Noblesville Creates features array of exhibits for February

HCAA to host Cabin Fever at Noblesville City Hall 

In February, Noblesville Creates will showcase artists Bobbi K. Samples and Nova Dream Space, along with the From the HeART exhibit at the Judge Stone House and the Graphic & Illustration exhibit at Four Day Ray. Additionally, the Hamilton County Artists’ Association will present Cabin Fever at Noblesville City Hall. Details on exhibit locations, dates, receptions, and featured artists can be found below.

Judge Stone House
From the HeART

The arts can awaken passions during these cold, dark winter months. Do you yearn for warmer weather, have a beloved pet in your life, or find yourself falling in love with a particular subject?

The exhibit, From the HeART, will feature mediums of all kinds that explore matters of the heart.

You can view the full exhibit, From the HeART, now through March 1 in the Judge Stone House gallery. The Noblesville Creates on 8th campus is open Wednesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Stephenson House
Nova Dream Space

The February Stephenson House exhibit, Una llamada tropical, showcases the vibrant works of Nova Dream Space, the artistic duo of Fernando and Sofia. The interview below offers a deeper look into their creative journey and the inspiration behind their exhibit.

Fernando: I am an Ecuadorian-American artist. I grew up in Guayaquil, and in California, where I took my first art classes. I am an alum of the School of Art Institute of Chicago, with an emphasis in Painting and Drawing. I met Sofia during my time at SAIC, and in 2020, Sofia and I founded Nova Dream Space. We are an artist duo that aims to stop the pollution of our planet, especially the ocean, by bringing awareness to single-use plastics and other harmful practices.

Sofia: I am a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (Fall BFA Show 2017) with concentrations in Printmaking, Fibers, Painting, and Latin American & Caribbean Studies. My work is about the human connection to nature and transforming discarded materials. Fernando and I created Nova Dream Space envisioning spaces of collaboration with infinite possibilities.

What is your artistic process, and how has it changed over time?

Fernando: Over time, I have drawn my inspiration from a variety of sources. Initially, I made works based on comics or cartoons, lyrics from a song, or a phrase from a movie. These things would catch my attention, and I would make art with that in mind. My current work is more conceptual, and I’m more sure of myself as an artist. Recent themes in my work include community, family, and personal responsibility to sustainability.

Sofia: For many years, I have been experimenting with various materials and techniques. As I have developed my artistic voice and style, I have a deeper understanding of how these materials relate to the viewer, and the message behind my work has become more clear. I used to paint paintings all in one sitting, but now I’m way more comfortable with developing an idea over time, letting my work grow with me, and working at a slower pace. I take inspiration from naturescapes and plant life from my travels.

How would you describe the theme of your showcase exhibit?

Our theme is about tropical vibes, the heat of the sun, sweet humid air, the smells on the street of spices and flowers, the music of many languages, roots so thick they burst through the sidewalk, the beach, the Caribbean Sea, bright colors & patterns, and so much more.

What drew you to this theme in the first place? How is it significant to you?

We were drawn to the concept of creating a tropical escape from the harsh winter weather. February in Indiana is typically very grey, so we were inspired to present an alternative to the monotone palettes of the season. Una llamada tropical brings a fun and warm atmosphere to reenergize the community, while simultaneously highlighting the problem of pollution that is affecting tropical environments. By using discarded materials and surfaces, Nova Dream Space calls attention to wasteful packaging practices and overconsumption.

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Visitors can view Una llamada tropical now through March 1 in the Stephenson House Gallery during the campus open hours. The Noblesville Creates campus is located at 107 S. 8th St., and is open for exploration Wednesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can meet the artists of Nova Dream Space, Fernando and Sofia, at their free public reception from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 at Noblesville Creates.

Four Day Ray
Graphic & Illustration

Illustrations historically have been a visual method for humankind to expand on stories and history. Drawn and painted images can act as records, such as the cave paintings of Lascaux created around 15,000 B.C. In contemporary times, graphics and illustrations take the form of graphic novels, advertisements, and more.

Pieces from the exhibit, Graphic & Illustration, previously featured in the Judge Stone House on the Noblesville Creates on 8th campus, will be available to view at Four Day Ray in Fishers. These pieces feature work that is illustrative, artistically graphic, or a mix of both.

You can view the pieces from Graphic & Illustration through March 1 at Four Day Ray Brewing, 11671 Lantern Road, Fishers, Sunday and Monday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Meyer Najem
Bobbi K. Samples

See the full exhibit, Color in Silence, through March 28. This exhibit is viewable at the Meyer Najem 2nd floor gallery, 11787 Lantern Road, Fishers, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You can meet Samples at her free public reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14 at Meyer Najem.

Noblesville City Hall
HCAA

Enjoy the warmth of local fine art this February. The Hamilton County Artists’ Association will showcase work from its juried members in the exhibit Cabin Fever at Noblesville City Hall now through Feb. 27. Visitors can visit the gallery Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and meet the artists during the free open house reception from 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 14.