Through utilizing juxtaposition of a variety of media, the six artists included in the group show share their unique experiences in the small town of Marion, IN. Walking through the Speck gallery, I am struck by the bright colors and different aspects of the city that are highlighted. Through the use of minimalistic shapes and construction materials like pieces of wood, artist Bruce Campbell’s pieces, while mainly monochromatic, are reminiscent of the physical buildings and various systems of the city itself.

Bruce Campbell
*Black Stack*
oil, stretched canvas, wood panels

Meanwhile, Don Artamas’ abstract pieces are less structural and much more gestural, emphasizing the significance of each brushstroke and pop of color. They remind me of the little bits of beauty that can be found in the everyday.

Don Artamas
*Drops of Jupiter*
acrylic on canvas

Henrik Söderström juxtaposes vibrant colors with interesting, often geometric shapes, evoking specific aspects of city life like a gas station, or through the use of an actual shopping cart in one piece titled Magician’s Nephew.

Henrik Söderström
*Magicians Nephew*
steel, canvas, acrylic, oak, cedar, cherry, train model grass, shopping cart, plaster, glitter and PVA

Peter Troutner’s collages of pictures and text cut individually from magazines each tell a specific story of a certain aspect of the human experience living in such a city. His cohesive use of vivid colors combined with the messages of advice he conveys makes each of these collages a delight.

Peter Troutner
*Embracing Delicacy*
digital collage

Tashema Davis’s paintings are bright and engaging, sharing the unique beauty and dignity of the Black experience through portraits often covered by flowers and foliage. Davis’ paintings remind me to think specifically of how each person’s experience in a shared space can be unique.

Tashema Davis
*Motherhood*
oil on canvas

Wendy Puffer’s digital prints of maps provide emphasis on the distinctly geographical aspect of the city. They are beautifully rendered with lots of detail on each section that makes up the city.

Wendy Puffer
*Eye on the Future*
digital print matted and framed

By walking around and taking in this exhibit, it is clear that the city of Marion has had a profound impact on so many people, as exhibited wonderfully by the six artists that are featured in this show. The show is on view June 3-24 2022, and I highly recommend coming in to experience it in person.

64 North From Here