Exhibit open August 14 through October 6
Indiana University Northwest School of the Arts is pleased to announce the forthcoming exhibition Seeing is Believing NOW, an exhibition of photographic portraits documenting the legacy and history of the Northwest Indiana art community from Aug. 14 through Oct. 6, 2023, in the Gallery for Contemporary Art located in the Savannah Center.
Photographer, curator and art advocate Linda Dorman and her partner artist Tom Torluemke opened Uncle Freddy's Gallery in downtown Hammond in 2002. Dorman and Torluemke conceived a project called Seeing is Believing to commemorate the gallery's grand opening. Dorman photographed 100 people involved in the arts from throughout Northwest Indiana. The subjects in the photos ranged from artists, collectors, educators, patrons, administrators and art enthusiasts. They displayed the photographs with a limited-edition commemorative poster in conjunction with the inaugural exhibit.
In 2022, on the 20th anniversary of the gallery opening, Dorman and Torluemke decided to do an updated version of the project, recognizing a new generation of contributors in the art community. Serving as the curators of the art galleries at IU Northwest, they reached out to arts organizations and artist groups to identify subjects for the project and hosted seven photo sessions throughout the region since last fall.
"The art community in Northwest Indiana has a rich history and lots of people out there making things happen, but it's also spread out; doing this project reminds us that we are all a part of this and it can only help if we know each other and build new friendships and creative experiences,” Dorman said.
The exhibit Seeing is Believing NOW will consist of prints from 2002 and the new project at the Seeing Is Believing NOW reception from 6-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 14. The reception will have live music and refreshments and area artists' groups and art organizations will have tables set up at the event for attendees to learn about the art offerings of the region.
The new posters will be available for sale at the reception for $30 each. The proceeds from the poster sales will benefit the Teen Arts groups of South Shore Arts, Chesterton Art Center and The Lubeznik Center for the Arts.
“The teen arts boards of these organizations are the future of the Northwest Indiana arts community. Hopefully, they will be able to use the money to do a project or go on a field trip,” Dorman said.
Dorman and Torluemke will give a free talk to students and community members at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26 in the gallery.
Gallery for Contemporary Art hours: 12-5 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
For more information, contact Events and Exhibitions Coordinator Ryan Bennett at ryalbenn@iu.edu or 219-980-6892.
