In substance, Experimental offers a glimpse at the legacy of Professor Phillip Tennant, not only through his own, sought-after creations, but through work by some of his former students. Tennant will retire from Herron in May after 38 years. He founded Herron’s Furniture Design Program and helped place Herron among the very top programs in the country.

Experimental includes works by Furniture Design alumni Nick Allman, Erin Behling, Chris Bowman, Ray Duffey, Nicholas Hollibaugh, Matt Hutton, David Lee, Jason Ramey, Cory Robinson, Ted Ross, Tom Tedrow and Ruby Troup.

Collectors who loaned work by Tennant include Vaughn and Melissa Hickman, Mark and Carmen Holeman, June McCormack, Dorit and Gerald Paul, Dr. Ora Pescovitz, Nancy Chesterman and James Warren Smith, Joyce Sommers, Dr. Christopher and Ann Stack and Donnie and Judy Walsh.

“These eagerly-anticipated exhibits highlight the talent within our own community and feature works of art either created or collected by Hoosiers who have made art central to their lives, some through formal, scholarly training and some by other paths,” said Herron’s Dean Valerie Eickmeier. “Professor Tennant’s work has been exhibited galleries, universities and museums nationally and featured in Fine Woodworking, American Craft Magazine and Furniture Studio. Over the span of his career, he has developed a rich vocabulary of forms and techniques that beautifully unite balance, structure and expression. In addition there will be a one-night-only sale of prints, sculpture, photography and ceramics by artists including Barb Bondy, Robert Horvath, Julies Olitski, Bob Shay, Paul Weir and Kevin Wolfe in the Basile Gallery to benefit Herron Galleries. The art sale will be on Friday, June 14 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.