Events
February 21, 2025
Kennedy Art Center | 326 S Washington St, Marion, IN 46952
February 21, 2025 Kennedy Art Center | 326 S Washington St, Marion, IN 46952
We are grateful for the opportunity to host such an impactful exhibition from locally-born artist Samuel Levi Jones and his team. Together, Sam Jones, LAA Office, and Sam Van Aken have come together to design the Marion Legacy Project, an installation they hope to place in downtown Marion in remembrance and contemplation of the 1930 lynching of James Cameron, Thomas Shipp, and Abraham S. Smith.
This installation serves as a glimpse into that creative work and what it hopes to be. First displayed at the 2023 Chicago Architecture Biennial: THIS IS A REHEARSAL, KAC, Marion Design Co and Marion Arts Comission is honored to be able to share this exhibit in the area it was created to be placed in.
Join us February 21st from 7-9 pm for the opening reception, where Sam Jones will be in attendance. This show will also coincide with the opening of Marion High School’s annual Black History Month play. Be sure to mark your calendars for both events
“Our journey through the arts has been shaped by incredible moments of creativity, collaboration, and community engagement. From inspiring exhibitions and engaging workshops to memorable performances and fundraisers, our past events have celebrated the transformative power of the arts. Explore highlights from our previous exhibits and relive the passion, talent, and dedication that have brought our mission to life. Each event tells a story—a testament to the vibrant spirit of our community and its shared love for the arts.”
WORK BY THE BOARD DECEMBER 6, 2024 - FEBRUARY 13, 2025 OPENING RECEPTION: JANUARY 18, 2025 | 7-9 PM
The Marion Arts Commission Board is a diverse collective of individuals—artists, designers, bankers, entrepreneurs, educators, small business owners, and healthcare providers. Despite our varied backgrounds, we share a unified passion: empowering the arts to cultivate growth in our city and enhance the quality of life for all.
This exhibit at the Kennedy Art Center showcases the stories, passions, and visions of both current and past board members. It celebrates the beauty of creativity born from moments of stillness—those cherished pauses where boredom turns into inspiration and dreams take flight.
We hope this exhibit encourages you to embrace moments of reflection in your own life. Take time to pause, dream, and let your imagination grow. Together, let’s continue fostering a community where art connects and inspires.
We want to take a moment to sincerely thank everyone who participated in the 1st Annual MAC Gala. Your support and enthusiasm made this event a resounding success and a truly memorable celebration.
From all of us at the Marion Arts Commission, thank you for being a part of this special night. We can’t wait to share even more incredible experiences with you in the years to come!
SAQA
JULY 17, 2024 - SEPTEMBER 13, 2024 Kennedy Art Center 326 S. Washington St., Marion, IN 46952
A Celebration of the Art of Quilting
The Marion Arts Commission, in partnership with SAQA Indiana, The Quilters Hall of Fame, and Marion Design Co., proudly celebrated the timeless craft and artistry of quilting in a captivating exhibition.
On display for a limited time, from July 17 to September 13, the exhibition transformed the Kennedy Art Center at 326 South Washington St., Marion, IN, into a vibrant showcase of quilt-making traditions, innovation, and storytelling through fabric.
This collaborative event highlighted the intricate beauty and rich heritage of quilting, connecting artists, enthusiasts, and the community in appreciation of this extraordinary art form.
SPACE BETWEEN
April 19, 2024 - July 12, 2024 Kennedy Art Center 326 S. Washington St., Marion, IN 46952
S P A C E B E T W E E N
This thought-provoking exhibition explores the concept of space—specifically, the space between two things. Whether it’s the physical gap between two objects, like the distance between two trees, or the conceptual space between ideas, experiences, or states of mind, this show invites diverse interpretations of what "space" can represent.
How do we navigate the space between different worlds? What does it look like when comparing the experiences of someone raised in the country with someone from the city? Or the gap between two social classes or two individuals from distinct walks of life? The possibilities are endless, and we encourage varied interpretations of this theme.
The Opening Reception took place on April 19, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and the exhibit was proudly sponsored by the Marion Arts Commission in partnership with the Indiana Arts Commission. The show was on display at the Kennedy Art Center through mid-July, offering a dynamic platform for artists to explore and reflect on the spaces between us. 
Dare to Disrupt the Ordinary
The excitement began on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at the Kennedy Art Center with a creative and exhilarating fashion workshop in preparation for the 3rd Annual Marion Made Fashion Show! Aspiring designers of all ages stepped up to the challenge, daring to think outside the box as they crafted innovative outfits from locally sourced, gently used clothing and found objects.
The workshop wasn’t just a chance to create—it was a competition! Local budding fashionistas vied for 25 coveted spots on the runway, showcasing their unique designs. After careful deliberation, judges selected the standout creations, setting the stage for an unforgettable fashion show.
On February 3, 2024, the Kennedy Art Center gallery was transformed into a stunning runway, where the selected designers unveiled their bold, imaginative looks. The Marion Made Fashion Show celebrated creativity, sustainability, and the power of daring to disrupt the ordinary.
How Do We Get Here . . . A Race Retrospective Exhibit
Design is all around us—shaping the products we use, the spaces we inhabit, and the very way we experience the world. Yet, how often do we pause to consider the deeper impact design has on our communities, particularly on people of color? Sponsored in part by the Indiana Arts Commission, this interactive exhibition explored the community’s perspective on race within the context of media and product design. It challenged visitors to reflect on how design not only influences our daily lives but can also be a powerful tool for creating a more just and equitable future for all. From October to December, people from all walks of life engaged with the exhibit, viewing interviews from diverse community residents, discovering the historical impact of design, and contributing their own insights at interactive displays. This exhibition encouraged a thoughtful dialogue on how design choices shape our society and how we can collectively influence a better tomorrow.
A STORY IN STILLS
A conversation through photographs
July 28, 2024 - September 22, 2024 Kennedy Art Center 326 S. Washington St., Marion, IN 46952
Explore the narratives captured through the lenses of talented local photographers in this thought-provoking exhibition. A Story in Stills invites us to consider the tales embedded in the landscapes of our daily lives and the dialogue they create with more stylized, crafted imagery.
Making Art Visible: Investing in the Arts for a Stronger Community
Art has the power to connect, inspire, and transform communities. By making art visible, we create spaces where creativity thrives, where stories are told, and where diverse voices are heard. Investing in the arts is not just about supporting artists—it’s about enriching the cultural fabric of our community and fostering an environment where innovation and expression can flourish. When we choose to invest in art, we invest in the future of our society, ensuring that creativity continues to inspire, challenge, and uplift us all.
