For Immediate Release June 16, 2005

For More Information Contact: Julie Schaefer, 317-278-9477 jaschaef@iupui.edu

"Art in the Trees" Student Exhibit to Delight/Intrigue Military Park Visitors

Two pieces from the "Art in the Trees" outdoor exhibit in Military Park.

INDIANAPOLIS - An exhibit of 12 sculptures by Herron School of Art and Design students will be on display June 17 through August 31 at Military Park.

"Art in the Trees" features the work of students Leticia Alvarez, Anthony Bell, Anthony Chabenne, Christian Di Liberto, Jeff Fearin, Angela French, Kelly A. Rohlfing, Lacy Ryan, Katie Schenk, Sarah Senff, Kendra R. Washington and Sarah Diane Willis.

"The purpose of 'Art in the Trees' is to showcase the work of some of our talented art students and to demonstrate that Indianapolis is a progressive and culturally interesting city," said Donna Imus, project coordinator of Indianapolis 2005. "The faculty and students at Herron have been so enthusiastic. They really got into the history of Military Park and created some very thought-provoking work. The results are spectacular."

Using their life experiences and interests, students in Brian McCutcheon's Herron sculpture class created a variety of artworks for the trees at Military Park, once a staging area for Union soldiers during the Civil War.

Angela French's "Sleeping History," features a canopy-like structure that functions as a sunshade during the daytime. At night, when viewers look up from under the piece, they'll see an old military badge sleeping among the stars.

Sarah Diane Willis' "Parachutes," reflects her interested in parachutes. "I am intrigued by the rich history and the metaphorical quality of parachutes," Willis said. "The forms speak to hope and to the relationship between our physical bodies and gravity."

"Art in the Trees" opens in conjunction with Indy Jazz Fest, which takes place in Military Park June 17-19. Jazz Fest ticket holders can see the exhibition up close during the festival. The exhibit can be viewed for free anytime through Aug. 31 when there's not a ticketed event in the Park.

###