“Back in Time” by Kimmy Rogers is one of more than 100 works included in the Local Artist Show at Generation Art and Frame. About 50 artists are taking part in the show, which opens Feb. 22 and runs through March 29.
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On the walls of Generation Art and Frame, the faded pinks and orange of a farmland sunset was set against the deep blue of a classic Chevrolet truck and well-worn antique tractors.
Realistic depictions of Indiana wildlife were mounted just a few feet away from mind-bending abstracts depictions. Familiar vistas for local residents — the Historic Artcraft Theatre, Youngs Creek, Province Park — were juxtaposed with natural scenes from around the world.
The pieces included in Generation all captured unique styles and approaches to their subjects, but were united by a common connection — each resulted from the skill of an area artists.
That tantalizing talents will be on display for all to see starting this weekend, as Generation Art and Frame kicks off its largest annual Local Artist Show yet. More than 100 pieces made by about 50 artists will be on display, including a number of artists new to the event and the gallery.
Organizers will debut their work during an opening reception on Saturday, where many of the artists will be present to discuss their work, meet their fans and interact with the local art community.
Paintings, multimedia work, photographs, drawings and more will remain on display through March 29, extending the usual run-time of the show by weeks.
“This show is always one of our favorites. What we really wanted to focus on this year was exposing the community to our artists, and exposing our artists to each other,” said Joshua Hendrickson, whose family founded Generation Art and Frame. “It’s nice to include as many people as possible, so we extended the length of the show to give the community and our artists more time to see the variety of pieces and artists we have.”
Generation has been doing its annual artist show for years, and the art supply store and gallery has long been a central location for the local art community. When it moved locations to its current downtown Franklin home, that impact only grew.
Though the gallery hosts a variety different show throughout this year, the Local Artist Show is geared towards introducing the community to our artists and showcasing the variety of artists and styles working in Franklin and the surrounding area.
“A lot of the events we do have a specific theme or requirement, either all of the pieces have to be of a certain theme, or it’s all of one artist. What we really like about this show is, the only requirement is it features talented local artists,” Hendrickson said.
The show has become an opportunity to a wide variety of area creators to get their work in the public eye, and a chance for Generation to thank the art community for its support.
“Since we moved to this location, it’s been really important to us to highlight those local artists and work with them. They’re such a core part of our business and the reason our business exists,” Hendrickson said. “We like that we can team up with those artists and give them a place to exhibit their work, to make money from their passion like they’ve allowed us to do for ourselves.”
Local art aficionados will recognize some of the most well-known names in area art circles: Luke Buck, Pat Norris, Mark Millis, Rick Wilson and more.
But many of the participants this year are showcasing their work for the first time.
“Because this show is more loose in its focus, it’s a more inclusive show. We have our most new submissions, and it’s great that it introduces even us to new local artists,” Hendrickson said. “We want to get as many artists in front of as many people as possible.”
The festivities get started with the opening reception from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. All of the pieces included in the show will be unveiled, and people can mingle with the artists to learn about their work.
During the reception, Generation Art and Frame will have a 10% discount on art supplies in the spirit of creating art. Organizers will also have a giveaway for a $25 gift certificate to the store.
For those not able to make the opening reception, the show will continue hanging at Generation through March 29. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
“It’s fun to have that larger variety of work. There is a piece for everybody who is attending, that will find a piece they fall in love with. It shows that variety that, even though all of these artists are local, how they present their work,” Hendrickson said. “It’s neat to have that perspective in one show.
Local Artist Show
What: An art exhibition featuring more than 100 works from about 50 artists, all from Franklin and the surrounding areas.
When: Saturday through March 29
Where: Generation Art and Frame, 43 N. Main St., Franklin
Reception: An opening reception featuring artists meeting with customers will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Information: generationartandframe.com/whatweareupto/annual-local-artist-show
