The White River Farm, a private estate in the hills above the White River, offers a unique and immersive art experience through its summer solstice show, 'Companion: Coordinates of Belonging'. This exhibition, curated by Braydee Euliss, showcases 55 contemporary artworks across the farm's cottage, gallery, barn, and pond, with a focus on humanizing the art and its display. The show's meandering nature, devoid of labels or descriptions, encourages visitors to explore and connect with the art in their own space.
One of the standout pieces is Maura Jasper's 'In Like A Lion: Observations', which takes visitors on an unexpected journey with a 38-minute movie experience featuring the artist's delightful mom giving weather reports. The show also includes Max Trumpower's 'Water Tower', a ceramic sculpture in the pond that feels like it grew there, despite the effort required to safely place it on its limestone pedestal. The artists featured in the exhibition, including Shamira, an Indianapolis artist and farmer, use natural materials such as shells, freshwater pearls, rice, pressed flowers, grass, and curly maple to create their works.
The farm's history is also an integral part of the experience. Originally populated by crows and later by farming families and wealthy entrepreneurs, the area has been enhanced by landscape architects over the decades. The exhibition provides a rare opportunity to visit the property, which is usually not open to the public, and explore the natural setting that inspired the artists.
The show's popularity has led to its expansion from a three-day exhibit in 2025 to a month-long event this year. The closing reception on July 19th offers a chance to visit the property and enjoy special events, including a curatorial tour with Braydee Euliss, a garden walk with landscape architect Chris Merritt, and a flag-lowering ceremony with artist Kim Beck. The exhibition also highlights the importance of slowing down and connecting with art, as noted by Shamira, who hosted a Soil to Pigment 'mini residency' on the summer solstice, encouraging participants to notice textures, compare colors, and spend time with one another.
The White River Farm's summer solstice show is a testament to the power of art and nature, offering a unique and immersive experience that challenges the traditional gallery setting. It invites visitors to explore, connect, and appreciate the beauty of contemporary art in a natural and unexpected way.
