Painting Spaces Where Joy and Sorrow Coexist |
In his show, Q. Is this all there is? A. Probably, painter Cameron Omega emphasizes the fact that two things can be true at the same time, however difficult this can be to believe at times. Drawing inspiration from the compositions of Renaissance masters, Omega was also inspired by the deep reds in the contemporary artist Mark Tansey's painting Triumph Over Mastery II.
In the piece June, Hot October, Omega depicts an experience sitting with a family member during their time in the hospital. The composition suggests a close relationship between the two people, while abstraction underscores the show's theme: two things can be true at the same time. We can experience both joy and sorrow simultaneously, and a piece can be both representational and abstract.
Online Gallery | Blog |
Indianapolis, Observed: A Series by Courtland Blade |
When life moves pretty fast, it can be hard to remember to slow down and take in what's around us. In Courtland Blade's exhibition, Observed, Blade focuses on ordinary places around the city, in varying light, weather, and times of day, to offer different perspectives on Indianapolis and opportunities to forge new connections to the city.
One of Blade's major goals for this show is to define what gives his pieces power. Many have felt awe when standing before an exceptionally large piece, but Blade wanted to express his experience of a place rather than its size. Blade decided the work didn't need to be 'bigger' to be powerful, and instead, focused on the message he was trying to say about a place—"I committed to painting Indianapolis as I experience it, not as I thought it should look." Online Gallery | Blog
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| A Song Inspired by Open Hands |
This song, written by 48-Hour Resident Ben Heber, is largely inspired by the stories of the Greatriarchs.
Ms. Rita paints a vivid picture when she speaks, and her childhood tales evoke a beautifully complex image of poverty, community interdependence, and resilience in the mid-20th-century Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood. At the end of her talk, Ms. Rita asked us to hold out our hands, and then to close them. She posed a simple question: can we receive anything from her with a closed fist?
Listen to the song and learn more about its story here. |
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| Join Free Hip-Hop Workshop! |
What happens when you channel your thoughts and experiences into lyrics? Led by storyteller and artist Rome Herbert, the "How You What" workshop uses hip-hop songwriting and guided reflection to help participants explore emotions and develop their creative voice. Learn practical tools for self-expression, emotional wellness, and storytelling for free from 3:30-5pm at Polk Stables, and hang out for more fun at our PreEnact Festival!
Learn More | Sign up for PreEnact |
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Greatriarch Showcasing at Black Expo 2026 |
We are still reeling from the dynamic celebration of creativity, culture, and community found within the Cultural Arts Pavilion at this year’s Indiana Black Expo!
At its opening reception, special guest and 2026 Greatriarch, Mr. Charles Lucas, came to share the importance of intergenerational relationships within the African-American community. He believes it’s important for others to take pride in their individual stories, and his speech revealed the very magic of storytelling that the Harrison Center loves to support.
Thank you to everyone who attended Black Expo this past weekend! You can look forward to seeing more Greatriarch portraits at the 2026 State Fair from August 7 - August 23. |
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