Heckaman is ‘raised up’ again

     (AAPNW-IN) – Each month Heartland Artists Gallery in Plymouth, Indiana features an area artist that has made a contribution to the world of art.  Opening on Wednesday, June 8, “Blast from the Past: The Art and ‘Senior Cords’ of Rod Heckaman” opens to the public and remains on view through the end of the month. On Friday, June 10, a reception will be from 6:00-9:00 pm.

     After graduation in 1966 from Plymouth High School, Heckaman moved to Portland, Oregon and attended Maltnomah College and then was inducted into the US Army, serving in the Vietnam. Later he worked for Purdue University in the Engineering Department as a commercial artist.

     Best remembered by the residents of Plymouth are his “senior cords” that parlayed him into the national spotlight.  Every senior would have a pair of corduroy pants that would fall prey to Rod and his artistic brush. Characters, cars and memories of the 1960s come to life through his whimsical earlier years. Rod died on June 9, 2005.

     More renown by many was Heckaman’s work of portrait drawings, leatherwork and muralist.  The First Assembly of God Church in Lafayette, Indiana proudly displays a mural.  The Indy 500 once commissioned Rod as a designer for the T-shirts of the auto racers.

     According to Edward D. Pullen, President, the organization is continuing to grow and teaching classes are now available through reputable artists.  The Fall Show held in October is the largest attraction featuring regional artists and prizes in access of $5000.

     For more information, see www.heartlandartgallery.com. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Friday from noon to 5:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Also, visit the Arts Council of Marshall County at www.createmarshallcounty.org.