious – with collaborators for films, performances, and readings. There are calls for public art, calls for artists for community events, and venues secured for celebrations. Our programming season may not kick off until February, but here, even the anticipation is a joy.
The arts make life interesting, give context to the passage of time and our place in the world, and bring people and communities together. There is possibility, so much possibility, for beauty and excitement and connection in 2024 at the Arts Council, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with all of you.
Before I sign off, here are two items to have on your radar: first, in huge news, the Arts Council is launching our “Month for the Arts” fundraising and awareness campaign in February. Stay tuned for more information, because there’s a role for everyone in ensuring the campaign’s success. Second, Rats Live On No Evil Star, our first exhibit, opens on Thursday, February 1st with a reception on February 3rd from 5:30 to 7 pm. I hope you’ll join us!
Stay warm, stay tuned, stay creative, and here’s to 2024!
Anne
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February 1, 2024 @ 10:00 am – March 1, 2024 @ 4:00 pm
Rats Live on No Evil Star: a symmetrical art exhibit
This exhibit aims to celebrate the diverse ways in which artists approach symmetry in their work. From traditional representations to abstract interpretations, we encourage artists to delve into the beauty and significance of symmetry across various artistic mediums.
Details and prospectus: https://www.artswin.org/2023/12/rats-live-on-no-evil-star/
Visit the gallery for this juried exhibit at the Arts Council of SW Indiana during our regular hours of 10-4pm Tuesday-Friday each week.
An Artist Reception will be held on Saturday, February 3 from 5:30-7.
Free
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Is Halloween an everyday affair for you, or do you reserve it just for October? Regardless of your spooky inclinations, this year’s Arts Council gallery has a treat in store for you. Our hauntingly captivating Spooky Show, hosted at 212 Main, will be on display from October 5th to the 27th. Featuring a spine-chilling array of 129 entries from 97 talented artists, this exhibition showcases ceramics, stained glass, paintings, and repurposed creations from over 13 communities, including Evansville, Newburgh, Haubstadt, Mount Vernon, and beyond.
Here are the key details you need to know:
- Gallery Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm.
- Exhibition Dates: October 5th to October 27th.
- Artist Reception: Join us on October 21st from 5:00 to 6:30 pm for a ghoulishly delightful artist reception.
- Admission: This eerie experience is free and open to visitors of all ages.
- Exhibit Juror: Signature School Teacher, University of Evansville Adjunct Faculty (Printmaking), and Artist Kyle Darnell
- Awards will be announced at the Artist Reception on October 21st: First Place: $300, Second Place: $200, Third Place: $100
Please note that while the 200 block of Main Street is currently under construction, fret not! Ample parking options are available on the surrounding streets and in nearby garages. We remain open during our regular hours, and we’re keeping our fingers crossed for the construction project to conclude by the projected end date of November 17th.
We’re especially thrilled to announce that this year’s Spooky Show has received generous sponsorship from Engelbrecht Enterprises.
So, whether Halloween is your daily muse or an annual affair, make sure to immerse yourself in the otherworldly creativity of our Spooky Show this October. We can’t wait to welcome you to a world where every day is Halloween!
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September 22, 2023 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Join us on Friday, September 22, 5:30-7 pm for another night of cocktail making On the Roof at the Arts Council. The theme of this cocktail-making session, hosted by Bartender Reece Everett of Entwined Wine & Cocktail Bar, is Martini Magic. Guests will make two martinis, the first is Entwined’s adaptation of the popular Pornstar Martini that has been popular at many MICHELIN restaurants and bars around the country. The second martini will be a tried and true citrus favorite, the Blood Orange Lemon Drop Martini.
Then enjoy your works of cocktail art on the Rooftop Art Deck overlooking Downtown Evansville.
Admission to this unique fundraiser is $50, which includes the bartending lesson, two cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a complimentary bar accessory for your home bar.
Capacity is limited, so reserve your spot now! Adults 21+ only.
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September 2, 2023 @ 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Front Porch Fest is a FREE music festival, hosted on community porches.
Free
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