“It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since we founded the gallery,” said Joy Hernandez, FC9 president. “We’ve grown so much and learned so much and are really excited for the future. This feature show will embody that happiness and hope that we are all feeling right now. And, of course, there will be a cake.”

About “Friendship & Future”

“Friendship and Future” will showcase a piece from each of the member artists, touching on either the feelings of friendship among the group of artists, or their hopes for the future, both within the gallery or in the larger world. Working together has made this cooperative a success, and the artists will celebrate those feelings along with a general notion of accomplishment during this anniversary.

“Something truly wonderful happens when people come together with a similar vision and a worthwhile goal,” said Alena Abernathy, member artist and painter. “I believe we can continue to build upon the dream that inspired this place. The FC9 is an incredible place to find inspiration, friendship, and encouragement. Looking forward to the future, I’m reminded of a quote by Abraham Lincoln, ‘The best way to predict the future is to create it.’ Dream big.”

Nathan Winship Smith, of the Beech Grove Clayworks, has been a member artist since shortly after the opening of the cooperative, in 2017. He has relished the opportunities presented to him through the cooperative and experiences that have grown from it. “Although it is hard to keep my awareness of the past, present, and future awake, friendships make it easier,” Winship Smith said. “The continuation and growth of the Full Circle Nine Gallery is fertile soil for growing relationships and connections within Indianapolis and the Circle City Industrial Complex.”

About the Full Circle Nine Gallery

The Full Circle Nine Gallery operates as an artist cooperative gallery, with each of the member artists and the board dividing gallery duties and artists roles. The artists will work together to help each other advance in skill and practice, as well as to bring success to the gallery.

It held its grand opening during First Friday February 3^rd, 2017. The gallery currently occupies two rooms within the CCIC, one acts as the entry and feature space, the other was renovated by the artists from a concrete and cinder block factory room into an industrial-styled gallery. The group is about to set forth on an expansion effort, renovating an adjacent room that still has many characteristics of engine fabrication, from the CCIC’s early days as vehicle engine factory.

“It’s great that we are finally on the verge of an expansion,” said FC9 vice president Andrew Koeling, a mixed media artist. “FC9 has come a long way, and will still have some major surprises along the way.” Upon completion, the expansion will allow the gallery to grow from 16 member artists to approximately 25 member artists.

Full Circle Nine Gallery is located at 1125 Brookside Ave., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, in the South Studios section of the Circle City Industrial Complex. For more information, or for artists interested in joining the Full Circle Nine, please visit www.fullcirclenine.com