The Fishers Arts Council (FAC), in collaboration with Ignite Studio at the Hamilton East Public Library and the City of Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability, announces a month-long exhibition showcasing the artistic talents of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The exhibit, which is part of Fishers’ annual March Disability Awareness Month celebration, aims to promote inclusion and highlight the creative abilities of all members of the community.

The gallery features over 80 pieces of art by individual artists and those affiliated with organizations providing services to individuals with disabilities. Artworks will be displayed at two locations: Ignite Studio and the FAC Hub Gallery. Ignite Studio’s exhibit, curated by Sydney Brink, will be located inside the North entrance to the library and in the hall leading to Ignite Studio. FAC’s gallery, curated by Les Reinhardt and the FAC board, will be situated at the Collaboration Hub at the Hamilton County Community Foundation in Fishers.

The exhibition will run from March 1st to March 28th at Ignite Studio, open seven days a week, and from March 4th to March 27th at the FAC Hub Gallery, open Monday to Thursday, with appointments available on Fridays by contacting FAC directly.

To kick off the celebration, a Second Friday reception will be held on March 8th from 6-9pm at the FAC Hub Gallery, which is free and open to the public. The event, sponsored by Conner Prairie and the Fishers Arts + Culture Commission, will feature live music by Andy Schomburg, a Special Education teacher for HSE Schools. A highlight of the reception will be a guest lecture by Indianapolis artist Johnson Simon, offering insights into his artistic journey.

Les Reinhardt, Executive Director of the Fishers Arts Council, expressed excitement about the event, stating, “We added a guest lecture to our reception last year… This year I’m pleased to have Indianapolis artist Johnson Simon speak about his artistic career. Both of these individuals have inspirational stories and how their art is part of that story.”

Guests will have the opportunity to meet and shop directly from the artists, as well as learn about the supportive organizational resources available in the community. ASL interpreters from Luna Language Services will be present during the reception to ensure accessibility for all attendees. Artwork will be available for purchase via QR codes on-site.

The exhibition includes contributions from organizations such as ArtMix, Janus Developmental Services, Noble, and Studio Outside the Box. Additionally, students from Hamilton Southeastern High School’s Exception Learners program, under the art direction of Dan Moosbrugger, will showcase their talents.

Reinhardt emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “While all artists are welcome to participate in our monthly themed exhibits, there is a core group of individuals who have participated in our March Disability Awareness exhibit for as long as I can remember. I love seeing their creative styles grow and change over the years and I am always so happy to welcome them back to the gallery.”

For those needing assistance or accommodations to enjoy the events, the Fishers Arts Council encourages reaching out via email at info@fishersartscouncil.org.

The exhibition promises to be a celebration of diversity, creativity, and inclusion, inviting people of all ages and backgrounds to appreciate the talents of individuals with disabilities within the Fishers community.