See joint exhibit “NEIGHBORS” at Meyer Najem in Fishers
Nickel Plate Arts has announced a joint showcase, “NEIGHBORS”, in the Meyer Najem 2nd Floor Gallery now through June 27. After being postponed twice in the last two years due to the pandemic, this show will finally happen.
NEIGHBORS features the work of Artists Craig Mullins and Sherry Haines – actual next-door neighbors. Both are graduates of Ball State University, with Mullins obtaining a Bachelor of Architecture degree and Haines graduating with a Masters in Art Education after undergraduate work at Taylor University.
Mullins’ work features landscape paintings of Midwest subjects and travels to the Southwest as well as his favorite graphic subjects. Haines’ work also features landscape paintings from recent travels to the East Coast and Europe and other favorite subjects.
Their Opening Reception will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, April 29 on the second floor at the Meyer Najem Gallery, 11787 Lantern Road, Fishers. Free parking is provided in the garage across the street.
Read more about the artists below, in their own words.
Craig W. Mullins
“My ability to draw came naturally at a very early age. That skill developed with the encouragement of family, friends, teachers and my wife Myrna. In high school, coursework in art and architectural drafting continued that interest. My career path continued with enrollment in the Ball State University College of Architecture and Planning, with elective interest in art and art history courses. Following graduation with a Bachelor of Architecture degree, I taught design and graphics courses for two years as an Instructor of Architecture and then to private practice as a Partner and Officer at Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf Architects.
Treat Yourself, by Craig W. Mullins (Art provided)
“Now retired, there is time to focus on a second passion as an artist, drawing on my developed skills as an architect over many years. As a longtime resident of Hamilton County, my paintings have been shown in several thematic state and local exhibitions for several years. In October of 2019, I was awarded the honored designation of INDIANA ARTISAN with a review of my work, by a jury of Indiana professionals and experts in the area of fine art and design, who determined my paintings to be of exceptionally high quality.
“My training as an architect can be seen in my paintings. This art is focused on subject matter, composition and color with acrylic paints and pastels on large canvases. While I paint wildlife, floral, and portraits, my primary interest is painting landscapes. Many of these landscape paintings have architectural elements as part of the context such as farm and barn compositions as well as images from travel and hiking experiences all over the world. Much of this work tends to be precise relative to the building subject, contrasted with a loose expression in the landscape elements of trees, ground texture, water and sky. I am very intrigued with the creation of a mood of time, space and color that cannot be captured in a photograph.
“I am particularly drawn to French Impressionist artists such as Claude Monet and the Hoosier Artists who flourished in the early 1900s, as well as contemporary landscape artists. Much of their work tends to be landscapes that explore light, color and the atmosphere of the moment in a way that compels your attention for long periods of time. That is what I am trying to achieve in my own way as an ARCHITECT-ARTIST.”
Learn more about Mullins by visiting cwmullinsart.com. You can also email him at cwmullinsart@comcast.net or call (317) 626-0534.
Sherry Haines
“I developed an interest in the visual arts at an early age. That interest grew and became more intense during my high school years and while pursuing a bachelor’s in Art Education at Taylor University and a master’s in Art Education at Ball State University. With each new drawing and painting course I became more aware of my own desire to teach painting and to pursue my personal interests in this medium.
Ravens Cove #3, by Sherry Haines (Art provided)
“Following my collegiate years, I taught art at public and private schools for 30 years, concluding my service in the classroom with an 18-year tenure at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis. During those wonderful years, I had the joy of instructing and guiding many very talented students who have gone on to successful, creative careers in the arts. Daily these students inspired and challenged me. After an extremely rewarding career in the classroom, I now find myself with the time and desire to pursue my first love of art: painting. I look forward to getting involved with the painting community of greater Indianapolis and the State of Indiana.
“Thirty years in the classroom, teaching painting and drawing to talented high school students, enabled me to stay engaged with my love of painting. Oil paint was my medium of choice during my higher education experience (both undergraduate and graduate), and during my early years in the classroom. During this period, I created a broad portfolio, with a focus on room interiors and reflections. For the past twelve years I have experienced a restlessness to explore new mediums and subject matter. I have embraced acrylic paint, watercolor, colored pencil and pastels. As I have come to enjoy these various mediums the process has become as consuming for me as the end result.
“Although I continue to be drawn to my previous subject matter, what unifies my work now is capturing that moment something catches my attention and makes me take a second look. That has included a child’s frank stare, the abstract shapes created when sunshine filters through tree branches, the distortion of an object in water, or the way light makes colors pop. I have come to anticipate these unexpected glimpses that bring me great joy. These ‘second look’ moments are what drive my passion for painting.”
You can call Haines at (317) 258-8391.
About Nickel Plate Arts
Nickel Plate Arts is an umbrella nonprofit organization that creates and coordinates arts and cultural experiences across communities in eastern Hamilton County and the surrounding areas to improve the quality of life for residents, strengthen local economies and enrich experiences for visitors. Nickel Plate Arts is a project of Hamilton County Tourism, Inc. Visit Nickel Plate Arts at 107 S. 8th St., Noblesville, online at nickelplatearts.org or call (317) 452-3690.