“We want to provide our visitors with a place to explore their own creativity through one-of-a-kind experiences,” said President and CEO of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites Cathy Ferree. “By engaging with Hines’ story and artistic process, our visitors can do just that.”

 

On view through Sunday, September 29, 2019, “It’s About Time: The Artwork of Felrath Hines” at the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis, Hines’ interest in art first began during his youth in segregated Indianapolis, where he attended art classes on Saturdays at the John Herron School of Art. He later graduated from Crispus Attucks High School in 1931 before continuing his formal art education in Chicago and pursuing art in New York City and Washington, D.C.

The exhibition features Hines’ work as an artist and he served as a professional art conservator for noted artist Georgia O’Keeffe and became the first African American chief conservator for the Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery. More than 20 original paintings will be on display, including “It’s About Time”, “Open End” and “Midnight Garden” as well as personal items.

Upon entering the show, goers will have an opportunity view one of Hines’ paintings and learn about different ways to enjoy abstract art, even for those new to art appreciation, while also understanding there is no “right way” to interpret the artwork.

In addition, goers will step into Hines’ creative mindset by listening to a soundtrack of jazz music. Jazz often served as inspiration for his work, which features bold colors, geometric shapes and clean lines. Then, they can change the colors in one of Hines’ pieces to see how his choice of color and shape communicated different ideas.
For more information, see: https://www.indianamuseum.org or view more of his work, see: https://www.felrathhines.com.