For almost twenty years artists from Indianapolis have been answering the call to exhibit their work at the annual “Color theme show” at the Harrison Center. This event features a different color every year as a holiday celebration. For 2020, the show is called, “Brrrgundy” and features a wide range of interpretations on the theme from red wine to Ron Burgandy and everything in between. Considering the awesome challenge of arranging over 90 pieces of art in a wide variety of mediums, you might expect to be a little overwhelmed upon entering the Harrison Gallery to see the display. But, it’s remarkable how the element of a single color can create such cohesion in a collection of artwork. My initial glance around the gallery at “Brrrgundy” was both exciting and satisfying. The warmth of this year’s chosen color creates a wonderful glow throughout the space.

The work in the show is impressive, making it virtually impossible for me to write about all the pieces that struck me as “stand-outs”! That being said, Johnny McKee’s painting called “Lestat’s Sky” over the fireplace makes for a beautiful focal point. I love the indigo compositions featuring cloud studies that McKee is famous for. So, to see the cloud forms shaped by burgundy brush strokes for this event is an optical treat. The painting is surrounded by other intriguing pieces. One that comes to mind is Mary Sue Veercamp-Schwab’s “Girl in the Burgundy Dress”. This small figure painting is simple and captivating. The fireplace is flanked by Tom Peck’s lovely turned wood pieces, including a vase entitled “Burgundy Eyes”.

A large sculpture by Lydia Burris called, “Imaginary Friend: The Guardian” creates a dramatic impact on the south wall. Formed primarily from corrugated cardboard, it is an imposing yet somehow welcoming figure.

One of my personal favorites in this year’s exhibit is an abstract mixed media work called, “Blackberry Drinks and Friends 2020” by artist Tresa Steenberg. Layer after layer of colors, shapes, and marks come together to form engaging imagery. I also love Aren Straiger’s wonderful screen print of a slice of red velvet cake called, “Smooth as Velvet”. It is a testimony to her skill that this artist could create this delightful image of the iconic dessert using only three colors plus white.

Kyle Ragsdale has outdone himself this year in the curating of this show. I love the juxtaposition of the pieces in this diverse collection. A great example of this is the pairing of Luke Crawley’s reed and steel sculpture called, “Circulate” with the large acrylic painting by Vicki Schaffer White called, “Butterfly Twirl”. The two pieces, obviously created independent of each other, look as if one of them is a continuation of the story being told by the other.

The “Brrrgundy Show” may be viewed by appointment through the end of the month by calling the Harrison Center, or virtually via our website where artwork from this and other shows may be purchased.