Target Practice, a new series of paintings by Indianapolis artist Dante Ventresca will be the inaugural visual arts exhibition in the recently opened District Theatre, with the new gallery opening on Friday, Aug. 10, in conjunction with the 2018 IndyFringe Festival.
Ventresca’s new paintings will be on display through Sept. 9 as part of The District Theatre’s Visual Arts Series, made possible by a grant from the Massachusetts Avenue Community Development Corp.
“We are thrilled to exhibit Dante’s work as a part of this year’s festival,” IndyFringe President and CEO Pauline Moffat said. “It’s exciting to bring the visual art back into the Fringe mix in such a meaningful way and in such a highly visible and exciting new gallery space at The District Theatre on Mass Ave.”
Ventresca, primarily recognized in Indianapolis for his work as founder of Theatre of Inclusion, has been creating visual art all his life.
There is some symmetry in his selection as part of IndyFringe. Ventresca was a member of a panel of local theatre experts that came together at the behest of former Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson and CICF President Brian Payne in 2001 to envision the future of theater in Indianapolis.
The single best idea – the one that met the most needs expressed in the room – was an Indianapolis Theatre Fringe Festival.
Ventresca described his exhibition: “In this series I am exploring the challenges of soul work by unpacking the truths found in the accelerating change of contemporary life. It seems as if we somehow manage to keep getting into each other’s line of fire? This is where the target silhouettes come from. Ultimately, it becomes a lovely surprise to rediscover, again, that I am often my own worst enemy.”
The exhibition will open with an artist’s reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 10. The exhibit can be viewed from noon to 9 p.m. Aug. 10-12, and from 1 p.m. to the close of festival hours Aug. 16-26. Other viewings are available by appointment at 317-308-9800.
