The Gallery at the Learning Resource Center (LRC) is hosting an upcoming exhibition titled "Bridging the Gap." This exhibit, running from February 29 through March 21, gives visitors the opportunity to view a diverse range of art pieces submitted by Ivy Tech Indianapolis students, faculty, and staff, all of which offer unique perspectives on the theme of bridging gaps.
One of the exhibit’s standout pieces is a 2021 collaborative mural, "August 15th: A Mural for Afghanistan." The traveling mural was created by Tiffany Black – an artist, and Ivy Tech Indy faculty – Zainab Ahmadi, Fawzia Abdaly, Camp Atterbury staff, and 59 Afghani evacuees following the mass exodus from Afghanistan. The mural stands 20 feet wide and 8 feet high, representing unity and resilience.
August 15 and other works in the show invite viewers to reflect on global issues and offer a window into the integral international and diverse communities throughout Ivy Tech Indy and Indianapolis.
The idea for the show came about when Leena Dobouni, gallery manager, and Black talked over coffee one day about misconceptions circulating regarding Muslims and Arabs.
“We were both frustrated with how strongly Muslim voices, stories, and experiences were being silenced in the media and typical day-to-day activities. We got to chatting about how art is a great way to bring people together and to join and honor diverse, global voices. What better way to do that than an art exhibition? I had a show slot open in the gallery, and Tiffany graciously agreed to collaborate,” Dobouni shared.
The first few days of the exhibit’s opening will be primarily reserved for students of different classes and groups on campus. IvyWrites, for example, will be using the space as inspiration for writing prompts the very first day the art is on display, on February 29, and the following day, March 1, the gallery will be hosting a “Make-It-Take-It” journal-making workshop.
Dobouni says the artwork and stories from international or internationally-related individuals touch on cultural backgrounds, an appreciation of global culture, as well as creative and out-of-the-box interpretations of bridging gaps. Her goal is that Bridging the Gap does just that and helps foster understanding and acceptance.
“These kinds of exhibitions allow for a window to be opened, or a bridge to be created – pun intended – between people's experiences,” Dobouni said. “I believe that the openness of interpretation is pivotal; it welcomes all voices, whether they are speaking to cross-culturalism, ethnic inclusiveness, or the generational gap between their mom's educational experience and theirs!”
Those interested in seeing the show can do so from February 29 through March 21. The reception and panel discussion on March 6 are open to the community where guests are encouraged to engage in open dialogue about global issues and their cultural backgrounds. The reception is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m., with the panel discussion to occur at 6:30 p.m. and continue until 8 p.m.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
