As the first First Friday Art Walk of the season approaches this Friday, March 6, the Vincennes community is invited to do more than just view art—they are being asked to help create it. Local artist Fernando Lozano is debuting an interactive exhibit at The Art Space titled “Words, Color, Light and the Tree of Hope and Gratitude,” a project designed to “plant the seed” for a more connected community.
Located near the former Chicago Pizza site, The Art Space will serve as the hub for this unique installation. Visitors are encouraged to enter the gallery, where they can pick up a laser-cut wooden leaf. Participants can then write down their hopes or expressions of gratitude for the year before pinning their leaf to a striking blue tree located just outside the gallery doors.
“If you want a community to grow, you need to plant the seed”, Lozano said of the project’s inspiration. The artist has already distributed 250 wooden leaves to spark interest, noting that the community response has been amazing.
While the exhibit features Lozano’s visual work, the conceptual heart of the show is inspired by the wit and wisdom of Pablo Picasso. Rather than focusing solely on Picasso’s paintings, Lozano highlights the artist’s insightful quotes about how we perceive art.
“You don’t need to be a scholar to look at art. You just need to feel it”, Lozano explained. He hopes his entire exhibit at The Art Space breaks down the barriers that often make people feel intimidated by galleries or museums.
The project is intentionally inclusive, with a special invitation extended to kids. Children who may not want to use words are encouraged to participate by drawing pictures—whether it’s a house, an airplane, or a happy face—to add to the tree.
“I love kids’ work”, Lozano said. “I want the kids to come, grab one, draw something, and put it there.”
The Tree of Hope and Gratitude was made possible through local collaboration, with Vincennes Welding constructing the tree and Grace Memorial providing the laser-cut wooden leaves. For those unable to attend the opening, the exhibit is expected to remain available throughout the month. The Art Space Gallery hour are Tuesday through Saturday 12pm – 5 p.m.
The First Friday Art Walk begins Friday at 5 p.m. Additional participating galleries include the Northwest Territory Art Guild and The Open Gallery.
The Northwest Territory Art Guild, located at 316 Main Street, will display spring works along with abstract pieces, pottery, and other artwork created by guild members for the opening month. Gallery hours are Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 6 p.m.; and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Open Gallery, located at 329 Main Street, will feature the exhibit “The Inevitability of the Absurd: The Abstractions of Andrew Rosenbarger.” The March and April shows include abstract paintings by Clarksville native Andrew Rosenbarger. According to the gallery, the works explore memory and how viewers interpret objects, buildings, and other images shaped by time. The artist will be present during the event to discuss the exhibit and answer questions. Refreshments will be served. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and more information is available at 812-881-6475.
