ZapTown

Many times throughout the ’90s, I would spend many mornings, afternoons, and evenings exploring the beauty and serendipity of the Central Canal Towpath. Leading from downtown Broad Ripple, it’s a journey outside of the context of its urban shell and, although man made, as you near in and around Butler University and the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the natural canopy sends you into a serene and magical nature setting. The scenes have fueled artists to explore on their own the settings and mood of the area with its soft purity.

Just off the Towpath was a rugged unmarked path. Unless you knew about it, you would simply pass it on by. If you took that turn, you would enter another realm and the true essence of the area. Mountain bikers and hikers alike explored the depths of the forested area which eventually led to a circular path around a “Hidden Lake.” This area, now owned by the IMA is now the setting for preservation and exploration as they turn this magical area of the city into a haven of artistic integrity. Thanks to the IMA, we get to explore the true potential of this area of the city for hopefully generations to come. This is 100 Acres.

Event Schedule

Artists Panel – Saturday, June 19, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Opening Party – Saturday, June 19, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Grand Opening – Sunday, June 20, Noon to 5 p.m.

This weekend (June 19 and 20), the Indianapolis Museum of Art unveils the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park (100 Acres).

100 Acres combines natural space with artistic designs and artist showcases to give the visitor an incredible, unique, and one-of-a kind visual experience. As Marlon Blackwell, Archetict describes in ArtBabble’s video on the park, “The art is not envisioned to stand against nature but in fact to find ways to connect with it.”

ArtBabble’s video on IMAs 100 Acres.

The park will open with a celebration and conjoining of music and inaugural works by international artists: Kendall Buster, Los Carpinteros, Jeppe Hein, Alfredo Jaar, Tea Mäkipää, Type A, Atelier Van Lieshout, and Andrea Zittel.

On Saturday, June 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at The Toby, IMA will present an artist panel,  moderated by Anne Pasternak, Predisent and Artistic Director of Creative Time [link]. Park architects Marlon Blackwell and Ed Blake will be in discussions with Lisa D. Freiman, Chair, Department of Contemporary Art at the IMA, Sarah Urist Green, Associate Curator of Contemporary Art and Maxwell Anderson, The Melvin & Bren Simon Director and CEO.

Later that evening, from 7 to 9:30 p.m., the 100 Acres Opening Party will bring in musical guests Shara Worden, Dayna Kurtz, Liz Janes, DJ Kyle Long, Arrington De Dionyso, Roberto Carlos Lange, Jordan Munson, and The Outside Orchestra. Tickets to the event is $80 for the public and $50 for members.

The Grand Opening on Sunday (Noon to 5 p.m.) is free to the public and will feature Epstein and DJ Kyle Long spinning throughout the afternoon. Other performers include the Motus Dance Theatre, JamX and throat singing by Arrington de Dionyso, lead vocalist from gruff indie garage band Old Time Relijun and illustrationist, showcasing his work on all of the band’s album covers.

Links:

Indianapolis Museum Of Art: http://www.imamuseum.org/

The Toby Article on ZapTown: http://www.zaptownmag.com/2009/12/lets-go-out-to-the-movies-the-toby
Kyle Long on The Mixdown: http://www.zaptownmag.com/2010/06/dj-kyle-long

Artists:

Kendall Buster: http://www.kendallbuster.com/
Los Carpinteros: http://www.loscarpinteros.net/
Jeppe Hein: http://www.jeppehein.net/
Alfredo Jaar: http://www.alfredojaar.net/
Tea Mäkipää: http://www.tea-makipaa.eu/
Type A: http://typea.us/
Atelier Van Lieshout: http://www.ateliervanlieshout.com/
Andrea Zittel: http://www.zittel.org/

Musicians:

Shara Worden (My Brightest Diamond): http://www.mybrightestdiamond.com/
Dayna Kurtz: http://www.daynakurtz.com/dayna_site_2009/Dayna2009IntroPage.htm
Liz Janes: http://asthmatickitty.com/liz-janes
DJ Kyle Long: http://culturalcannibals.blogspot.com/
Arrington De Dionyso (Old Time Relijun): http://www.myspace.com/arringtondedionyso
Roberto Carlos Lange (Epstein/Helado Negro): http://cargocollective.com/robertocarloslange
Jordan Munson: http://www.myspace.com/jordanmunsonmusic
The Outside Orchestra: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Outside-Orchestra/98600220722