Limestone sculptures on display at the Waldron

The Rosemary P. Miller Gallery located in Bloomington's John Waldron Arts Center has been home to many fascinating local art exhibits over the years. From paintings to sculptures, photography to fiber arts, the gallery has been a platform for every type of artistry to be displayed.\n"Carved in Stone" is the latest exhibition to grace the Miller Gallery. This show features contemporary stone carvings from more than a dozen artists around the United States as well as exhibits by well-known local carvers.\nMiah Michelson, director of the gallery, spoke with enthusiasm when describing the gallery's current art exhibition.\n"We've had a phenomenal response, and the highest visitor turn-out of any exhibit we've had here," Michelson said. "Some of the finest stone sculptures in the country are in this exhibit."\nCarved in Stone, a first-time exhibit, is debuting in correlation with the 9th Annual Limestone Sculpture Symposium -- an event which celebrates limestone's role in south central Indiana by gathering artists together to share and study with other carvers.\n"This is an art form that people feel is indigenous to the area, it represents the region and displays raw materials that come from this area ... The stone is primarily Indiana Limestone," Michelson said.\nSeveral of the exhibitioners are presenting their work for the first time. Many other carvers, however, are veterans in the field. Pricing of the artwork ranges with respect to that, anywhere between $300 and $10,000.\nThe highest-priced piece comes from artist Dale Enochs, who worked with limestone to create "From the Heart." This piece is a larger than life bust which captures human beauty on limestone. The bust features a heart, which appears to beat out of its chest. Stemming from the heart are large ventricles, while engravings of veins fill the heart itself. The craftsmanship of the piece is extremely detailed as its entirety, with the exception of the heart, is decorated with etchings, appearing to suggest the detailed lines of human skin.\n"Introspection", a piece by Alison Helm, incorporates stone in a different light. This sculpture stands on metal legs and features materials including stainless steel, glass, and marble. Visually stimulating from all angles, this piece features soapstone and has a different feel than the surrounding works.\nReligious sculptures are also displayed in the exhibit. "Why Have You Vanished", by artist Ned Cunningham, is a large eye-attracting stone sculpture which depicts Jesus on the cross. Terence Lankford also carved a religious creation called "Jung's Heron," a stone slab, which is engraved with the words "Explore Daily the Will of God." The words, surrounded by etchings of a dragonfly, a background of rocks, and water are bold and simplistic. This piece demonstrates that simple can also be visually appealing.\nStone lovers and art appreciators can visit this exhibit until June 25.\nThe John Waldron Art Center gallery hours are Monday to Friday 11 a.m. to 5p.m., and Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 334-3100.