NHGCA Update

FEBRUARY 2023

Tonya Lance, Senior Gallery Associate

The cold weather made the past few months seem slow, but a lot has happened behind the scenes. The main exhibition space received more upgrades, including replacing the carpet with tile and resurfacing the wood floors. Along with the new lighting, shades and ceiling makeover, the gallery once again feels like a contemporary space. We are grateful to the Efroymson Family Fund for financially supporting these upgrades and to Iris Williamson for all the legwork lobbying for and planning the execution of these upgrades! Iris left the Gallery at the end of January. We wish her the best in her new position at the Maine College of Art and Design. In addition, the Gallery Shop is working on some technology upgrades as we continue to improve our processes and workflow through project management. We are also excited to have our part-time gallery assistant, Ashley Banks, and our Spring James A. Sanders Fellow, Al Sheets, join the NHGCA team!

Our current exhibition, Climb In and Back Out Again, is a raw display of vulnerability exploring femininity, motherhood and way-finding. Melanie Cooper Pennington utilizes materials, methods and symbols to examine gendered issues around power, grief and desire. In her works, Pennington melds human and anthropomorphic forms into abstract figures that evoke physical sensations such as intimidation, awkwardness and ecstasy. Pennington blazes a trail for deep communion with oneself and others, embracing the tension between what is familiar and what is unknown.

Having descended from Arizona cowboys, Melanie Cooper Pennington formally references art histories rooted in masculine symbols and practices such as Western American Art, mid-century modernist sculpture and traditional craftsman-like techniques. She confronts these tropes by utilizing “the feminine”—an adjective that historically diminished the work of women artists. As an exploration of the body and its psychological states, Pennington asserts traits that traditionally imply “weakness”—fragility, sexuality, desire—as elemental to human fulfillment.

James A. Sanders Spring ’23 Fellowship
Al Sheets, Fellow

As the Spring James A. Sanders fellow, I will organize and curate shows in the Back Gallery Projects' space at New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art. The current display in the Back Gallery Projects is Hodge Podge, an exhibition highlighting the diversity of work brought together by members of the USI Art Club. I am thrilled to be a part of the process of facilitating this show and looking forward to sharing this collection with the public.

At USI, I am currently studying art (with emphases on both illustration and graphic design) and exploring the world of gallery management, curation and conservation. My work typically uses charcoal, soft pastel, colored pencil and digital software. In the past, my work has explored the topic of human connection through physicality, gender identity and sexuality. Recently, my work explores the passage of time and the expectations we set for ourselves vs. the expectations of others. I anticipate incorporating these ideas as I curate two exhibitions for BG Projects, one later this Spring after Hodge Podge and one at the beginning of the Fall Semester.

Iris Williamson

We did a lot in 2022. While the world has changed since COVID-19 hit and there is still much to do, we have been gradually improving processes, strengthening exhibitions and taking on new programs. We’re proud to look back at some of our exhibition highlights, to reflect and be inspired for the next year. 

As far as our main exhibition series goes, New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art (NHGCA) started 2022 with a solo show from Chicago-based Puerto Rican artist Vanessa Viruet. In PAñUELXS, Viruet utilized materials such as bandanas, hoop earrings, cars, and found objects to investigate gender roles, cultural identity and socioeconomic experiences. As part of the exhibition we hosted a temporary public art piece across the street from the Gallery in MacClure Square—a huge bandana-printed car cover over a vehicle, which spoke to car culture and machismo in Latino culture.

After multiple Covid-related delays, Indianapolis’ Big Car Collaborative presented the Social Alchemy Symposium, a multi-day gathering around design, art, architecture, community and “world-building.” As part of this program, NHGCA hosted an exhibition and artist talk examining themes around the search for utopia. For us, this was a specific time to address the questions: “What is this search for utopia, and who is it for?”

Later in the spring we presented Residence VI, our annual exhibition showcasing artists from New Harmony Clay Project. Nine residents presented their works, exploring different processes and concepts through the medium of ceramics.

Chicago-based artist Modou Dieng Yacine’s exhibition was our first show after some major gallery improvements including new lighting. Dieng Yacine’s Utopia Land featured brightly colored paintings built on architectural imagery from New Orleans and his hometown of Saint-Louis, Senegal.

Cass Davis’ Revelations featured sculpture, textile, painting, and video works that reflected on the complexities of their own small-town, midwestern roots. Materials such as corn, hay and the roadside billboard—and an installation of a revival tent on the gallery’s second floor—were combined with woven textiles depicting archival imagery. While familiar and nostalgic, Davis encourages audiences to look deeper and layered into the histories of a place.

Our most recent exhibition was Filled Up 3, a juried ceramic cup show that we presented in partnership with our friends at New Harmony Clay Project. We were thrilled to bring Malcolm Mobutu Smith to town to be the exhibition’s juror, and to present an artist’s talk about his amazing work.

In addition to our core exhibitions, we have been gradually building out additional programs. New Harmony Second Saturdays, occurring in New Harmony every second Saturday from March–November, has grown in participation and popularity since its launch last fall. New Harmony Second Saturdays is a great way to draw out-of-town guests through a variety of events, sales and special projects.

We hosted three exhibitions in BG Projects, our student-led exhibition space. We began with a group exhibition curated by Chey Miller, then a solo exhibition by recent USI alum Ally Hinton, and, most recently, an exhibition of ceramic lamps by USI Ceramic II students activated our back gallery space.

The Gallery Shop is a great way for us to celebrate the artists in the region, and in 2022 we've brought in many new artists and artworks. There's always something interesting and unique to discover in our Gallery Shop.

After an active 2022, we are in a wonderful position to present exciting exhibitions and programs in the new year. On Saturday, January 21 we'll open our next exhibition with sculptures and drawings by Melanie Cooper Pennington and a student exhibition with USI's Art Club. We look forward to seeing you at New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art in 2023!

Iris Williamson

Revelations, a solo exhibition featuring Chicago-based artist Cass Davis, has closed. During Davis’ two visits to New Harmony, they embraced a deep dive into the New Harmony archive, engaged with USI students and faculty through an artist talk on campus, and screened their video works in New Harmony at Working Men’s Institute. It was great to see Davis respond to the town’s history and architecture through their exhibition and an activation of the second floor of the gallery—an installation of Tabernacle, a hand-made revival tent. 

Our current exhibition is Filled Up 3, our annual partnership with our friends at New Harmony Clay Project. Filled Up 3 is a juried exhibition featuring ceramic cups (or “vessels”) submitted by artists near and far. The exhibition is juried by Malcolm Motubu Smith, an artist and teacher, currently Associate Professor of Ceramic Art at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Works in this exhibition are for sale and can be taken home on or after our second reception on Saturday, December 3 from 4-6pm. 

Concurrently, we have a show up in our student gallery, BG Projects. The Lamp Project features an installation of ceramic lamps by USI ceramic students. 

Both shows are up through December 17. Make sure to check them out!

Iris Williamson

The New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art recently completed the first stage of long-overdue facilities upgrades in the main gallery space. This includes new LED track lighting through ESL-Spectrum, ceiling painting, facade painting, black-out window shades and new signage. We are thankful to the Efroymson Family Fund for their generous support of the gallery and this important project.

Our current exhibition Utopia Land by Modou Dieng Yacine features large, abstract paintings and mixed media works and really looks amazing in our bright, updated space. The show is up through August 27 and builds upon architectural imagery from New Orleans,  Louisiana, and his hometown of Saint-Louis, Senegal, to imagine an ideal place. 

Next up, Chicago-based artist Cass Davis mines their rural Illinois roots in a solo exhibition Revelations, opening September 10 (September’s New Harmony Second Saturday). Through performance, video, installation and sculpture, Cass Davis’ work examines their own Midwestern Evangelical upbringing. Davis is interested in understanding relationships between redemption, resurrection, embodied trauma and the failure of the American dream. Concurrently, we will have an exhibition with USI alum, woodworker Ally Hinton in our student gallery, BG Projects. We hope to see you at the New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art in the near future! 

Iris Williamson

Over the next few weeks, the gallery side of New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art (NHGCA) will be closed for some exciting facilities upgrades. Specifically, we will install new LED track lighting and painting the ceiling. While this is only one of several projects on our grand facilities-upgrades docket, it will likely be the most impactful. We anticipate a beautiful Second Saturday opening in a refreshed gallery space from 4 to 6 p.m. on July 9, with “Utopia Land” by internationally respected artist Modou Dieng Yacine. Brightly colored paintings and photographs—incorporating architecture, abstraction and memories of growing up in Senegal—represent Dieng Yacine’s imagined utopia. “Utopia Land” will be an excellent exhibition, and we hope you will join us on July’s opening during New Harmony Second Saturdays!

In the meantime, our Gallery Shop will be open during regular hours. Senior Gallery Associate Tonya Lance has been putting in a great effort over the last several months to keep the Gallery Shop fresh and exciting. New artists include Nasreen Khan, Diego Moralis-Portillo and Evelyn Sanford Nicholson. We also have new works by shop staples Jen Bretz, Mitzi Davis and Kazhia Kolb. Make sure to swing by; you never know what kind of treasures we will have in the NHGCA Gallery Shop!

Iris Williamson

On April 30, New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art opened “Residence VI,” an exhibition featuring ceramics by recent New Harmony Clay Project (NHCP) artists-in-residence. Works by Caro Burks, Donna Causland, Katie Chandler, Pennie Ebsen, Daeun Lim, Sarah McIntosh, Natalie Nicholson, Eva Polzer and Mona Martinez Seno span the realm of the functional, the sculptural and installation. “Residence VI” is the sixth-annual exhibition showcasing NHCP residents.

New Harmony Clay Project celebrates research and experimentation in clay, bringing artists from around the world to expand their practice at Sarah Campbell Blaffer Ceramic Studio in New Harmony, Indiana. In addition to being a vital resource for visiting artists, NHCP provides classes in the summer for community members who are interested in working with clay. We’re thankful for this longstanding partnership with New Harmony Clay Project, and we hope you will make it out to the gallery before June 11 to see “Residence VI!” 

Iris Williamson

Visualizing Spaces opens March 12 (New Harmony’s Second Saturday), featuring work by regional and national artists examining ideas around what utopia is, and for whom. Artists include Robert Burnier, Su A Chae, Nasreen Khan, Diego Morales-Portillo, Brenda Mallory, SaraNoa Mark, Deb Sokolow and Janie Stamm.

The exhibition is being presented in conjunction with Big Car Collaborative’s Social Alchemy Symposium, April 10-13, 2022, in New Harmony and virtually.

Social Alchemy Symposium conversations—led by more than 20 notable authors, artists, designers, researchers and philosophers from Indiana and around the world—will look at the role of utopian thinking today and tomorrow while connecting with the past. Speakers include:

• Emily St. John Mandel, author of the 2015 utopian/dystopian novel “Station Eleven” among other books and essays. “Station Eleven” has been translated into 33 languages and was adapted into an HBO series premiering in 2021 (virtual talk).
• Maurice Broaddus, author of fiction centered on utopian and dystopian ideas through the genres of science fiction, urban fantasy and horror.
• Darran Anderson, author of “Imaginary Cities” (2015), an Irish writer focused on the intersections of urbanism, culture, technology and politics (virtual talk).
• Cara Courage, executive director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, scholar and author in the realms of art and placemaking, and formerly of the Tate Modern in London.

Other guests include Indiana writers Susan Neville, Adrian Matejka and Matthew Graham (current poet laureate); Indiana artists and arts leaders from New Harmony, Columbus, Bloomington and Indianapolis; leading architects, planners and designers and utopian/communal studies scholars.

Register for free tickets here.

Iris Williamson

In spite of snow days and COVID outbreaks, Vanessa Viruet’s solo exhibition PAÑUELXS is up and on view through March 5, 2022. In addition to the interior gallery space filled with shiny and bold mixed media artworks, a public art piece by Viruet sits directly across from the gallery in Maclure Square. We hope you can venture out to experience Viruet’s work during our open hours (Tues–Sat 10 a.m.–5 p.m.), or during our closing reception with the artist in attendance (March 5, 4–6 p.m.).

A group exhibition titled Visualizing Spaces is next up at the gallery. It will be presented alongside the upcoming (free) Social Alchemy Symposium, which will be held both virtually and in-person from April 11–13. We look forward to opening Visualizing Spaces on March 12, from 4-6 p.m., in conjunction with New Harmony Second Saturday.

Iris Williamson

Happy Holidays! The last day New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art and the Gallery Shop will be open in 2021 is Saturday, December 18. If you plan on doing some holiday shopping at the Gallery Shop or from Filled Up 2: A Ceramic Cup Show, make sure you visit by December 18!

The Gallery Shop opens back up on January 4, but there will be an additional break before we have a new exhibition in the Main Gallery. This is to allow for some facility improvements in the gallery and to align our next opening with when USI students are back in class.

Opening Saturday, January 22 and lasting through Saturday, March 5 is a solo exhibition by Chicago-based artist Vanessa Viruet. Viruet will be presenting large-scale sculptures and textile works utilizing materials like hoop earrings, oversized bandanas and flags. In her upcoming show, Viruet considers the aesthetics of femininity and masculinity through a lens of her Puerto Rican heritage. In addition, Viruet’s Black Car Pañuelo will be installed in Maclure Square, directly across from the Gallery. An opening reception is planned for 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, January 22, and an on-campus artist talk will be held at noon Friday, January 21 at University Center West, Rm 226-227.

Iris Williamson

Next up at the New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art is Filled Up 2: A Ceramic Cup Show with the New Harmony Clay Project. This juried exhibition highlights a broad selection of ceramic cups submitted from artists around the country. The exhibition will be on display beginning November 20, and a public reception will be held from 4  -6 p.m. Saturday, December 4 (in conjunction with Christmas in New Harmony). From that point, you can purchase the cups as a holiday gift for a loved one or yourself!

About NHCP: New Harmony Clay Project (NHCP) is an artist residency and educational center located in historic New Harmony. The project fosters an environment that supports the investigation of new ideas and work in the ceramic arts. It was established in 2015 by Lenny Dowhie, an internationally known ceramic sculptor and Professor Emeritus at the University of Southern Indiana. NHCP is supported by the Robert Lee Blaffer Foundation, Efroymson Family Fund, Greater Houston Community Foundation and Lenny and Anne Dowhie Trusts. Its goal is to encourage emerging and professional visual artists/educators in ceramics by giving them quiet space and the time to develop a new body of work. The Clay Project is located within the Sarah Campbell Blaffer Ceramic Studio in New Harmony next to the Roofless Church.

We will be open until 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 11 for New Harmony’s Second Saturday Gallery Stroll.

Iris Williamson

In October, we welcomed Chicago artist Kellie Romany to New Harmony and the USI campus in celebration of the opening of her solo exhibition at the New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art—Systems | Bodies | Parameters. The exhibition, which runs from October 9 through November 13 features 12 lush abstract paintings with surfaces that have to be seen in person.

In Systems | Bodies | Parameters, Kellie Romany utilizes the materiality of paint to investigate issues around identity, relationships and racial constructs. Using a color palette of skin tones, Romany’s shapes and textures become metaphors for the body. As she intuitively shifts and turns the canvas, pigments and oils expand outwards and blend, bleed, clot and crack. Colors and textures emerge, suggesting the biological complexity of skin.

This is an exhibition not to miss—we are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays , and the exhibition runs through November 13.

We'll also have a closing reception for Systems | Bodies | Parameters on Saturday, November 13, which happens to be November's Second Saturday Art Stroll. Make sure to check it out!

Iris Williamson

Throughout September, New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art continues the group exhibition, Describing Language: Thinking Through Access and Communication. Our back gallery has become an interactive space for research, refection and sharing. USI students and faculty, New Harmony residents and the general public have been contributing personal anecdotes, artworks, texts and other ideas around the topic of communication and access. We invite your resources, conversations and contributions to this multi-faceted topic. Visit on-access.org for more information about the artists in the show!

New Harmony events are picking up again, including the biggest festival of the year, Kunstfest, (Sept 18-19). Keep Arts in Harmony on your radar as well, happening October 16 and17. We also are launching Second Saturday Gallery Strolls in New Harmony, in collaboration with our friends at Hoosier Salon and Mason-Nordgauer Fine Arts Gallery. Every Second Saturday of the month from 4 to 7 p.m. the galleries will be open late and host special events. Don’t forget to bring your mask, as they are still required indoors on all USI property. 

Finally, I want to let you know about our next exhibition, a solo show by Chicago artist Kellie Romany, titled Systems | Bodies | Parameters. Romany uses lush oils and pigments to explore the materiality of paint and abstraction. Using a color palette of skin tones, her work also recalls the relationships between bodies, biology and race. The opening of Systems | Bodies | Parameters will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, October 9 , corresponding with October’s Second Saturday. There are many good excuses to visit New Harmony this fall, and we hope you’ll join us! 

Iris Williamson

The way someone can communicate to another person can be the point where they can access their needs, wants or desires. So often, miscommunication can deny people resources and opportunities. Our upcoming exhibition, Describing Language: Thinking Through Access and Communication, is a partnership between the New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art, University of Southern Indiana and the University of Oregon's Center for Art Research. Describing Language serves as both an exhibition and a laboratory for examining the ways in which language and other methods of communication allow or deny access.

The group exhibition features works by Farhad Bahram, Jodie Cavalier, Jovencio de la Paz, Tannaz Farsi, Christine Laurin Miller, Warren Miller, Alyson Provax, Josie Love Roebuck, Xia Zhang and Yuyang Zhang. Serving as points of entry for community discussion and investigation, Describing Language is malleable and changing, inviting other examples, experiences and learning opportunities around the theme.

The exhibition runs from August 21 through October 2, 2021. While we won't be having an opening reception, we are working with students, faculty and staff from USI, as well as other community members and groups, to collaborate, share stories and create responses to project. Follow our Instagram page @nhgca to keep up with the many pop-up programs and projects around the exhibition.