The Fishers Arts Council has transitioned to the virtual world as restrictions are still in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization hasn’t let the pandemic affect its offerings but is connecting artists in different ways.
“We have engaged the artists in what we call a Monday 2 Monday challenge, where we give them a set of two options like hot and cold or tranquil and energetic and have them submit art that represents that,” Fishers Arts Council President Tom Rich said. “There’s not a winner or anything, but it gives them an opportunity to keep art in front of everybody and, in some cases, sell some art.”
The Fishers Arts Council website has an online gallery with artwork that is usually displayed in Fishers City Hall.
“We made a virtual gallery where every month there’s a new artist and their art will be online in a virtual gallery and we will have interviews with them,” Rich said.
Other actions the arts council has taken is establishing its ASSET: Artist Lecture Series, a four-part series to engage artists with what they do and how they get their work in front of gallery owners.
The next ASSET: Artist Lecture Series will be Inside the Gallery World June 25.
“We see the opportunity for engaging with the artists more now than we did before because we have their attention. That’s really helped us a lot,” Rich said.
For in-person events, the Hamilton County Artists’ Association is scheduled for the July artists to be on display at Fishers City Hall, 1 Municipal Dr.
In addition, the first-ever juried exhibit for artists in Fishers and Hamilton County will be in October at Fishers City Hall.
“There will be two judges who are not part of Hamilton County or Fishers but are well-known in the art world,” Rich said. “We will have submissions by email and the judges will select down to about 50 pieces. Those 50 pieces will be submitted physically to us, and the judges will then select best of show and the top three. All of those 50 pieces will be hung in the art gallery and have a reception.”
In addition, Spark! Of Creativity will be June 27. Spark!Fishers was canceled this year.
Several virtual classes will be offered from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 27. Classes include drawing, painting, stoneware and acting. Materials are available for free or for a donation.
For more, visit fishersartscouncil.org.
