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Noblesville Creates will feature artist Eric Utterback in the Stephenson House and Gifted: Handmade Wonders in the Judge Stone House, along with other Artists of the Month, in December.
The Artists of the Month include Eric Utterback, Michael Jack, and Jerry Mannell, with each of their exhibits showcased at different Noblesville Creates locations. Information on exhibit dates, receptions, and artist details is available below.
Stephenson House
Eric Utterback
Utterback
Familiar genres often follow familiar styles. One might expect a painting depicting knights or dragons to be illustrative and straightforward, or an abstract painting to be a conceptual exploration of technique, color, or another element. New perspectives and practices can be developed through the combination of genre and styles, as artist Eric Utterback has discovered. He aims to blend his passion for illustrative and abstract paintings and lay out the processes that got him there in his showcase exhibit, Diverging Worlds.
Utterback studied at Vincennes University for graphic design and at Herron School of Art & Design for painting. He’s always had an interest in fantasy as a genre and began drawing monsters and mayhem at an early age. Past university, he pursued workshops and mentorship programs to refine his repertoire. For him, “fine art is one mindset, illustration is another one entirely.” Fine art requires careful study to build strong compositions and foundational skills, whereas he can create more freely when illustrating.
As his process evolves, it remains largely an organic one. Utterback will wash the painting surface in color to build movement before layering in geometric shapes. Representational images threaded throughout the composition twist with the more elusive shapes and create a dynamic push and pull visual effect. He enjoys employing a “dichotomy of hard edges, soft edges, abrupt breaks, and juxtaposition.” He also strives to utilize materials that will lengthen the longevity of his work. For example, he’s recently begun using Aluminum Composite Materials, or ACM panels, as his painting surface. The lightweight material can be purchased in bulk, cut down to size, and does not warp.
Visitors can expect newer works of this variety as well as older paintings that mark Utterback’s creative journey. Paintings from 2020 onward track a variety of subjects, including florals, fantasy, abstracts, and more. The exhibit will showcase his growth in quality and expression and the work he’s done to merge illustrative and abstract representations.
See the full exhibit, Diverging Worlds, in the Stephenson House Gallery at the Noblesville Creates campus through Dec. 28. The campus is open for exploration Wednesday to Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can meet Utterback during his free open house reception from 6 to 9 p.m. tonight, Friday, Dec. 6.
Judge Stone House
Gifted: Handmade Wonders
Noblesville Creates’ annual artistic celebration returns for another holiday season. Stop by the historic campus at 8th and Maple to shop truly unique gifts. Gifted: Handmade Wonders features a wide variety of artisanal items from Hoosier creatives in the cozy Judge Stone House Gallery. From woodworking, stoneware, textiles, and more, there is something for everyone on your shopping list. A large portion of each purchase also goes back to the artist behind each piece, meaning that you are directly supporting a local artist in our community.
Purchases can be made in person or through the online shop featuring all of the Gifted: Handmade Wonders items. Items purchased online will be available for pick up only.
Gifted: Handmade Wonders will be viewable through Dec. 28 in the Judge Stone House gallery. The Noblesville Creates campus is open Wednesday through Friday noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The reception for this exhibit will be from 6 to 9 p.m. tonight, Friday, Dec. 6 at the Judge Stone House.
Graphic provided
Four Day Ray
Jerry Mannell
See the full Mindful exhibit at Four Day Ray Brewing, located at 11671 Lantern Road, Fishers, through Dec. 28. Hours are Sunday and Monday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Meyer Najem
Michael Jack
See the full exhibit, Stories from the Coast, through Dec. 27. This exhibit is viewable at the Meyer Najem 2nd floor gallery, located at 11787 Lantern Road in Fishers, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.