Artist Wendi Smith’s Sacred Familiar exhibit makes its way to the Jewish Community Center, 3600 Dutchmans Lane, from June 8 to July 15 in the Patio Gallery. There is an opening reception on Sunday, June 8 from 2 to 4 pm.
According to her page at the Pyro Gallery Artists’ Cooperative’s website, her work has two recurring themes in common: ritual and nature. This particular collection was inspired by a visit to Italy where she saw illuminated manuscripts and alterpieces.
“The images and themes of the works are a fusion of the ritual style of illumination and the natural world,” says Smith. This is not an unfamiliar place for the artist to be since she has, over the course of her career, managed to fuse different influences and media. She’s a painter mainly, but she has managed to work collage, sculpture and textiles into her work. With the cigar and cedar boxes in this exhibit, you’ll see a continuation of that experimentation.
Smith’s previous work has had exhibitions throughout the region for over thirty years. Credits include the Four Star Gallery in Indianapolis, the Carnegie for the Arts in Cincinnati and the Zephyr Gallery in Louisville. Though she paints from Corydon, IN, she has taught fine arts at Bellermine University and Indiana University Southeast (IUS).
The Patio Gallery at JCC hosts varying displays in a variety of forms from traditional to the abstract and also highlights work in 2D and 3D media as well. Works with a social significance are often displayed.
Hours for the Patio Gallery are as follow:
- Sunday: 9am - 7pm
- Monday-Thursday: 8:30am - 9pm
- Friday: 8:30am - 6pm
Photo by: Wendi Smith via JCC
