Events at Indiana University
Transcendent: The Photographs of Hiroshi Sugimoto
Now-May 10, Indiana University Art Museum, Special Exhibitions Gallery/Hexagon Gallery, first floor, 1133 East Seventh St., Bloomington -- Drawn from four private collections, this exhibition of 14 striking black-and-white photographs by the internationally recognized Japanese photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto highlights the elegance and simplicity that are hallmarks of his style. Sugimoto's interest in time and space -- as seen in his seascapes, theaters, architecture and conceptual form series -- transcends the physical limitations of a particular locale or subject matter to reveal a wider realm of ideas. The exhibition and all of the related events are free and open to the public. This exhibition is supported by the Thomas T. Solley Endowment for the Curator for Asian Art and IU Art Museum's Arc Fund. For more information, visit http://www.iub.edu/~iuam/iuam_home.php.
Shadow and Substance
Now-May 17, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis -- A collaboration with the internationally acclaimed Burns Collection of New York brings together dozens of rarely seen photographs of the African American experience in the United States. "Shadow and Substance" celebrates "the strengths and accomplishments of African Americans in the face of oppression, subjugation and political disenfranchisement." The exhibition is filled with illustrations of achievement and shocking evidence of intolerance that include images of slaves; Civil War soldiers; new voters; businessmen and professionals; and political activists, among others. Indiana-related imagery, such as a photograph of Hoosier international bicycle champion Major Taylor, is also included. The Burns Collection is best known as the nation's largest, most comprehensive resource for early medical photography, but it also includes more than 600,000 other images, with particular strengths in African American photographs, Judaica, Criminology and Ethnology. Much of the African American imagery focuses on the 19th- and early 20th-century African American middle class. It also includes rare photographs of all aspects of African American history. For more information, visit http://www.in.gov/ism/Exhibits_Collections/ChangingGalleries/burns.aspx.
Herron Alumni Show
Now-May 25, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., 420 University Blvd., room 240, Indianapolis -- The IUPUI Cultural Arts Gallery is dedicated to educating students and community through the visual arts. The gallery hosts four shows throughout each university semester. These shows highlight the work of artists who are typically under-represented in the art world. In addition, the gallery strives to raise awareness and appreciation for cultural diversity through the celebration of diverse visual art. This year the theme is "40/40 Vision." In recognition of IUPUI's 40th anniversary, only 40 pieces of artwork will be accepted. The artist and the artwork will bring the past 40 years into focus. This year's alumni show is sponsored by Indiana Members Credit Union. For more information, visit http://life.iupui.edu/campus-center/about/cag.html
Botanica: A Pharmacy for the Soul
Botanica: A Pharmacy for the Soul
Now-July 2, various times, Mathers Museum, 416 N. Indiana Ave., Bloomington -- The exhibition "Botanica: Pharmacy for the Soul" centers on traditions of spirit healing and the practitioners and places associated with these beliefs. The Mathers Museum is open Tuesdays through Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission to the museum is free. For more information, visit http://www.mathers.indiana.edu.
Images of Native Americans: The Wanamaker Collection
Now-July 2, various times, Mathers Museum, 416 North Indiana Ave., Bloomington -- This exhibition presents selections from one of the largest and most important collections of images of Native Americans, and features an overview of the collection's history and its holdings. For more information, visit http://www.mathers.indiana.edu.
Safe and Sound: Protective Devices from Around the World
Now-Aug.14, various times, Mathers Museum, 416 North Indiana Ave., Bloomington -- The universal desire to avoid danger and remain out of harm's way is the subject of a new exhibition at the Mathers Museum of World Cultures. "Safe and Sound: Protective Devices from Around the World" features a number of objects that are believed, by some cultures, to hold protective powers. Curator Suzanne Ingalsbe, a doctoral student in the Department of Folklore and Ethnomusicology, delves into the history of these devices and explores the sources of their power. The objects in this exhibition represent a variety of countries, cultures and beliefs. Included in the display are signs, clothing, jewelry, text and other devices that illustrate the many varied forms protection can take. These objects, alongside an explanation of their roots, demonstrate the power that belief can give to a seemingly ordinary object. For more information, or to schedule a guided group tour, call 812-855-6873 or e-mail mathers@indiana.edu.
Eros in Asia: Erotic Art from Iran to Japan
Now through June 26, 2 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment, The Kinsey Institute Gallery, Morrison Hall, third floor, Bloomington -- "Eros in Asia: Erotic Art from Iran to Japan" features a variety of erotic artwork from Iran, India, Japan and China. In the 1940s and 1950s, Alfred Kinsey actively collected visual materials from around the world to enable him to study sexual behavior and attitudes across the Asian continent. Since that time, the institute has continued to acquire paintings, prints, illustrated books, sculptures and art objects from Asian countries, each of which has its unique artistic traditions and genres for the visual representation of sexuality. The Kinsey Institute was founded in 1947 as a private research institute affiliated with IU. Its mission is to promote interdisciplinary research and scholarship in the fields of human sexuality, gender and reproduction. For more information, visit http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/services/gallery.html or call 812-855-7686.
IU Art Museum presents: Ukucwebezela: To Shine -- Contemporary Zulu Ceramics
Now-May 24, third-floor of the Raymond and Laura Wielgus Gallery of the Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas, IU Art Museum, Bloomington -- Masterfully thin-walled clay containers, round as balls, with blackened, sooty surfaces, are among the most recognized -- as well as the most prized -- examples of the potter's art in the world of African ceramics. Featuring the work of more than 25 artists, "Ukucwebezela: To Shine" speaks to the changing cultural and economic realities of South African ceramicists. An important part of the cultural traditions of the Zulu peoples, the largest single ethnic group in South Africa, these vessels have a long history, but are also part of the vibrant art scene in contemporary South Africa. "Ukucwebezela: To Shine-Contemporary Zulu Ceramics" takes a fresh look at Zulu ceramics, encouraging visitors to recognize subtle differences and to note the rich variety of form, color, texture and decoration of Zulu ceramics today. For more information, visit http://www.iub.edu/~iuam/iuam_home.php.
Focalpoint installation focuses on art from Cameroon
Now-May 24, IU Art Museum, 1133 E. Seventh St., Bloomington -- IU Art Museum visitors can still see some objects from northern Cameroon as well as Grasslands objects not usually on display (including some recent acquisitions) in this semester's Focalpoint Installation. The IU Art Museum's galleries are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays and major holidays. All exhibits are free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://www.iub.edu/~iuam/iuam_home.php.
From Pen to Printing Press: Ten Centuries of Islamic Book Arts
Now-May 10, Special Exhibitions Gallery, first floor, IU Art Museum, Bloomington -- The IU Art Museum is hosting an exhibition of approximately 50 works on paper drawn exclusively from IU collections and on display for the first time. A volume of nine articles produced with full-color illustrations will be published by IU Press to complement the exhibition and to provide a permanent record of IU's rich collections of Islamic art. Both the exhibit and the publication are supported by an Indiana University New Frontiers in the Arts and Humanities grant. Along with a Web module, both the show and the book will establish IU as a leader in the scholarly study of Islamic artistic traditions, a field of growing public interest in recent years. For more information, visit http://www.iub.edu/~iuam/section.php?returnSection=special_exhibitions&navSection=upcoming_exhibitions.
Student Exhibition Opening, Herron Open House
May 8, 5-8 p.m., Herron's Eskenazi Hall, 735 W. New York St., Indianapolis -- IUPUI's Herron School presents an evening of artwork, live music, food and an opportunity to interact with Herron students and faculty. Eleanor Prest Reese and Robert B. Berkshire Galleries will showcase and celebrate the work and talents of Herron students with a juried show, including cash prizes for selected artists. Artwork will be on display throughout Eskenazi Hall, including work by Herron MFA students. For more information, visit http://www.herron.iupui.edu/.
Winged Warrior Performance Challenge & Car Show
May 9, Gates open at 9 a.m., O'Reilly Raceway Park, 10267 E. US Highway 136, Indianapolis --Dr. Kevin Butterfield started The Winged Warrior Performance Challenge & Car Show as a small toy donation charity for the benefit of a local children's hospital. Over the years, the charity has grown into an automotive performance shootout, car show and spectator event for the greater benefit of these same children. The Performance Challenge is organized into two teams: Team Import vs. Team USA. Competitors have varied backgrounds and even more varied cars. From race prepped to stock, all types of cars are eligible. If you have ever wondered how well your car performs or just how it looks compared with others, find out for yourself and benefit a great charity at the same time. Enjoy the car show side of Winged Warrior. When you are ready to run, we'll be waiting for you! Directions. For more information and photos and videos of past events, visit http://www.wingedwarrior.net/.
Strategic Collaborations
May 14, 8 a.m -3:30 p.m., University Place Conference Center, 850 W. Michigan St., Indianapolis -- Bill Cook, founder of Cook Group Inc. and an early innovator in Indiana's life sciences industry, will be the keynote speaker at the 2008-09 Indiana Life Sciences Collaboration Conference Series. Cook will be joined by other key collaborators in academia and business, including Dr. Richard DiMarchi, the Linda and Jack Gill Chair in Biomedical Sciences at Indiana University and co-founder of Ambrx and Marcadia Biotech. This seminar will focus on how collaboration between and among individuals, universities, and businesses and the sharing of information, ideas and effort translates to idea (product and service) development, raising of resources and capital, commercialization activities and thus creates a stimulating and robust life sciences industry. For more information and registration, visit http://www.kelley.iu.edu/cbls/conferences/conf4.html.
Forsensic Science/Criminal Justice Jag Day
May 22, 9 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., 420 University Blvd., CE-Campus Center, Indianapolis -- Follow professions in the legal system to learn more about crime scene investigation, conducting research, assisting local law enforcement and families. For more information or to register, visit https://www.iupui.edu/~jagdays/next.html.
The All Night Strut
June 11-July 5, various times, Brown County Playhouse, Nashville, Ind. -- The Brown County Playhouse season opens June 11 with The All Night Strut!, a classy, sassy musical celebration of the 1930s and '40s. This show soars, sings and struts to the matchless music and dynamic dances of the '30s and '40s, guiding the audience from the Depression through World War II to the post-war boom on waves of blues, jazz, bebop and classic song standards, including favorites by legendary composers of the American songbook. There are songs of danger and of despair, heartbreak and homesickness, but also heroism and hope, love and romance, sweet sentiment, seduction and just plain fun. The event includes dancing, from smooth moves to swing to jumpin' jive. For more information, visit http://www.indiana.edu/~thtr/bcplay.html.
Our Culture is Our Resistance
Jonathan Moller's work featured in new exhibit
Now-Aug. 14, various times, Mathers Museum, 416 North Indiana Ave., Bloomington -- "Our Culture is Our Resistance" features images by internationally renowned photographer and human rights activist Jonathan Moller. This exhibit focuses on the history of Guatemala, documenting injustices towards the country's indigenous majority during the civil war at the hands of the Guatemalan government. For more information, or to schedule a guided group tour, please call 812-855-6873 or e-mail mathers@indiana.edu.
Thoughts, Things, and Theories
. . . What Is Culture?
Now-July 31, various times, Mathers Museum, 416 N. Indiana Ave., Bloomington -- The meaning of culture and cultural traditions is explored in a new exhibition at the Mathers Museum of World Cultures. "Thoughts, Things, and Theories . . . What Is Culture?" uses objects from around the world to show the way culture permeates all human lives. Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the exhibit focuses on two main themes: universal needs and life stages. Universal needs (food, clothing, and shelter, for example) are demonstrated in replicas of two households -- one a Bloomington ranch house from 1967, the other a multi-generational family compound from northern Nigeria in the same year. Visitors can then move into an area of the exhibit with artifacts illustrating life stages (from birth and infancy to death and the afterlife), with a Lakota cradleboard, Japanese wedding kimono and numerous other artifacts from around the globe. The exhibit also features a hands-on activity station, computer kiosks with interactive programs, and a reading area. For more information, or to schedule a guided group tour, please call 812-855-6873 or e-mail mathers@indiana.edu.
There Goes the Bride
July 10-Aug. 2, various times, Brown County Playhouse, Nashville, Ind. -- A wedding always creates tension and requires problem-solving and personal management skills, but the society event in There Goes the Bride by Ray Cooney and John Chapman brings new meaning to the phrase "trouble in paradise." Besides the usual interfering relatives and disapproving future in-laws, Judy must deal with a father who is out of his mind -- and not because he's losing a daughter. The morning of the wedding, harassed advertising executive Timothy Westerby hits his head and happily awakens beside Polly Perkins, a 1920's Flapper girl straight out of his current advertising campaign. Of course, no one else can see or hear her. Imagining himself back in 1926, Timothy falls in love and the current wedding preparations plummet into pandemonium, while desperate friends and family do their utmost to get the father of the bride back to reality in time to walk his daughter down the aisle. Bruce Burgun directs this funny fiasco. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.indiana.edu/~thtr/bcplay.html.
Present Laughter
Aug. 7-23, various times, Brown County Playhouse, Nashville, Ind. --Brown County Playhouse producer Jonathan Michaelsen directs Present Laughter, a farce that sparkles like fine champagne. In Present Laughter a popular, pampered, and self-obsessed stage star is rather fearfully facing his forties. But Garry needn't worry that he'll be abandoned. As he prepares for an upcoming theatrical tour he is bombarded by friends, relatives, a love-struck ingénue, his long-suffering secretary, and an aspiring -- if quite mad -- playwright who invades his elegant London flat -- many of them attempting to seduce him. And then there's his estranged wife to avoid -- or not. With typical Coward repartee and dazzling wit, Garry sidesteps the complications and escalating comic confusion. This wonderful romp about growing old gracefully is a summer sizzler and just a whole lot of fun. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.indiana.edu/~thtr/bcplay.html.
To view more events from around the state, visit http://www.events.iu.edu/.
