The Harrison Center for the Arts presents In the Evening Air, new work by Kyle Ragsdale, with an artist reception on Friday, November 7 from 6 to 9pm. This new body of work is the result of a month-long residency at the Vermont Studio Center in August of this year. This was Ragsdale’s 7th residency at VSC and each stay has seen his work reinvented reimagined, evolved. The work created this summer has taken three distinct, new directions that will be shown together in this exhibit.
One part of this body of work is very theatrical, starting with dark brown undertones and a wild, expressive style that utilizes drawing and splashy paint techniques. In these paintings, figures face the viewer as though in the proscenium, with a play or pageant taking place deeper in the space.

The other two bodies of work are painted from iPhone images that capture figures in various surroundings, then transforms them in paint. The first of these depicts the end of summer. Pastoral and hazy, tranquil figures appear in lush landscapes among the beautiful hills and trees of Vermont.

The wild, expressive style of the theatrical pieces reappears in the third body of work that portrays figures in dark, night settings where streetlights or electric signs provide the only illumination. The effect creates strange shadows on the indistinct forms moving through space.

Ragsdale grew up in Texas and New Mexico, witnessing from a young age a mix of vibrant cultures and large, wild spaces. For 15 years, since earning degrees at Baylor University (BFA) and Southern Methodist University (MFA), Ragsdale has been painting full time — working periodically as a decorative painter and stage set designer, and making fine art. He has served as curator for exhibits in Texas and Indiana and currently is curator for the Harrison Center for the Arts where he is also a studio artist.

The City Gallery presents BRIGHT LIGHTS/BIG CITY, paintings of Indianapolis by Douglas David. In this show, David, who has painted full time for over 20 years, captures a fun and candid look at the city through the artist’s eyes and with his brush.

Gallery No. 2 features work by painter Jason Zickler. “Jason’s style is one of “physicality” along the likes of Jackson Pollock and the abstract expressionists of the 1950s. His work is collected everywhere from corporate collections to homes throughout the United States. His work has also been showcased in art galleries in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and throughout the Midwest.”

Hank & Dolly’s features the watercolor work of local artist, Dave Voelpel.

In the gym – Growing Places Indy will host an event to to raise awareness of the growing presence of yoga in our community beyond studios, and how yoga as an art and science is contributing to building and strengthening our communities, sometimes in unexpected ways and places. Included on the evening’s agenda will be a variety of yoga classes (including classes for children) as well as opportunities to meet and talk to representatives from several yoga-related nonprofit organizations.

Images courtesy of the artist: In the Evening Air, oil on canvas, Kyle Ragsdale.

The work hangs through November 26.