Aaron Dicken has an idea for a good stocking stuffer: He'd like to hear again from famed pop artist Robert Indiana.
This fall, Dicken achieved what no other known Henry County person has done when he received a large packet of photos and note from Indiana, creator of the LOVE sculpture.
The contents of that package are now framed and included in a larger Indiana exhibit that is part of the Permanent Collection Show going on now. A free reception spotlighting the special Indiana exhibit as well as the rest of the show is 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18 at the Henry County Art Center, 218 S. 15th St., New Castle. There will be refreshments, comments by Robert Indiana art collector Dick Bouslog and viewing of the current exhibits.
Dicken, executive director of the Art Association of Henry County, sent Indiana a thank-you note as well as a Christmas card. He would like to see a street named for Indiana, a New Castle native, and a birthplace sign in place. And, he would like more contact with the artist who is 86 and resides at Vinalhaven, Maine, a 90-minute ferry ride off of mainland Maine.
While Dicken concedes that it might be difficult for Indiana to travel to New Castle — although that would be ideal — he would be delighted to bring some relics of "home" to Indiana and visit him at his home and studio called The Star of Hope. At the very least, he would love to continue corresponding with the artist.
The director would also like to see more people learn about Indiana. "He's a big-enough name coming from a small-enough town," Dicken says, adding that he wants the community to be aware. He says that while many may not know the name Robert Indiana, as soon as the LOVE sculpture and related commercial products are mentioned, "their eyes light up."
The current exhibit, "Robert Indiana: A brief overview of the life and works of New Castle's forgotten son" will run through Saturday, Dec. 27 as most of the items are on loan by two collectors who wish to keep their names anonymous. There are several signed prints of original works including some costume-design prints from the play, "Mother of Us All" by Gertrude Stein. Indiana designed the costumes. There are also prints called Autoportraits, a play on words, with a lot of meanings hidden in the works.
The show is sponsored by Edward Jones Investments, Steve Weidert. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.
The permanent-collection aspect of the show will continue through Jan. 24. In that part of the show, look for freshly-framed works by Helen Magner and Howard Leigh as well as some newly donated paintings by Elizabeth Shaffer, Jeanne Duncan, Connie Donnell, Libby Hunter and Peggy Freeman. Also of note is a large overview of New Castle in oil by Noblesville artist Randall Scott Harden.
Art center receptionist Julia Rudloff is excited about the Robert Indiana aspect of the show. "I think it's really nice. I really do," she says. "I hope he (Indiana) can find a way to come home ... I'd love to meet him."
