December 4th, 2023

Remembering William "Bill" Rasdell

A week ago Friday, we learned our friend William “Bill” Rasdell had passed away. Rasdell was a digital artist and photographer who was the very first artist to have a studio at the Harrison Center. He was also a Greatriarch of the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood.

Rasdell leaves behind a legacy of using photography to tell complex stories. At the core of Rasdell’s work were issues related to migration as a transforming agent in cultural evolution. He led many of us on trips to Cuba, and we enjoyed tales of his travels across the African diaspora.

It was in Rasdell’s early adulthood that he discovered his passion for photography. One morning, while living in New York City, Rasdell was riding his bike in Central Park, and he noticed a man with a flat bike tire. Rasdell stopped to make sure he was okay and assisted him. It just so happened that this man owned the largest camera shop in the country and gave Rasdell his first camera as a thank-you for his assistance. Rasdell instantly fell in love with photography and pursued it as a passion and career for the rest of his life. Ever since then, Rasdell became a pioneer in the digital art field and had a significant impact on people across the world through his art. He founded the My City, My World project and connected students across the globe to explore photography and culture.

Check back on Harrison Center's social media and next week's newsletter to learn more about pending arrangements and opportunities to honor his legacy.

December Online Gallery Live

Thank you to all who made it to December's First Friday gallery opening!

If you weren't able to attend, don't worry - we've got you covered. You can still check out all of the exhibitions we have on display this month in our online gallery. And the best part? You can purchase any piece that catches your eye right then and there.

If you'd rather see these works of art in person, swing by for a tour of December's exhibits.

Online Gallery

Annual Window Walk Winners

The Harrison Center's Annual Window Walk winners have been announced!

1st place: Johnson Simon

2nd place: Chris Tower

3rd place: Carolyn Springer

Popular vote winner: Jennifer Wolfe

A heartfelt thanks to all who voted! Cash prizes will be awarded to the artists who placed 1st ($500), 2nd ($300), 3rd ($100), and Popular Vote ($100).

We're thrilled with the unique touch each artist brought to our annual tradition. Be sure to take a look at all of the wonderful illuminated windows around the building throughout the winter.

Support the Harrison Center this Holiday Season

Did you know that more than half of Harrison Center’s support every year comes from donors? Charitable donations make it possible for events to occur all year – First Fridays, Greatriarch Gatherings, the Bloombox Festival and more. During this season of thankfulness and generosity, your gift to Harrison Center will ensure the events and programs you love will continue. To finish out 2023 strong and start 2024 well, Harrison Center’s goal is to raise $150,000 before the end of the year. So far, donors like you have raised more than $54,000, but you can help us meet the goal. Be part of the Harrison Center’s future by making your gift today.

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Visit the website for information about how to give stock, cryptocurrency or from your Donor Advised Fund.

SALSA VERDE

This month, the Harrison Gallery and Gallery Annex is hosting its annual group color show featuring more than 150 artists. SALSA VERDE is inspired by flavorful tomatillos, green chiles, and the vibrant freshness of the color itself with its natural range of earthy and emerald hues. For this year’s color show, the Harrison Center is partnering with the Latino Artist Mentorship Program (LAMP) which is a new artist collective in Indianapolis.

Learn more about this exhibit on our blog.

The show can be viewed anytime during the month of December in the Harrison Gallery & Gallery Annex during Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. The works can also be viewed and purchased on our online gallery through January.

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Erika BlueDecember 4, 2023