Art can be political. And for the works you’ll see in this upcoming art show, it was a requirement.
In 2020, Lars Lawson, founder of Timber Design Studio and Timber Jack Goods, created “The Art of Politics,” an annual poster exhibition and online auction.
He was feeling helpless as a designer, struggling to find how he could make an impact on his community during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and a polarizing political climate.
“The Art of Politics” was the solution to his dilemma.
“Art reflects current events and the current pulse of what’s going on,” Lawson said. “I came up with the show to create a voice through art to communicate all the things that people were feeling at the time.”
Over 60 local artists and designers will show protest art and politically-inspired posters from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26 in Schweitzer Gallery at the Factory Arts District.
If you go
The Art of Politics
🗓️ 7-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26
📍 Factory Arts District North, 1125 E. Brookside Ave.
🎟️ Free and open to the public
Beyond the art, guests can participate in post card and button-making stations and get registered to vote. Democratic Councilor Jesse Brown, Sen. Andrea Hunley and IPS School board member Allissa Impink will be in attendance.
No topic is taboo at “The Art of Politics.” Lawson said this is a free speech event where all views are welcome.
“Most of the artists tend to be more liberal, but the show is open to anybody. I encourage views from all political ranges to participate,” he said. “There is no censoring, we’re celebrating freedom of speech.”
However, there are some limitations. Posters can’t promote violence or other things that are not considered protected speech under the First Amendment.
Given the controversial nature of some of the posters, Lawson recommends children be supervised by an adult.
In the past, artists have covered local and national topics like climate change, voting rights, immigration and women’s health.
“The Art of Politics” seeks to ensure the impact of the show extends beyond the gallery. Each poster will support a different cause. All auction proceeds will be sent to a nonprofit organization of the artist’s choice.
Since 2020, the event has raised over $10,000 for organizations like Planned Parenthood, The National Wildlife Federation, United Against Book Bans, Teach Indy Now and the ACLU.
At the event, guests can also enjoy food, drinks, dessert from Shapiro’s Delicatessen and music by DJ Rusty Redenbacher.
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Mirror Indy reporter Mesgana Waiss covers arts and culture. Contact her at 317-667-2643 or mesgana.waiss@mirrorindy.org.
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