This gallery features a different artist or collection beginning each month with the IDADA First Friday gathering. The gallery shares the south end of the building that houses the Arts Council of Indianapolis (ACI). ACI coordinates the exhibits which are free to explore during working hours of ACI as well as the evening hours during the First Friday gathering. (There is limited parking in a lot on the south end of the building and street parking.)
I first became aware of the gallery in late 2016. As someone who is not schooled in art, but has relied upon my own reaction to whether I like something or not, I have to say that I have had mixed feelings about the shows here. The gallery is relatively small compared to a number I have been to. The focus of each show is narrowed, so maybe that is why the theme changes so widely from month to month. If I had to put a label on what I have seen, I would say that it has been contemporary with some local connection.
Although I still find my interest drawn to art that I relate to (realistic landscape paintings and images with bright color palettes), I will admit that the more galleries I visit, the more I appreciate artists that push the envelope of art. There was a time when I didn't like street art, but have grown to see that there are grades of quality. Now, sculpture is one of my favorite types of art when it comes to contemporary design.
The point being that it is easy to dismiss art when you don't take time to actually look at it. I did my time in the corporate world, and now that I have retired, I want to make time for the creative and positive. It is easy to destroy, but takes effort and conviction to create something and risk being criticized. I can appreciate the effort even if I don't like the individual piece. And that is why I like to visit Gallery 924.
Review #246 read more