Local art galleries break into fall season with metal, found objects

Bloomington art galleries are gearing up for the fall season, preparing exhibits for textile, ceramic sculpture, 3-D and altar displays. With more than 15 local galleries to visit, students have a variety of artistic outlets to explore.

Jeanne Dutton, publicity chair for Gallery North on the Square, said she would love to see more students pass through Bloomington’s galleries.

“I think our gallery is the finest in Indiana,” Dutton said. “All of the galleries carry such a high standard with their exhibits, and we would love to see more students enjoy them. There is an amazing amount of talent in this town.”

Located in the historic Wicks Building, Gallery North on the Square exhibits works of local and guest artists. The gallery hosts special exhibitions in the downtown Bloomington area that change frequently.

“The shows this fall are really out of the ordinary,” Dutton said.

Starting Aug. 30 and running through Sept. 26, “Storytellers: An Exhibit of Visual Narratives,” featuring the art of Catherine Burris will be the main feature in the gallery. Burris, a nationally recognized contemporary artist from Columbus, Ind., creates 3-D pieces made from recovered objects and historic memorabilia. Burris’ work has been described as eclectic and unique, Dutton said.

On the other end of Sixth Street, Prima Gallery, a fine art and craft gallery representing the work of local, regional and national artists, is home to various categories of artistry. This fall’s schedule features exhibits showing ceramics to metalsmith and jewelry to painting and photography.

Starting Sept. 3, the exhibit “New Works” will feature the art of local ceramic sculptor Amy Norgaard and local fiber and mixed-media collaborators Cheryl Ruth Green and William D. Perry, according to a press release.

Gallery director Marcy Neiditz said she always anticipates the innovative events that pass through Prima Gallery, especially the opening of the gallery’s October exhibit, which will be featured in the Gallery Walk during the Lotus Festival.

“There is always something fresh and new to see on a regular basis,” Neiditz said. “It’s almost like completely redecorating your house every month. It’s hard work, but it’s fun.”

Keeping true to her word, Neiditz has planned for exhibits to continue into December.
Many of the galleries work toward the common goal of creating a thriving arts community in downtown Bloomington, Neiditz said.

Wandering Turtle Art Gallery & Gifts gallery director Jaime Sweany wants people to know the galleries are a place for everyone.

“We are trying to make art more accessible,” Sweany said. “We try to create a relaxed atmosphere for buying art and for shopping for beautiful, fun and artsy gifts.”

Wandering Turtle, which is located on North College Avenue, has prepared a lineup of new and returning exhibits, one of which is Sweany’s personal favorite. The third annual Dia de los Muertos Community Altar is made by community members and is on display from Oct. 23 through Nov. 4.

Bloomington locals’ participation helps to strengthen the sense of community in the arts, Dutton said.

“It is a wonderful creation,” Sweany said. “Each year’s altar is built on the foundation of previous years’ altars, so it has a history. It is celebratory, yet very touching at the same time.”