I have finally recovered from the weekend, and am enjoying the photos, video and reviews of the exhibit.  Here is just a sample of the reviews

Review from Nuvo bu Dan Grossman

One of the most engaging of these installations was the cannon-sized kaleidoscope created by Andrew Ball with Todd Bracik and Matt Warren.

Review by Fun City Finder

Installation Nation is a unique opportunity for Indy residents to interact with the art in a hands-on manner. Too often art is placed behind velvet ropes and interpreted, not by the individual art-goers personal response to a piece, but rather by the artist’s dictation and description. Installation Nation is more than that, much more. It is an open invitation to all of the Circle City to meet up in downtown Indianapolis and join in a party while interacting with art and others.

Photo Gallery from Fun City Finder

Video interviews with all the artists and Hugh  of Primary Colors

If you were at Installation Nation this past weekend, share your thoughts here!

Why all the fuss about an 8 Foot Kaleidoscope? Because the images when you look through it are so cool!

Matt, Todd and I are really excited about the way the kaleidoscope is coming together.  While we still have some work to do to finish the project before the opening of Installation Nation next weekend, we can’t help but smile as we look through and see it work!

The idea of an 8 Foot Kaleidoscope seems to be grabbing the attention of others as well.   Here are just a few excerpts from the news:

From the Art Center News:

“Last year when I looked at the shipping containers of Installation Nation, it came to me that these would be perfect as giant kaleidoscopes,” Andy said,”Typically people walked into containers and looked at what was inside. As I stood outside I saw people inside and thought- why not make a piece which is both interactive and participatory by putting attendees into the work of art”

From Indy-Biz

A team of local artists, led by Andrew Ball, has constructed a colossal kaleidoscope. The finished piece measures more than 8 feet in length, making it the largest manually operated kaleidoscope in Indiana, and possibly in the United States.

From the Indy Star

“Last year when I looked at the long shipping containers of Installation Nation, it came to me that these would be perfect to house a giant kaleidoscope,” said Ball. “Why a giant kaleidoscope? Because I’d never seen one before. And ultimately, why not?”

The magic of a kaleidoscope comes from the mirrors.  In the case of our kaleidoscope, we are using acrylic mirrors which will be mounted on the eight foot wood frames we built today.

For the best view of the pictures, select View in PicLens

[View with PicLens]

Todd, Matt and I are hard at work building the shell of our 8 foot Kaleidoscope.  The exterior is constructed of steel barrels which originally contained maple syrup and vanilla marshmallow extract.  (The aroma is much stronger as we heat the metal to weld the pieces together.)

To view a larger version of any image, simply click the image.  (Click again to escape photo view)

[View with PicLens]

These are some of my more recent works.  The Gleaners Bowl was donated to the Gleaners Food Bank for their annual auction.

[View with PicLens]

A year ago, my wife Lorraine and I attended the first Installation Nation. Walking through the unique, interactive exhibit sparked my imagination.  A year later, along with Matt Warren and Todd Bracik,  I will be part of the exhibit.

What is Installation Nation?

An interactive exhibit where the participating artists will create an installation within the 8′x8′x20′ confines of seven large metal shipping containers placed on a vacant lot at 500 N. College in downtown Indianapolis.

What Will We Build Inside our Shipping Container?

An 8 Foot Kaleidoscope of course.  We have the designs, and the materials and we are ready to start building.  Be sure to check back for status updates over the next few weeks.   And be sure to come out to see us the weekend of  June 4th.

Lorraine has found a really cool tool to show off some of my work. Check out the slide show!

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

I am excited to be included in the After-Party for December’s First Friday Art Event called Modern Perspectives to be held at The Melody Inn on December 4, 2009.

This is a late-night event, from 10pm to 3am, so be sure to take a nap on Friday afternoon. We’ll be rocking with live music and DJ’s at both the Melody Inn (3826 N. Illinois Street) and Melody Inn Gallery (3822 N. Illinois Street) in the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood. Hope to see you there!

Click Here to read more about the event.

I am excited about making my first appearance in the annul Indianapolis Art Center Fall Open House.  Opening August 28^th, the Indianapolis Art Center will feature my work along with 3 other local artists,  Susan Downs, Pat Richardson and Lisa Vanmeter, in a showcase of different mediums and talent.

The exhibit features some of my new work including Juxtaposition and Connections.  It begins its run on  August 28^th and continues through September 30^th.   I hope you will be able to join us for the open house reception on Friday, September 11^th from 6pm until 8pm.

During the open house various pieces will be available for sale, so feel free to bring your check book.  Admission to the Art Center is free.