April 2022 | Under Western Skies: Paintings from the Southwest by Orlando Peláez

First Friday Reception: Friday, April 1, 6-9 p.m.

Growing up in Medellin, Colombia, Orlando Peláez would watch Western movie matinees and collect comic books and trade them with friends. As part of his Creative Renewal Arts Fellowship in 2017, he traveled to Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico to revisit his childhood fascination with Southwestern people, landscapes, and cultures. 

His journey inspired Under Western Skies: Paintings from the Southwest, opening with a First Friday reception 6 to 9 p.m. April 1 at Gallery 924. Orlando’s trademark bold, almost-graphic approach incorporates vintage Western comics and pays homage to Native American people while exploring his view of the fictionalized romanticism of the West. Orlando will give brief remarks at 6:30 p.m.

“I want to send a strong and genuine message about how I see the ‘American dream’ about the West, with all of its historical tragedies and triumphs,” he said. 

Under Western Skies: Paintings from the Southwest will be on exhibit through April 28. 

About the Creative Renewal Arts Fellowship

A collaboration between Lilly Endowment Inc. and the Indy Arts Council, the Fellowship awards $10,000 grants every two years to eligible artists and administrators to explore their artistry, refresh their creativity, and recharge their spirit. Since the program’s launch in 1999, nearly 470 grants have been awarded. The next round of grant applications will open June 3. 

NEW! COVID-19 SAFETY UPDATES

With COVID cases declining in Marion County, masks are optional for visitors to Gallery 924, but encouraged in areas where social distancing is not possible. Indy Arts Council staff will continue to wear masks as a precautionary measure.