For the month of January, Fishers Arts Council (FAC) will display “My Favorite Things,” the artwork of Fishers artist Mark Rouse, who was the Best in Show winner at the 2023 Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists, sponsored by Jiffy Lube of Indiana and hosted by Fishers Arts Council.
“My Favorite Things” is on display at the FAC Hub Gallery at the Collaboration Hub, located at 11810 Technology Drive in Fishers, from Jan. 8 to Feb. 1, and Jan. 3 to 5 by appointment by contacting FAC directly.
Rouse is a well-known area artist.
“I paint the things I love, and I hope people love the things I paint!” Rouse said. “Critters? Cars? Land and water? Sports? I paint all of this and more.”
One of the things Rouse said he is most excited about in this exhibit is that he will be joined by some members of his family who are also artists. His children and grandchildren will show some of their art, some of which he has not seen before. His daughters, Laura and Ashley, and their sons will exhibit photography, illustration, and collage. He also says they will exhibit “paper pants,” but people will need to be at the Second Friday reception on Jan. 12 on hear that story.
Rouse’s artistic process has evolved over the years. He says that he has never been afraid to try new materials and techniques, which has served him well when he was recovering from a diagnosis of legal blindness. He now uses materials and techniques that he couldn’t even imagine using when he was in college.
His interest in art has given his family members the freedom to create their own work, and he has always encouraged them to try different things. His daughter Laura spent 10 years helping him photograph weddings. His daughter Ashley is a music teacher. His daughter Lindsay incorporated painting in her wedding. He says he can see the same characteristics and freedom to create in his grandkids.
Rouse is currently working on paintings for a sports-themed show in July and August at Four Day Ray, and a future goal of his is to collaborate with some jazz musicians to “conduct” a painting in a live setting. He says he loves that he can do what he does, especially because in 2015, he was declared legally blind and regaining his vision and being able to create art is a joy. Anything else is icing on the cake.
Join FAC at the Collaboration Hub at Hamilton County Community Foundation at 11810 Technology Drive in Fishers to meet Mark Rouse and his talented family, see a collection of their work, and meet other residents who are interested in art and the artists who create art in the community.
Second Friday – FAC’s free, public, all-ages reception – will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Jan. 12. During the reception, there will be live music from David & Pamela Ackerman, light refreshments, and a special musical performance by Rouse’s grandson, Cam DeVore, at 6:30 p.m. Additionally, FAC board member Pat Grabill will lead an interview with the artists around 6:45 p.m. All are welcome and wanted in the FAC Hub Gallery.
The gallery is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Friday gallery visits are by appointment only by contacting Fishers Arts Council directly.
About Fishers Arts Council
Fishers Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to support, advocate, and cultivate visual and performing arts opportunities that educate and/or enhance the lives of those who live, work, and visit Fishers. Visit the art gallery space at the Collaboration Hub at Hamilton County Community Foundation, 11810 Technology Drive, Fishers, online at FishersArtsCouncil.org, or call (317) 537-1670.