If you drive east on 16th Street from Meridian, you won't see Joe's Fish Market, the Omar Bakery, or the Polk Sanitary Milk Company. As these businesses disappeared, long-time Martindale-Brightwood residents (Greatriarchs) worried their history would also be erased. Once again, the Harrison Center used art to address a community challenge. The result is the new Polklore Micro-Museum, created in partnership with neighbors and housed in the restored Polk Stables building. The neighbors donated the artifacts and stories to be exhibited. Their stories are shared with the viewer via augmented reality videos accessed by smartphones.

Guests use augmented reality at Polklore to experience the story of Sterling Payne Jr.

Mr. Ron is one of the 47 Greatriarchs whose portrait is in the museum. "I'm proud to be a part of it. It's a legacy for my family. And I'm proud of the neighborhood, then and now," said Mr. Ron.

The Harrison Center continues to prioritize its work with artists and connecting them to patrons.

More than 400 artists showed their work, and more than 50% of the shows featured diverse artists. First Fridays included surprises like aerialists, race cars, and a Greatriach "senior" prom.

Thanks to a National Endowment for the Arts Our Town grant, Tashema Davis was a four-week artist resident at Polklore. Polk residencies will continue through 2025.
Shamira Wilson was chosen for a neighborhood-honoring mural on the Polk Stables building. Quincy Owens fabricated a new installation piece for the Harrison Center, which accompanied other alley activation efforts, including lights and video projection.
India Cruse-Griffin received the Indy Arts Council's Christel DeHaan Artist of Distinction award. The Herbert Simon Family Foundation awarded Johnson Simon an Artists at Work residency. Artists Lindsey Lord, Kyle Ragsdale, and Shaunt'e Lewis were featured at the Indianapolis Airport during the USA Swimming Trials and the NBA All-Star weekend.
The William "Bill" A. Rasdell Memorial Studio was named in August to honor the Harrison Center's first studio artist, who passed away in late 2023.

Bill Rasdell, honored at First Friday and the studio naming reception.

The Harrison Center's programs and special projects like Polklore aren't possible without its robust internship and fellowship programs. Arts Fellow Caroline Park was integral in implementing the Polklore augmented reality tour. Her printmaking for this year's envelope was inspired by artifacts on the museum walls.

One of the two designs for the Annual Letter envelope design.

Interns and fellows also contributed in the following ways:

Fifty interns participated in everything at the Harrison Center. They also learn soft skills that will help them as they move into higher education and their careers.
Arts Fellow Katie Ito cooked world cuisine and made healthy versions of old favorites for the monthly Greatriarch Gatherings. These gatherings are important because they "keep your mind active. The more active, the better lifespan you have," said Greatriarch Miss Mary.
Interns Amelia and Cleo led the annual Bloombox Festival. Ten local bands showcased the signature sounds, and 50 local modern craft vendors sold their wares.

Akili Ni Mali performs her set at Bloombox, 2024.

Playing bingo and eating home cooked chili at the November 2024 Greatriarch Luncheon.

The impact of the Harrison Center's activities has been "extraordinary," said Greatriarch Miss Shirley. "The thing with growing older means finding things to do, and the Harrison Center fits that bill."

You can continue to make the extraordinary possible at the Harrison Center when you make a gift. When you give, you support the ongoing work with the Greatriarchs, interns, fellows, and artists who are key to the Harrison Center's mission to make the community better. Thank you for your generosity.

Sincerely,

Joanna Taft

Executive Director

P.S. Become a member of Harrison Center's recurring donor group, Centered, by making a recurring gift. Select "ongoing" when you visit at www.harrisoncenter.org/donate

2024: A Year in Review