Glass Arts Indiana will host a hot-glass “party” during the Jan. 1 First Friday activities at the Circle City Industrial Complex – an event which will once again by “virtual” because of COVID-19 safety guidelines. A recent addition to the CCIC, Glass Arts Indiana occupies a large space in the middle corridor, formerly the home of Project LIA.
In accordance with the Marion County pandemic restrictions, the Circle City Industrial Complex Artists will host the Virtual First Friday on the Circle City Industrial Complex Artists Facebook page (@ccicartists) and mirrored on the Circle City Industrial Complex’s main Facebook page (@circlecityind). as part of the January First Friday art tour, on Friday, January 1st, 6-9pm. There will be no indoor, in-person First Friday for December.
“Glass Arts Indiana has pulled together the most fabulous group of working glass artists in the state of Indiana,” said Executive Director Lisa Pelo. “All of our glass artists, who also double as incredible glass instructors, are phenomenal in their working skill sets.” Visitors are invited to watch glass creation and manipulation in their space, and there are works available for purchase from a strong talent pool.
“Simply saying, Glass Arts Indiana, Inc., has the top five award-winning glass artists living and working here in Indiana as members in our brand new studio,” Pelo said. “We create. We exhibit. We sell. We share our knowledge. We want you to appreciate art glass as much as we do.”
As some of the artists have smaller studio spaces, they’ve begun to use larger common areas as extra display space and ask that visitors keep in mind the new locations.
As of this posting, participating CCIC Artists are Arts & Images by Anthony Armstrong, Roberta Avidor, Lydia Burris Studio, Circle City Metalworks, Christina Jobe/ Make Sea & MLP Masks, Full Circle Nine Gallery, Glass Art Indiana, Sylvia Gray and Sara Love, HI Print Gallery, Matt Hurdle Fine Art, Lad Art, Nancy Lee Designs, Katrina J. Murray Studio and Gallery, One Fine Mess Studio and Steiner Studios.
The Indy Winter Farmers Market will continue to open during its Saturday hours, under its own guidelines, and several artists and galleries will remain open for their regular “retail” hours, usually on weekends, and posted on their own websites and social media. Some studios will also be open by appointment.
Because artists are “small businesses,” support, either online, during posted hours, or by appointment, is greatly appreciated as we head into the holidays and winter months, leaders of the CCIC Artists said. They added that many of the artists solely support themselves with their art or depend on art to help make their ends meet. The cancellation of so many First Fridays this year has been especially tough on artists, as that night means vital human interaction as well as financial support each month. The artists and all of the businesses within the CCIC recognize the need to be safe, and to do what it takes to get this virus suppressed and gone as soon as possible.
Masks are required at the CCIC during any visit, and hand sanitizing stations are installed throughout the building. Visitors are asked to maintain social distance no matter which business within the CCIC they may be visiting.
The list of participating artists is not finalized yet for Virtual First Friday, but artists will present photo stories, demos, and videos, in hopes of maintaining contact with their friends, fans, and patrons.
For more listings and event updates please visit https://ccicindyartists.wordpress.com, or the CCIC Artists Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ccicartists
ARTWORK ABOVE: Works by the artists of Glass Arts Indiana will be among the highlights of the Jan. 1 “virtual” First Friday art the Circle City Industrial Complex.
