25 May Fine, Feathered & Fun: Jim Beitman’s “Chicken Feed”
Can “fine art” be fun? Gold frames, precision-cut mats, and kid gloves are often the images that come to mind when we hear the words “fine art,” and understandably so. Artists often pour their heart, soul, time, money, and energy into their work, which culminates in a precious final product. Great measures are taken in order to ensure that the artwork stays pristine, which can often make “fine art” feel stiff and stuffy.
Enter Jim Beitman. For the month of June, Noblesville Creates will be hosting “Chicken Feed,” a showcase of Jim’s various creative endeavors. A local Noblesville artist and true creative spirit, his background in art is multi-faceted. After obtaining a degree in painting from Indiana University in 1976, Jim proceeded to study creative arts therapy at the Hahnemann Medical College of Drexel University in Philadelphia, obtaining a master’s degree. Today, Jim works as an art therapist and counselor, teaching pre-art therapy at the University of Indianapolis and occasionally coordinating cross-cultural experiences with students in Belize.
While it’s obvious that Jim pours his heart, soul, and energy into his work, it’s also clear that he’s adding a full serving of whimsy, too. “To me, art is in the making”. Not content with one medium, Jim’s body of work pays homage to feathered friends with a variety of mixed media works featuring paintings and felted wool.
Noblesville Creates will be hosting a reception for Jim’s “Chicken Feed” exhibit on Saturday, June 3rd from 10am – 1pm in our Stephenson House gallery space. The public is invited to learn more about Jim’s art and creative process while enjoying catered brunch-style refreshments and live marimba performances by Sarah Haag. Artists of all ages can add their own chicken or duck to Jim’s flock with a coloring page. For those who wish to bring some fanciful flair to their everyday lives, a limited selection of home goods featuring Jim’s paintings will be for sale. Can’t make it to the reception? “Chicken Feed” will be on display from June 1st – June 30th Wednesday – Friday from 12 noon – 5pm and 10am – 5pm on Saturdays.
