(NOTE:  The Fishers Arts Council sent a corrected news release, and the story has been re-written to reflect the changes)

On Friday evening, September 13, 2024, the Fishers Municipal Center came alive with creativity as the Fishers Arts Council (FAC) hosted its fifth annual Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists awards ceremony. The event, which took place in the center’s bright, open gallery, honored local artists whose work continues to enrich the cultural fabric of Hamilton County and its surrounding areas.

For the fifth consecutive year, Jiffy Lube of Indiana stood as the title sponsor of the art competition. CEO Steve Sanner was on hand to welcome both artists and guests, underscoring the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting the arts in the community.

This year marked a new partnership with Noblesville Creates, which took on the role of People’s Choice award sponsor. Executive Director Ailithir McGill presented the coveted award, adding a fresh layer of community involvement to the event.

A notable change in this year’s competition was the extension of the boundary for participating artists. For the first time, artists residing within a mile beyond the Hamilton County line, but who consider the county their home, were eligible to participate. This change brought a diverse range of talent into the spotlight, reflecting the broader community’s artistic spirit.

The top honor, “Best in Show,” was awarded to Carmel resident Jerry Mannell for his evocative painting titled “Harbinger.” Mannell received a $1,000 prize, along with the promise of a solo exhibit in 2025. Judge Dan Annarino praised the piece for its depth and dynamic composition, stating, “Anyone looking at this painting for the first time needs to think about it. ‘What’s it all about?’ Might the viewer see a bird—a Cardinal, perhaps—and a mailbox? There are so many ways to look at this painting because it has so much depth. The subtle colors work well. The composition/balance is very good because the painting itself is so active. There is lots of movement in this kinetic presentation.”

Other top awards included:

• Best Landscape: Karissa Rumsey of Fishers for “Pemaquid Lighthouse,” sponsored by Wasson Nursery.
• Best Floral/Other: Casey Williams of McCordsville for “Garden Goddess.”
• Best Portrait/Figurative: Deborah Smith of Noblesville for her oil painting “A Midsummer Day’s Dream.”
• Best Abstract: Caroline Hays of Noblesville for “Nature’s Layers,” a mixed media piece.

Each of these category winners received $600 in recognition of their outstanding work.

Two merit awards were also presented.  These honors went to Brinton Farrand of Cicero and Craig Mullins of Indianapolis, highlighting the depth of talent present at the exhibit.

The Noblesville Creates People’s Choice award, determined by both online and in-person voting, was awarded to Fishers resident Stephanie Carignan for her impasto work “Weathered & Woven Grassland.” Carignan’s piece garnered the most votes overall, earning her a $250 cash prize.

All award-winning works, along with nearly all other pieces on display, are available for purchase through September 28, offering art lovers a chance to bring a piece of local talent into their homes.

The Fishers Arts Council invites all residents of Hamilton County and beyond to visit the Art Gallery at City Hall in the Fishers Municipal Center, located at 1 Municipal Drive. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a special viewing opportunity on September 28 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Additionally, the juried exhibit can be viewed online through the Fishers Arts Council’s Facebook page at this link.

I started this Fishers local news blog in January of 2012.  It has been hard work as a volunteer activity but is worth it to me when I am told it has allowed more local people to be engaged in their local issues and government.

I must make a major change in how this blog works.  I have been considering this for some time, and have reached a decision.  I will no longer allow comments on my blog posts.

Let me say at the outset that most comments are fine, an expression of one’s views and done in a respectful manner.  This action is not aimed at any of you.

Perhaps it is a reflection on the tone of the current political environment.  As a one-man-band volunteer operation, I do not have the time and cannot devote the effort to fact-check and use a fine-tooth-comb to review every comment, especially when a particular story elicits a long list comments.

I do this reluctantly, but, after much thought and reflection, must take this action.

Obviously, if you wish to cut-and-paste a link to one of my news stories and place it on your own social media platform, that is fine.  I am only saying on this blog the comments will end.

Past comments remain, I do not have the time to review every single comment posted on this blog.

So, thank you for reading.  I appreciate each and every reader of this news blog.

The coming of the fall season has not had much impact on road construction in and around Fishers.  Below is the latest update, as provided by the City of Fishers:

=========

Continue reading Fishers-area road construction – work week beginning Monday, September 23 →

Ever since Greg Lannan filed to be a candidate for Hamilton Southeastern School Board, the most often asked question of me is – am I related to Greg Lannan?  Greg & I discuss that and his campaign for school board in this podcast at the link below.

Sarah Parks-Reese is seeking her second 4-year term in the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board.  Larry sat down with her to recording the podcast linked below.

If you are voting for the first time in this year’s general election, and have some trepidation about it, Hamilton County wants to put your mind at ease.

The Hamilton County Clerk’s Office will host a webinar on Wednesday, October 2, at 6:00 p.m., for new and first-time voters. Hamilton County Election Administrator Beth Sheller will offer advice on how to register to vote, the process for requesting an absentee ballot, and details on early voting opportunities.

“We understand that voting for the first time can be a bit intimidating, but it doesn’t need to be,” says Sheller. “Our goal is to help young voters, and their families navigate the voting process with confidence. Whether you’re in college and away from home or just looking to understand your options, this webinar will cover everything you need to know to make your vote count.”

“This webinar is an excellent opportunity for first-time voters to familiarize themselves with the voting process,” says County Clerk Kathy Kreag Williams. “We hope to engage young voters and ensure they are well-informed and ready to participate in the democratic process.”

Participation in the webinar requires advance registration. To secure your spot and gain  insights into the voting process, you can register at this link.

Voters in the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School District will vote on three township races for seats on the local school board.  One of the candidates from Wayne Township is John Stewart.  I sat down with John Stewart to talk about his campaign.

With the local school board election set for November 5th, and early voting expected to start in early October, the Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA), the local teachers’ union, announced on social media Tuesday the candidates the union is supporting in the balloting.

In this round of the election, voters residing in the Hamilton Southeastern School District will all cast ballots in three elections, one for each township – Fall Creek, Delaware & Wayne.

In Fall Creek Township, Suzanne Thomas, an incumbent, is supported by HSEA.  Terry Tolle is the other candidate in Fall Creek.

In Delaware Township, Latrica Schooley is HSEA’s choice.  The other candidate in that township is Greg Lannan.

Finally, in Wayne Township, incumbent Sarah Parks-Reese is HSEA’s choice.  John Stewart is the other candidate in Wayne.

If you are not registered to vote, use this link to check on your current registration or register to vote online.  The deadline for voter registration in Indiana is Monday, October 7.

Today, September 17, is designated as Voter Registration Day nationally.  It is a day set aside to remind eligible voters to register.

In Indiana, the deadline to register is Monday,  October 7.  In order to register, or check on your current voter registration status in Indiana, use this link

In Indiana, early voting generally begins once voter registration closes.  Early voting varies depending on where you live in the Hoosier state.

Election day is Tuesday, November 5.

The Hamilton East Public Library (HEPL) is gearing up for its second “Bike Rodeo,” an event designed to promote safety and wellness for children ages 7-10. Partnering with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the program will take place on Saturday, September 28, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. outside the Fishers Library, near the Nickel Plate Trail.

Children attending the event are encouraged to bring their bikes and be ready for a fun, educational experience. The event will focus on teaching young riders essential safety skills for traveling on bike paths. Following a brief lesson on safety basics, participants will test their knowledge by navigating an obstacle course, giving them the chance to build and improve their riding abilities.

Free helmets will be available for attendees, provided by the Friends of the Library, while supplies last. A properly fitted helmet is mandatory for all participants in the event.

“We’re excited to offer another Bike Rodeo at the Fishers Library,” said Julie Stephens, HEPL Youth Services Librarian. “The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Bike Team brings infectious enthusiasm, and their encouragement creates a fun and engaging learning environment for the children. We’re especially grateful to the Friends of the Library for providing free helmets to help keep participants safe.”

This event comes on the heels of HEPL’s successful Bike Rodeo held earlier this year, which received positive feedback from the community. Buoyed by the support of the Sheriff’s Office and a generous sponsorship from the Friends of the Library, HEPL is excited to offer this opportunity once again.

To learn more about the upcoming Bike Rodeo and register for the program, visit HEPL’s events calendar at this link.