INDIANAPOLIS – February 9, 2023 — Three of Indiana’s most enduring arts and arts-supporting organizations are joining in a special collaboration of music and visual art.
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Hoosier Art Salon and the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, Inc. are partners in an art exhibition and competition called the Clowes Collaborative Inaugural Invitational Art Exhibit.
“As we planned events to lead up to the celebration of Hoosier Art Salon’s 100th annual Exhibition in 2024, we decided to create a special invitation-only exhibition to celebrate Hoosier Salon’s current top artists,” said Michael Quinn, Hoosier Art Salon’s board president. “The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra enthusiastically agreed to be a partner and to host the exhibition, and the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, Inc. will fund two awards of $7,500 each.”
The Clowes Collaborative Inaugural Invitational Art Exhibition will open to Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra concert guests the evening of Friday, March 10 at the Hilbert Circle Theatre.
The exhibit opening coincides with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s performance with conductor Anna Rakitina. Anatoly Liadov tells the terrifying tale of Baba-Yaga before world-renowned pianist Denis Kozhukhin takes the stage with Rachmaninoff’s popular and tuneful Piano Concerto No. 2. An ISO commission by Principal Librarian James D. Norman offers the ideal prelude to Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony, a rhythmic journey replete with emotional power. Buy Symphony tickets here.
The two Clowes Collaborative prize winners will be announced on stage prior to the concert.
The art exhibition features one current work from each of 18 Indiana artists who have won Best of Show awards in the Hoosier Salon Annual Exhibition in the past 27 years, plus six Indiana artists who have received significant awards. In addition, there will be a separate exhibition of works by C.W. Mundy in the Wood Room. As a five-time Best of Show winner, Mundy is the Hoosier Salon living artist with the highest number of Best of Show awards.
“When we reached out to Best of Show and other outstanding artists to invite them to participate, the responses were overwhelmingly positive” said Quinn, Hoosier Art Salon’s board president. “The $7,500 art prizes are significant, and we thank the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation for making that possible. We also thank our event sponsor Daniel H. Spitzberg, M.D. Charitable Fund; supporting sponsors: The Rapp Families George, John and James; and Jerry and Rosie Semler; and our underwriting sponsor, Diana and Dan Yates.”
The art exhibition will remain on display through June 4 to Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra guests in conjunction with ISO Hilbert Circle Theatre performances. There is no additional charge for the exhibition. Art in the exhibition will be available for sale.
“In 1925, all four of the living members of the famed Hoosier Group of artists, T.C. Steele, Otto Stark, J. Ottis Adams, and William Forsyth, had works in Hoosier Salon’s first exhibition in Chicago. The Clowes Collaborative Inaugural Invitational Exhibition will be a similar moment in time, honoring the best current Indiana artists as we approach our 100th Annual Exhibition year,” said Quinn.
“The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to embark on this exciting new partnership with Hoosier Art Salon. The exhibit highlights the talented artists who contribute to our vibrant community and further enhances the ISO’s commitment to connecting our patrons with life-changing experiences. Music and art share a wonderful synergy that I hope our audience will enjoy,” said James M. Johnson, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra CEO.
About the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, at home and thriving in the heart of Indianapolis, offers an exceptional artistic and musical experience. The orchestra is open to all and dedicated to creating an inclusive and innovative experiential environment that is inspiring, educational, and welcoming. The ISO celebrates historically beloved performances while engaging audiences by introducing new voices through programming including the DeHaan Classical Series, the Printing Partners Pops Series, the holiday traditions of AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration and the popular Bank of America Film Series. For more information, visit www.indianapolissymphony.org.
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The Hoosier Salon Annual Exhibition is Indiana’s longest-running annual exhibition of works by Indiana artists and will hold its 99th Annual Exhibition later this year at the Indiana State Museum.
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The primary mission of the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation is to support charitable organizations that promote or preserve the Arts and Humanities. Allen Whitehill Clowes was a philanthropist, civic leader, arts patron, foundation/business executive, and a loyal Indianapolis resident throughout his life.