NEWSLETTER 47
THIS IS OUR NEWSLETTER
DIALOGUE
Conversation and communication are at the very foundation of everything we do, not just as a business- but as people. Whether it be a presentation to an audience, a casual conversation over a home-cooked meal, or the very act of giving data to inform the future- dialogue is a thread throughout it all. We hope you’ll tune in with us throughout this issue of our newsletter, as we continue to highlight the importance of communication in all that we have coming up!
Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to, and what lies ahead.
IWU MARKETING | 12.05.24
MEDIA STUDIO
We recently partnered with Indiana Wesleyan University’s Marketing Department to reimagine an existing space into a dynamic new media studio. As their team grows and expands across campus, they needed a flexible, on-brand environment ready for storytelling.
We introduced three distinct concepts—each with tailored budget options—featuring adaptable elements like felt acoustic panels, modular vignettes, and branded backdrops designed for both conversation and content capture. The final space? A custom blend of all three, perfectly tuned to their vision.
Here’s a first look at what’s coming to life.
WENDY AT TAYLOR | 03.13.25
TAYLOR ART SYMPOSIUM
In mid-March, Wendy spoke to Taylor University students about working as a designer and all that has come with it, sharing inspiration and tips on entering the art world post-graduation. She was accompanied by our Graphic Designer Jake Fiore, who joined her in talking with students in the morning and photographed the talk. Later that same afternoon, Wendy and our Hospitality and Gallery Coordinator Misty Fox ate lunch with the students and looked over portfolios with them one-on-one, giving adaptive advice and general tips to improve their bodies of work.
GRANT COUNTY STUDENTS EDITION | 04.17.25
PICNIC ON THE PATIO
Picnic on the Patio is starting the season off with a brand new edition of community engagement: Students of Grant County! We’ve offered Picnic on the Patio in the past: an open-house-style event where community members are encouraged to bring their own lunch the third Thursday of the month as we open up our kitchen patio space to share the break in our workdays.
This time around, we’re going back to our mission of fostering connection with the local students. For just $3 a plate, we’re providing a full lunch hosted by Marion Design Co. and sponsored in part by Indiana Wesleyan University to create a space for collaboration, connection, and conversation across departments, disciplines, and the wider Marion community. We’ll gather at the Kennedy Art Center to share food and conversations based around life after graduation, the working world today, business and entrepreneurship, design, art, local impact, and more!
This event is a great opportunity for both students and the local community members alike!
ARTS IN GRANT COUNTY | 04.22.2025
ONE MORE THING…
You're Invited: Help Shape the Future of the Arts in East Central Indiana
Kennedy Art Center | April 22nd at 5:00 pm
The East Central Indiana Regional Partnership is hosting a public session for the East Central Arts and Cultural Plan, and your voice matters.
Whether you're an artist, teacher, business owner, student, or neighbor who simply loves your community—we want to hear from you. This session is all about listening, dreaming, and shaping a bold, collaborative vision for the future of arts, culture, and creative placemaking in Grant County and beyond.
Join us at the Kennedy Art Center for a conversation that invites your ideas, your hopes, and your creative insight. Refreshments will be provided, and all are welcome.
WITH DEBBIE LUTTRULL | 04.25.25
SLŌ COMFORT
Hurry and mark your calendars- Our next Slō dinner is quickly approaching!
Hosted by home chef Debbie Luttrull, a longtime friend of Wendy, this comfort meal will encourage no such rush. Raised on the prairies of Kansas, Debbie Luttrull learned to cook by watching her mother in the kitchen. She and her husband Jim raised three boys, and found the dining room table to be one of the most important pieces of furniture in the house. She believes relationships grow and conversation moves to a higher level when shared around a dining table.
Slō (Korean for “slow”), is designed to inspire us to come together at the table and enjoy thoughtful conversation in the comfort of community- and what better way to do so than with a comfort-themed meal! Sign up for this supper closes April 21st.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS | 2025
KAC 2025
Here's a look forward at what's in store for the year here at the Kennedy Art Center! Mark your calendars to ensure your 2025 is filled with its needed dose of art and culture.
Samuel Levi Jones' impactful exhibition Making a Garden of Strange Fruit has been extended! In order to ensure the community is able to take in this show and all that it means to Marion's history, we've elected to keep the installation up until July 1st. Following that will be another quilt art show to coincide with the Quilter's Hall of Fame yearly celebration. In September, we'll host the elevated, limited-time Marion Arts Commission Gala and show, followed by a collaborative community-focused show spearheaded by Henrik Soderstrom to finish off the year!
Looking ahead to next year, we are thrilled to welcome Tashema Davis’ Annial Ma exhibit followed by our bi-annual Marion Made Fashion Show in the Spring!
