Students display art in Indianapolis

By Andrew Young

From Jan. 13 to Feb. 16 Anderson University’s art department presented a student exhibition titled “Protocol” at the Dean Johnson Gallery in Indianapolis. Approximately 25 AU students were chosen to display their work, which included paintings, ceramics, glass, sculptures, and more. This was AU’s first student exhibition in Indianapolis, and Professor Kevin Rudynski, co-chair of the Department of Art and Design, called it a success.

“The students have learned a tremendous amount about planning an exhibition, designing the promotions, hanging the work, and pricing and selling their work,” said Rudynski, who worked with the gallery to develop the show.

Rudynski also said that the exhibit gave their department an opportunity to demonstrate the quality of their program in the Indianapolis area. Thou-sands of people attended over that month-long period.

“The opening reception was hugely successful,” said Rudynski. “The opening night turnout was one of the largest the gallery owners have seen. Many students sold their works on exhibit and at least one student was invited back for a solo show.”

Jaime Nigh was one of nine students who worked behind the scenes to help promote and launch the exhibit. Most of the students were in Rudynski’s design class during the fall semester. They printed mailers and posters, and helped with the designing and hanging of the exhibition.

“It was eye-opening seeing the community’s reaction to the exhibit,” said Nigh. “And realizing how well we represented ourselves, not just as individuals but as an entire department.”

“This exhibition is an important presence for AU in the visual arts community in Indy,” said Rudynski. “Over the last 10 years, our design students have gained the reputation for consistently presenting some of the strongest design portfolios in the state.”

Rudynski is currently working on a similar opportunity with the Harrison Art Center in Indianapolis.

Additional photos of the exhibit: