Talents scouted at Park Place Arts exhibit

Gallery shows off local artists, collections in newest exhibition

By Kelly Dickey | The Herald BulletinDec 4, 2016

ANDERSON — On one wall there are sketches by famed impressionist painter Otto Stark. Just one room over sits upcycled furniture, handmade jewelry and pottery.

The items are wide-ranging because Eliot Reed wanted the latest works displayed at Park Place Arts to showcase the variety of local talent and collections.

“Fall Showcase: Local Art, Creations, & Curiosities” opened as part of Small Business Saturday and will run through Dec. 31 at the gallery, 515 E. Eighth St.

Creations and décor from nine local artists and two collectors are packed throughout Park Place Arts.

“I wanted to be able to showcase what people are creating in Anderson, locally, and with a little touch of Indiana art, too,” said Reed, who owns Park Place Arts. “Indiana has a rich art heritage that a lot of people aren’t aware of.”

The exhibition kicked off with a special sale as part of Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26. Items on display are still for sale and have a variety of prices, but there is no charge to view the pieces.

Part of Reed’s goal for the exhibition is to show the array of creative talent that can be found throughout Madison County. It’s part of the overall plan to build the art culture through the Park Place neighborhood, downtown and West Central Historic District.

“I really want to showcase the local art and hope that helps perpetuate a scene that we’re trying to build here with makers and local artists and small businesses,” Reed said.

Among the exhibition’s featured artwork is Reed’s own nature photography, as well as Pip Southwick’s pottery and Gabrielle McGuire’s handmade and repurposed jewelry from her Etsy shop, Gabi Gabi Hey. Other items include wood-crafted bottle openers, cutting boards, upcycled tables, paintings, photographs and wooden wall hanging in the shape of Indiana with a heart painted in the middle of the state.

Collections displayed include vintage Ringling Bros. Circus posters, the Stark sketches and paintings from artists such as Claudine Paluzzi.

Reed said so far his regular supporters have checked out the exhibition, but a crowd of newcomers have also visited the gallery. On Small Business Saturday alone, 58 sales were made.

“I feel like more and more people are becoming aware of (the local art scene),” he said. “…This kind of event has been eye-opening by the kind of people that come to see the art, as well as the people that participate in offering the things they’re creating.

“It’s growing, for sure.”

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If you go

What: “Fall Showcase: Local Art, Creations, & Curiosities”

Where: Park Place Arts, 515 E. Eighth St.

When: Noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday through Dec. 31

Cost: Admission is free, items for sale vary