11 Apr Meyer Najem Showcase: “Claudia & Friends” by Claudia Labin
Flowers won’t be the only thing cross pollinating this Spring. Claudia Labin, Irwin Labin, Andy Ball, Julie Ball, Jim Barnes, Howard Friedman, Freddie Kelvin, Debbie Kirby, Bonnie Maurer, Tom Mueller, Bill Wehmeier, Pat Wehmeier, and Gayle Williams will be sharing an exhibit from April through June at Meyer Najem in Fishers. Their body of artwork will showcase the result of a “cross pollination” of ideas, technique, and experience.
This salon of local artists first started meeting around June 2023. Every six-to-eight weeks, they come together to present and review each other’s latest artwork. Claudia recounts that because they all come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, there is alway a lesson to learn and new chances to think outside the box. “I think this group gave me the opportunity to be more adventurous,” she says, later noting that it “reignited my creativity”.
Claudia herself began painting seriously in the last ten years. She credits Nobelsville Creates, then known as Nickel Plate Arts, as the launchpad from which her artistic passions took off. Her artwork since then has developed alongside her love of storytelling. “All of my artwork has a story to tell. They’re one of a kind, all unique,” she states. Influences from master painters, classical tales, and a bevy of mixed media supplies produces individual pieces rich with meaning.
Since the salon’s inaugural meeting about nine months ago, Claudia has found herself experimenting. Her most recent pieces are multi-media with hints of burlap, cheesecloth, and paints. The other salon artists will be bringing their own latest works to the exhibit, including oil portraits, ceramics, steel, and more.
See the full exhibit, Claudia & Friends from April 12 through June 29. This exhibit is viewable at the Meyer Najem 2nd floor gallery, located at 11787 Lantern Road in Fishers, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You can meet Claudia & Friends at their free public reception on Friday, April 12 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Meyer Najem.
