Local artists diplay talents in 'Downtown Gall ery Walk'

Bloomington's chilly autumn streets were buzzing with people Friday night as they walked from gallery to gallery as part of this fall's "Downtown Gallery Walk." Local artists showed off their best work at the 10 participating galleries, all within walking distance of each other.\nThe galleries coordinated openings for Friday which included the opportunity for patrons to meet the artists. Many of the galleries provided their visitors with refreshments and live music.\n"It is great to have all the galleries open at once so that we can see what each gallery has to offer," said Bloomington resident John Poling. "To us, this gallery walk will definitely be an asset to each of the galleries and businesses of downtown Bloomington."\nA vast array of artwork was on display in the galleries throughout downtown and many of the items were for sale. The exhibits included vibrantly colored paintings in watercolor, oil and acrylic. Artists also displayed pottery, ceramics, collages, hand-crafted jewelry and sculptures. With artists there to answer questions about their craft and musicians to set the mood, patrons were drawn into the exhibits and buying artwork left and right.\n"We are definitely enjoying ourselves on this beautiful night in the city of Bloomington," Joyce Poling said.\nArtist Sarah Pearce said the artists were excited by the number of people who came and were delighted to show off their work.\nArtists stood by their displays awaiting questions and comments.\n"After spending a lot of time alone painting in a studio, it is extremely wonderful to be able to talk to stranger and explain my work to those who take an interest. It seems to complete the process of painting when you finally get to display your work," Pearce said.\nPearce's paintings exploring the abstract nature of landscape were on display at the John Waldron Arts Center.\n"To me there is something about painting that suits me and I seem to get inspiration from life in general, from all the sights of the world. I would have to say my favorite painting here tonight is the 'Steel Tank #1' because I was moved by the way the algae moved in one of those underwater water tanks at the zoo," Pearce said.\nTalking to the artists gave many people the opportunity to get into their minds and understand their feelings and lives. Most of the artists have been working their crafts for a long period of time and said they were excited about displaying their masterpieces.\n"I have been sculpting for 35 years of my life and it has always been my interest to sculpt. In the past three years I have just began showing my work to the public and sculpting is what brought me to Bloomington," said David Shipley, who had metal and limestone sculptures on display at the Gallery North on the Square. "This gallery walk has been very beneficial to me and to other artists. And each time they have these walks you get the feeling like the community just looks forward to it."\nMost of the artwork exhibited during the "Downtown Gallery Walk" will remain on display for the next few weeks.\n-- Contact staff writer Rose Mary Forte at rforte@indiana.edu