Opening October 5th 4pm-8pm, and running through October 12, CV Art and Frame Fine Art Gallery at 110 S. Main St., Zionsville will be hosting the first Indianapolis-area showing and sale of the famed eclectic local artist and well-known Indy jazz musician, John Fletcher Strickland. An opening reception on October 5th from 4 to 8 pm at CV Art and Frame features 30 plus originals of the late Strickland’s work and is open to the public at no charge. Beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

A lifelong Indiana resident, Strickland, who died in December 2023, was a painter, professional jazz musician, poet, teacher, and father. He was taught to play the vertical and upright bass by Indiana University’s professor Dr. David Baker. They became close friends among many other jazz musicians from the Indianapolis and Indiana Avenue jazz scene. His paintings range from portraits and abstracts to whimsical takes on everyday objects.

Strickland found painting a “problem-solving of problems.” “It can be fun,” he said, “but just as often it is maddening.” He liked working in acrylics due to the fast-drying time, while also allowing him to make changes along the way. “I am happy to have history show through,” he said. “This process continues till I surrender the will and wisdom of intuition.”