September 2025: Modern Baroke
Amour Féminin; The Fairest of the Season by Ellen Leigh
On September 5th, from 6-9pm, join us for First Friday! Enjoy these openings:
In the Harrison Gallery, Modern Baroke by Ellen Leigh. This unique exhibition features assemblage pieces built around the concept of Modern Baroque themes. Leigh creates work using discarded domestic materials that she deconstructs and then reassembles to create interior landscapes that explore identity.
In the Gallery Annex, Totems & Topographies by Jess Hogue. Hogue merges architecture and art using personal data and parametric modeling to create sculptural works. In this body of work, she transforms plywood into organic forms that honor the sacred in everyday life.
Circle² by Chris Bowman. This exhibition explores the relationship between form and meaning through wood sculptures that merge circular turning techniques with square formats. Bowman expands on themes from his earlier show Encompass, using patterns and textures to symbolize both personal connection and the evolving possibilities of his medium.
In the Speck Gallery, Double or Nothing by Molly Wolfe in the Speck Gallery. This exhibition of watercolor paintings explores the iconic Rorschach Test. These pieces invert the process; instead of creating a painting by interpreting an inkblot, these inkblots were made by interpreting and simplifying the paintings, inviting the viewer to find meaning through inserting themselves into the ambiguous imagery.
In the City Gallery, Art Teacher Vibes by Katie Pourcho in the City Gallery. This playful, chic collection features 10–15 works across various media, including paintings, garments, ceramics, and digital stills. The work will pair with the children's educational video series that Pourcho is partnering with the Harrison Center to create.
In the Lift Gallery, Nothing Serious by Harriet Watson. In this mixed media exhibition, Watson invites us into a world where creation springs from a radical redefinition of "fun" and indulges in the beautiful messiness of growth.
In the Underground Gallery, Black Sheep by Sam Penaloza. This exhibition explores the darkness within the human experience and challenges societal norms. As one of the few dark artists in the city, Penaloza creates an experience that confronts uncomfortable truths and emphasizes that darkness is an essential aspect of life.
In the Sky Gallery, Empathy in Action by Johnson Simon. This collaborative show with ArtMix students showcases their struggles and personal experiences that they wish others understood about them through paintings and 3D printed sculptures.
Guests can also enjoy:
Open Studios all night! Visit the artists behind your favorite pieces of work, and get a glimpse into their creative process. (Hint: See if you can find the studio with the famous koi pond!)
In the Courtyard, enjoy a large-scale public outdoor installation by artists Michelle Walkey and Aaron Thornburg. Grab a bite from IndiTaco food truck for authentic Indian-Mexican cuisine.
On the Sky Deck, join the Indianapolis Recorder for their 130 year anniversary celebration! This forward-thinking gathering co-hosted with InnoPower features storytelling, public art, networking, and more. Live Bossara quartet music will accompany the festivities!
In the Historic Gymnasium, enjoy performances from seasoned Dance Kaleidoscope members Courtney Jefferies and Daniella Sibley, accompanied by live music featuring Henry Bond from the Pacific Symphony.
All shows will open at 6:00 pm on Friday, September 5, 2025.
Visitors can take in-person gallery tours Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Online galleries will open on April 5th. You can make an appointment or view the online galleries at harrisoncenter.org/buy-art.
Special Senior Hours are every Friday from 2:00pm - 4:00pm. No appointment is needed.
With support from Indy Arts Council, Indy Arts Council Art & Soul, City of Indianapolis, Indiana Arts Commission, Lilly Endowment, and Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation.
About the Harrison Center
The Harrison Center is a community-based, nonprofit arts organization that seeks to be a catalyst for renewal in the city of Indianapolis. Founded in 2001, the organization's work is two-fold. The Harrison Center is for the Arts by hosting 40 artists' studios and 8 galleries. It provides programming to foster the creation of new art, build community among artists and emerging patrons, and provide a forum for public conversation. The Harrison Center is for the City by connecting people to culture, community, and place to strengthen Indianapolis's core neighborhoods. For more information on the Harrison Center, call 317.396.3886 or visit www.harrisoncenter.org. Connect with the Harrison Center on social media at Facebook/@HarrisonCenterArts, Instagram/@harrisoncenterarts, Youtube/@hca4thearts, or Twitter/@HarrisonCtrArts.