Sitting behind a string of houses, nestled amongst some trees, are two brick buildings which have housed Southside Art League Inc. (SALI) for the last 30 years. But long before the buildings, the spirit of SALI has been its members.
Before a name or an organization, there was artist Sally Kriner. A member of the Cultural Committee, Kriner’s spirit of artistic pursuit spurred on the first art class in 1956, held in a vacated storeroom. Eight years later, the Southside Art League organized with 39 members, and became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1977. To this day, SALI is completely run by volunteers.
“We’re here to support artists as one of our main functions – give them a gallery space to show their stuff,” says President Duane King. “We also give them opportunities if they want to teach classes and if they want to take classes from other people. Then doing all that, we’re basically supporting arts of the south side of Indianapolis by making a place where people can come see art – where people can come make art.”
SALI boasts workshops throughout the year including watercolor, painting composition and kids classes. Any medium or skill level is welcome.
“The easiest way in would be to come to an event,” King says. “Then decide if it’s for them, and then they become a member, and then they can get involved in a committee or a board position.”
In addition to workshops, open studios and guest artists, SALI is the home of a national abstract art show. The show displays abstract paintings from artists all across the country.
Camaraderie and fun are big elements of being a SALI member. And at SALI, education is no barrier to teaching.
“No, you don’t have to have any education to do it,” King says. “It’s basically whether you can get enough students to attend your classes. Usually education helps with that; people trust you. But not always. If you’re a good teacher, you’re a good teacher.”
With plenty of space to learn, open studio time allows artists space to explore their art amongst others of a similar mind. This past year, King was given a grant that allowed him to do several renovations. As important as shared studio time is, King’s next project for SALI is to build artists’ studios on top of the existing classroom building. Artists will be able to rent out a space all their own, which King hopes will bring in the next generations of SALI members.
To this same end, King hopes to connect SALI with other art groups on the south side. King wants to bring in the younger generation so SALI can keep operating, get more grants and better advertise.
SALI is located at 299 East Broadway in Greenwood. They can be contacted at 317-882-5562. For more info, visit southsideartleague.org.
