July First Friday Gallery Opening

Details

On July 4th, from 6-9pm, join us for First Friday! Enjoy these openings:

In the Harrison Gallery, Where the Heart Is by Kate Orr. This body of work explores the feeling of home as a source of comfort, peace, and connection. Through quiet moments—sunlight through windows, shared coffee, laughter, music, and the presence of loved ones—Orr invites viewers to reflect on what home means to them.

In the Gallery Annex, Home by Aaron Pickens. The paintings in this exhibition were all created at, in, or around the place Pickens calls home, including alla prima plein air paintings from the surrounding region. Each painting depicts a specific time and place, and how he perceives those passing moments both visually and emotionally.

In the Speck Gallery, Forever Young by Dee Dee Bernhardt. Forever Young is a study on the enduring echoes of youth, expressed through oil paintings that blend memory, nostalgia, and emotional time travel. The exhibition moves between black-and-white portraits inspired by old Polaroid photographs and brightly colored still lifes of objects from childhood—each piece serving as a fragment of a story both personal and universal.

In the City Gallery, Spectacular by Kyle Ragsdale. This show celebrates Indianapolis' July 4th traditions with vibrant, vertical paintings. Historical figures, animals, and characters climb towers and trellises, seeking the best view of the festivities. Thick palette knife textures and bursts of watercolor and gouache bring the scenes to life in a joyful, towering spectacle.

In the Hank & Dolly’s Gallery, New Work by Kyle Morgan. Drawing from an eclectic array of found objects, historical imagery, and traditional artistic elements, Morgan constructs pieces that often take on the form of shadow boxes or shrines.

In the Underground Gallery, Cardboard Forward, a group show. This mixed media exhibition will showcase the creative power of sustainability through the use of reclaimed cardboard. Together, the artists reframe cardboard as a symbol of renewal, possibility, and environmental consciousness.

Guests can also enjoy:

In the Historic Gymnasium, stop by for Suspended Animation Aerialists performances throughout the evening!

In the Courtyard, large-scale, handmade puppets will come to life in a performance led by artist Will Lutz.

On the porch, enjoy homemade Korean food provided by the Korean Presbyterian church of Indianapolis.

On the Sky Deck, take a dance break with DJ Brooke Billions! Kids (and people of all ages) can enjoy bubble machines on the deck throughout the evening.

All shows will open at 6:00 pm on Friday, July 4th.

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.com/HarrisonCenterArts, Instagram.com/harrisoncenterarts, Youtube.com/hca4thearts, or Twitter.com/HarrisonCtrArts.

Event Host

Harrison Center