Erupting Light by Jay Parnell
On October 2nd, from 6-9 pm, join us for First Friday!
Enjoy these openings:
In the Harrison Gallery, Dust by Jay Parnell. This collection of oil paintings on wood panel serves as a meditation on our own ephemerality. We exist in a constant state of shedding and becoming, intimately connected to the debris we attempt to sweep away. By rendering the invisible visible, Parnell’s art challenges the perception of dust as something to be cleared, reframing it instead as a poetic archive of existence and a quiet monument to passing time.
In the City Gallery, Tending by Morgan Binkerd. In her latest body of work, Binkerd reflects on the creative act of building a life, drawing parallels between her personal journey in Indianapolis and her art-making practice. Through her work, including paintings on sycamore tree bark, she explores the unseen labor of nurturing life, embodying the vital acts of care and transformation inherent in both nature and creativity.
In the Gallery Annex, Inner Peace on a Budget by Yasha Persson. Through this collection, Yasha explores the noble, ridiculous quest for Satori on a dime. By stitching together antique illustrations, forgotten typography, and weathered scraps of history, these two-dimensional collages prove that you don't need a golden temple to find illumination-just a pair of scissors, a decent bargain bin, and a heavy dose of satire.
In the Speck Gallery, LAHI: Weaving Filipino American Stories in Indiana, co-curated by Jingo M. de la Rosa and April Knauber. This group exhibition brings together artists from across Indiana in celebration of Filipino American History Month. Through new and existing works exploring identity, ancestry, immigration, community, and cultural preservation, the artists convey the complexity, resilience, and joy of the Filipino American experience.
In the Underground Gallery, Rust and Star Dust, a CompleteLife group exhibit. Artwork created by caregivers, patients, and staff of the IU Health Simon Cancer Center. Each individual piece tells a story of the personal journey of the artist, and this show demonstrates the power of the arts for human connection.
In Hank & Dolly’s Gallery, The Oneironauts by Merle Pace. Comprising 24 ceramic sculptures, this exhibition takes its name from the Ancient Greek term for "dream travelers," inviting viewers into a space between waking and dreaming.
In the Sky Gallery, Remnants and Fractures by Quincy Owens. This show comprises two bodies of work that play off each other, with stark black-and-white resin pieces set against a group of vivid paintings. Owens seeks to explore how the left and right hemispheres of his brain work together but separately, exploring beauty in fractures and faults.
In the Lift Gallery, The Way Home by Kristi Marsh-Watson. Through 2D mixed-media paintings created using an array of art supplies and natural materials, Marsh Watson explores the complexities of middle adulthood. She captures an introspective journey through changing relationships, landscapes, the passage of time, and most importantly, finding home within oneself.
Guests can also enjoy:
In the Historic Gymnasium, explore a variety of bookish vendors gearing up for Indiana Humanities’ Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest.
On the Sky Deck, kick back and listen to live music by hip-hop musician and storyteller Rome Herbert, with sets at 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30pm.
In the Sky Gallery, enjoy a film screening and reception for Pioneers of Lockerbie Square: The Revival of Indianapolis’s Oldest Neighborhood throughout the evening. Made possible by Indiana Landmarks, Indiana Humanities, and the Indiana Historical Society.
Hungry? Grab a bite across the courtyard from The Garnacha Spot food truck or Bay Area Bistro for delicious street food. Free popcorn is available in the Courtyard entrance, and Salamat Cookies will be available for purchase in the Speck Foyer.
All shows will open at 6:00 pm on Friday, October 2nd, 2026.
Visitors can take in-person gallery tours Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Online galleries will open on October 3rd. You can make an appointment or view the online galleries at harrisoncenter.org/buy-art.
Special Senior Hours are every Friday from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. No appointment is needed.
With support from Indy Arts Council, City of Indianapolis, Indiana Arts Commission, Lilly Endowment Inc., 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 over 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, strengthening 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.