After he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2009, artist Wendell Lowe experimented to reinvent his approach from painting with brushes on canvas to using a camera, soft pastels, and finger painting to create abstract works that reflect the color, texture and dynamism of nature.

The artist is the focus of a First Friday show at Indiana Landmarks’ Rapp Family Gallery on April 7. Lowe’s work has appeared in exhibits at the Stutz Art Gallery, Indianapolis Artsgarden, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Clowes Memorial Hall, and the Penrod Art Fair.

The artist credits Rock Steady Boxing with helping him manage life with Parkinson’s. The nonprofit organization uses non-contact exercises adapted from boxing drills to help people with Parkinson’s to defend against and minimize the effects of the motor-neuron disease.

During the First Friday opening, 6-9 p.m., you can also tour Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Avenue in Indianapolis. Built as a Methodist church in the nineteenth century, the adapted structure holds theaters and a reception hall in addition to the gallery and Indiana Landmarks’ headquarters.

WHAT: First Friday Art show, “Artist Boxer—This Is My Parkinson’s”

WHO: Wendell Lowe

WHEN: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, April 7

WHERE: Indiana Landmarks Center, Rapp Family Gallery, 1201 Central Ave.

COST: Admission is free

CONTACT: Mark Szobody, mszobody@indianalandmarks.org

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