A Westfield-based painter is one of more than three dozen artists featured this summer at the Harrison Center in Indianapolis.
Kristin Whitney began painting in watercolors as a young girl. As a college student, she studied fine arts and graphic design, but painting was always her first love. In 2007, she became a missionary and graphic designer with Cru, an international nondenominational nonprofit organization. Although Whitney was able to combine her spirituality with her love of art, in 2012 she left missionary work to pursue art full time.
This summer, Whitney was selected as one of the Harrison Center’s featured artists.
“Every first Friday of the month, Indianapolis hosts a First Friday, where galleries downtown are open. It’s kind of like a gallery walk where you can go in and view all this art,” Whitney said. “The Harrison Center is really unique because it’s kind of like an artists’ hub.”
Whitney was invited to display her work in July and August. Her paintings are featured in the Underground Gallery, which takes up the entire basement of the space. Her collection, ‘Holy Spirit Flow,’ uses acrylics to convey how Whitney views the harmony of the Holy Spirit with human creativity.
The display has 21 pieces.
“All of my artwork is intuitive art, but the titles are based around Scripture or worship songs or what I’m feeling led to call it or to do,” Whitney said. “Nine of the pieces are about the fruits of the spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.”
Whitney said she worked hard to earn the recognition.
“I’ve been doing art since 2013. I have three little kids, so it’s busy all the time, so it’s just been a slow climb,” she said. “I’ve been slowly growing in the art scene here. I’ve been in the CCA Gallery on Main Street in Carmel. I’ve been there for about five years. I had to take some brief stints away when I had my children. I have a gallery space there. I have some artwork at High Frequency Arts in the Hub & Spoke Design Center in Fishers. I teach a class online. I have some pieces in some medical offices. But really, the Harrison Center is an awesome thing.”
Whitney also participates in the Penrod Arts Fair in Indianapolis each year. Besides her gallery work, her artwork was also selected as featured wallpaper on the proposed Tempo by Hilton hotel in Clay Terrace.
Whitney said being an artist means not being afraid of being vulnerable.
“It’s always a little scary, but I think the reward is not when somebody buys your art. The reward is whether I like what I am putting out and I know it’s good,” she said. “I know it could bless somebody else. So, my artwork, I’ve been able to have amazing conversations, I’ve cried with people and we’ve prayed together from them seeing something that moves them. That’s really what abstract art is all about; when you see the composition and the colors it moves you on a spiritual level. It speaks to your soul.”
Whitney said that although her artwork is influenced by Scripture, one doesn’t have to be religious to appreciate it.
“To me it’s spiritual, but I think it can mean so many different things to everybody else,” she said.
She also has advice for others thinking about pursuing their artistic dreams.
“I think success is like a stairway. Sometimes you go up a few steps, and sometimes you go down a few steps,” Whitney said. “But I don’t feel there’s an upstairs to get to on that stairway. It’s just a slow climb. It’s a journey. What I would say is, just don’t ever give up. If you feel led to do this and it’s part of who you are in the core of your soul, don’t ever give up. Just continue to push forward and push into what you love.”
Whitney’s paintings will be on display at The Harrison Center through Aug. 30, and works are available for purchase.
‘Holy Spirit Flow’ can be viewed during gallery hours Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Harrison Center, 1505 N. Delaware St. in Indianapolis.
Learn more at kristinwhitney.com
ABOUT THE HARRISON CENTER
The Harrison Center is a 65,000-square-foot historic building at 16th and Delaware streets that provides cultural experiences including art, music, education and grassroots activism. The center focuses on accessible gallery experiences that can be enjoyed by everyone.
The mission of The Harrison Center is “to be a catalyst for renewal in the City of Indianapolis by fostering awareness, appreciation and community for arts and culture.”
Learn more at harrisoncenter.org.
