April Show features works not yet found in typical galleries

 By Mary Lee Pappas / Star correspondent

Posted: April 30, 2010

David Hittle (right) is the host of the April Show. One of the artists, Jerome T. Neal, holds his work, "The Station." - Frank Espich / The Star

"Mother," an oil on plywood by Neal ($80), will be among works at the April Show. - Photo provided by David Hittle

The American foursquare, turn-of-the-century Victorian at 322 N. Arsenal Ave. is home to former social worker David Hittle. But for one night in April, it's transformed into a full-scale art gallery.

Inside, the steep walls become display space for the April Show, a salon-style art show and sale featuring works by artists who have not had access to mainstream galleries despite their talents and abilities -- artists who have overcome incredible odds.

"They've overcome an obstacle of one kind or another," Hittle said of the more than 20 artists participating in this year's show. "From physical disabilities to mental issues to emotional issues and various traumas, and we still have a number who were or are still homeless."

Now in its 13th year, the inaugural April Show in 1997 included three painters Hittle knew: Jerome T. Neal, Berry Connell and the late Harry Blomme. Neal and Connell are both full-time professional artists now.

"I don't know a lot about art myself, but I think it's a part of all of them that they couldn't suppress if they wanted to," Hittle said of Neal and Connell. "I think it's in them and something that wants to come out. They have to do art."

Neal said that in 1997 he was working a humble job and living in a meager apartment while creating his art. He was amazed at the turnout for the first April Show, which he said provides a great incentive to paint.

"I was surprised when it first started how many people showed up," he said about the show that attracts a diverse group of art lovers. "What really got me was that the kids liked my work. That's what it's all about. It's why I don't do so many nudes."

Neal creates colorful acrylic paintings, street scenes and figurative works. He said his business cards say he's a "modern artist," but that he always tries to "do something up-to-date, scientific or something in the news."

In addition to works by Neal and Connell, this year's April Show will showcase art by various other artists, including quilter Dorothy Caldwell, who will have two large pieces for sale. The daughter of sharecroppers from Wyatt, Mo., "(Caldwell) learned (to make quilts) in the Southern tradition of African-American women and from her mom. She's really good," said Hittle.

Throughout the night, patrons at the April Show will get the chance to peruse the art and meet the artists behind the work, which Hittle believes is a form of therapy for them. "That is probably the large drive for why they continue to do it," he said.

It's also an opportunity for them to make money.

"I think you could probably call a lot of them professional because they do sell their art, and in some cases that's all they do to make money," said Hittle. All of the show's profits are given to the artists, who donate 10 percent of what they make, sometimes more, to organizations they've benefited from.

The April Show

» When: 7 p.m. today. » Where: 322 N. Arsenal Ave. » Cost: Free admission. » Info: (317) 974-1163.

The April Show, Jerome Neil, David Hittle, Frank Espich, outsider art, art artist, painters, Indianapolis,  Berry Connell, Harry Blomme, Dorothy Caldwell