Fishers Arts Council: Inspiring Imagination with Newfangled Culture

Writer  /  Janet Streibel

The Fishers Arts Council and partner organizations sparked tremendous growth in the local arts scene in 2016. This momentum continues as the non-profit organization invites Fishers residents to explore and enjoy the new public art installations and music performances this year.

As visitors enter downtown Fishers from the 1-69/116th Street exit, they can’t miss the recent eye-catching banners on the east side of the new parking garage. The first set of seven 23-foot colorful artworks, titled “Pursuing Innovation” by Rachel Johnson, was unveiled last fall. During this calendar year, two additional banner art series, featuring the work of Warren Miller and Kyle Ragsdale, will be installed to complete the rotating exhibit.

In addition, the Fishers Community Master Art Plan is being realized at other unexpected Nickel Plate District venues as well. Visitors to the area will discover new bright, colorful paintings throughout downtown. A team of three artists, including William Denton Ray, Jacque Hammonds and Marc Anderson, refaced several grey metal utility boxes with fanciful designs that give the downtown district an uplifting splash of color.

Not only can citizens appreciate the new sceneries of community visual art, but also the variety of musical performances that can be heard throughout Fishers, as well.

“Fishers’ artists and performers will find even more opportunities to share their creativity with the community in 2017, and Fishers residents will begin to expect that art and culture flourishes here,” says Daniel Kloc, newly-elected Fishers Arts Council president.

Over the past four years, Fishers Music Works has stood alone as the city’s nonprofit organization that brings neighbors together to reignite and elevate their passion for quality community performances. This association presents many unique ensembles, including an opera performance group, a full chamber orchestra and a toe-tapping jazz combo.

In the fall of 2015, Fishers Music Works introduced the Fishers Community Chorus, which started with only 12 vocalists. Today, this volunteer ensemble group is almost 50 voices strong and under the direction of Schuyler Brinson, a celebrated music director, organist and conductor.

The Fishers Community Chorus has a special performance scheduled in March at Fishers City Hall to celebrate American Disabilities Act (ADA) Awareness Month. The show will include contributions from Opportunities for Positive Growth, a local organization that provides meaningful and dignified support services to individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The performance will accompany the Fishers Arts Council’s “Art in City Hall” spring artwork exhibit, featuring the works of artists living and thriving with disabilities. This is a first-time local art celebration of American Disabilities Act Awareness Month that was created by Cecilia Coble, Fishers City Councilor and Chairperson of the Fishers ADA Roundtable.

Nickel Plate Players, another Fishers Music Works ensemble, is dedicated to the creation and performance of original plays and musicals. In 2017, Nickel Plate Players will premiere its first full season of performances that includes an original musical in July, an original play in September and a Christmas show in December. These Nickel Plate Players performances will be presented at the Theater at the Fort in nearby Lawrence.

As we kick off an exciting new year in 2017, we can certainly expect to experience vibrant visual and performing arts as they continue to prosper here in Fishers. Such progression in the arts not only reflects a means to better serve the community and its visitors but also offers opportunities for residents to get involved.

“Now’s the time for everyone to contribute to the local arts scene,” Kloc said. “Fishers Arts Council’s call to the community is to ‘Create. Appreciate. Participate.’”

If you want to get connected with the Fishers arts community as an artist, performer, supporter or advocate, you can contact the Fishers Arts Council through the organization’s Facebook page.

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