BY JEFF SARTAIN
Bloomington’s many art galleries serve as testament to the area’s long-established and vibrant arts scene. One of its newest venues, Paper Crane Gallery and Studio, opened in fall 2010 and is serving as an incubator for blossoming Hoosier talent.
“It’s essential that there’s gallery space for emerging artists in this community,” says Paper Crane co-founder Nicole Wolfersberger. “A lot of the galleries in town are more directed towards well-established artists.” By fostering new local talent, the gallery is designed to help build on Bloomington’s reputation as a nurturing arts community.
Along with Wolfersberger, other Paper Crane co-founders Sally Harless, Luke Woodaman, and Becky Woodaman will hosted more than a dozen group shows and individual exhibits in their first year of operation.
More than a gallery, though, Paper Crane is a cooperatively run resource that offers arts workshops, training, events, and a store. For example, Paper Crane challenged community members to make masterpieces using popsicle sticks; then, last July, popsicles were served while people voted on their favorite pieces. Year-round, the printmaking shop is open to the public—time and training on the letterpress, etching press, and screen-press equipment can be rented for a small fee.
Located next to the gallery, Paper Crane’s Handmade Store boasts a wide range of handcrafted art and gifts, including one-of-a-kind jewelry, T-shirts, scarves, neckties, wall art, journals, greeting cards, and more. Says Harless, “The shop is really important because the work we feature here is truly unique. We work with local Indiana artists and believe that supporting local talent is very important.” Paper Crane is the exclusive dealer in Bloomington for almost all of the works for sale in the Handmade Store.
Paper Crane is located downtown at 401 W. 6th St., Suite J. Details about upcoming shows, events, and workshops can be found at papercranegallery.org.
