Thyen-Clark Center hosts First Thursday reception showcasing Youth Art Month work

Thyen‑Clark Cultural Center in Jasper is hosting a First Thursday opening gallery reception tonight, March 5, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., launching three concurrent exhibits: the group show Elements of Alchemy and two Youth Art Month galleries featuring high school and middle school student work. Dubois County Free Press noted, “The public is invited to the galleries at the Thyen‑Clark Cultural Center from 5 to 7 p.m. to celebrate art across three featured galleries.”

Gallery Talks and awards are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. during the reception, and the Free Press promotion adds that “This free event is open to the public, so bring a friend and enjoy an evening filled with art, food, live music, a bar, and plenty of fun.” The reception aims to combine student recognition with social programming, though program presenters and performers were not listed in event postings.

The Elements of Alchemy group exhibit lists five participating artists by name: Ashley Brossart, Curtis Grace, Art Orr, Bill Whorrall and Curt Uebelhor, as published in the Dubois County Free Press announcement. Those names anchor the adult show running alongside the student galleries in the Thyen‑Clark space, offering a mix of community and youth work under one roof.

Jasper Arts is hosting the Youth Art Month displays, which the Dubois County Herald described this year as “Jasper Arts will host its annual ‘Youth Art’ exhibit from March 5–29, showcasing the creativity and talent of local middle and high school students.” High schools listed for the exhibition include Jasper High School, Southridge High School, Forest Park High School and Northeast Dubois High School. Middle and intermediate schools represented are Cedar Crest Intermediate School, Northeast Dubois Intermediate, Jasper Middle School, Holy Trinity Middle School, Southridge Middle School, Forest Park Jr. High and Christ Our Advocate Memorial Academy.

The Herald emphasizes the wider context: “March is recognized nationally and statewide as Youth Art Month, a celebration organized to highlight the importance of art education and student creativity.” Admission to the Thyen‑Clark Cultural Center galleries is free; the Herald states that “Admission is free, and school groups, clubs and students are welcome.” The center’s address is 100 Third Ave., Suite A, Jasper, and regular gallery hours are Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–2 p.m., and Sunday noon–3 p.m.

Institutional and financial support for the exhibit is noted in Herald coverage: Jasper Arts is a department of the City of Jasper and “is supported by the Friends of the Arts Inc., the Indiana Arts Commission, the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts,” and the Youth Art Month exhibit this year “is supported by Universal Design Associates Inc.” An Instagram post promoting tonight’s opening added, “Join us for the Opening First Thursday Reception: Thursday, March 5th ⏰ 5–7 PM The Thyen‑Clark Cultural Center ... MK Gallery, 5th Avenue.” For more information, the Herald lists a contact phone: 812-482-3070.