This week I had to step just outside the Cultural Arts Districts to visit the inspiring show "Zo-o-log-I-cal Art Exhibit". On Friday evening, March 12th, the Humane Society of Indianapolis (HSI) opened its doors to a public showing of animal theme art created by local Herron School of Art senior Christine Plantegna. Several of the B.F.A. programs now require the seniors to have a gallery show before they graduate, and what a better way to connect with the community than having a benefit show with your work? Plantegna exhibited over 30 oil paintings depicting animals in a free form with loose, large brush strokes and bold colors. Plantegna says "I wish to explore the highs and lows that animals bring to the lives of people, as well as the influence they have on everyday popular culture. The act of painting is integral to the content of my paintings, as I develop a relationship with the subject of each piece as I am creating it." 20% of proceeds from all painting sales will be donated back to the Humane Society of Indianapolis.

The overall body of work was what the title said, a "Zo-o-log-i-cal Art Exhibit". Being at the HSI one can expect to see a common theme of Dogs and Cats, but the occasional flamingo painting was tucked in near one of a household cat ready to pounce. The overall space was not your typical gallery setting and despite that, I thought the layout of the show was done tastefully for what they had available. Being that the work would not be on display for more than just the evening, one could find paintings leaned up against walls on tabletops. This may not be the ideal way to have a show, but it was not stopping people from purchasing the art and tasting the nicely complimentary wine by Mutt Lynch Winery.

I have not been introduced to Plantenga's work in the past, and from what I can see in this show she has a real overall love and passion for painting these animals. While some paintings are obviously stronger than others, I do like the bold thick brush style she uses and I tend to be more in awe at the paintings that have more of a loose, comical feel to them, than the typical pet portrait look that some of the paintings adorned. The show was a one night event, but if you are interested in seeing or supporting the HSI exhibit, contact Christine Plantenga at cplanten@iupui.edu.

Looking for something a little different in an art exhibit this month? Stop by the Robert Berkshire and Eleanor Prest Reese Galleries at Herron School of Art to see the newest exhibit "Name Change". This exhibition is an exploration of the artist Ed McGowin. McGowin legally changed his name 12 times and each time he created an artistic persona and completed artworks in their particular style. "Name Change" features paintings, sculpture, photographs, drawings, and multi-media installations highlighting thirty-five years of McGowin's career. This exhibit will be on display until April 17th and the gallery is open Monday-Friday 10am to 5pm, Wednesdays open until 8pm and Saturday from 1pm to 5pm. For more on this or other exhibits at Herron School of Art visit www.herron.iupui.edu.