Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Wednesday, October 24, 2018
(BLOOMINGTON) - City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) will host a reception Monday, October 29th to showcase an installation of paintings exploring the city’s relationship to water. Paintings by Bloomington resident Ben Pines have been mounted in the lobby of the CBU Service Center (600 E. Miller Dr.) for a yearlong exhibition.
Pines' paintings were selected in response to an RFQ issued in April 2018 for work by a local artist that would raise awareness about Bloomington and Monroe County's unique geology and water history, and/or celebrate milestones in establishing a water source and developing water treatment technology. A selection committee comprising CBU and other City staff, along with members of the Utilities Service Board and the Bloomington Arts Commission, chose Pines' figurative oil paintings, which emphasize the human aspect of Bloomington's water supply and maintenance system, according to the artist.
"This installation is intended as a meditative affirmation of the value of public institutions, as well as a more specific celebration of informed water management and its importance to our life in Bloomington," Pines said.
A painter of landscapes and portraits, Pines has exhibited his work across Indiana, in Pennsylvania, and Missouri. Pines holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Indiana University and teaches 2D Design at the Ivy Tech John Waldron Arts Center, along with private drawing and painting lessons. He also works at Pygmalion's Art Supplies in Bloomington.
"Bloomington has always had to be creative to sustain a plentiful and safe water supply," said CBU Director Vic Kelson. "With this installation, we have tapped into our local creative resources to raise awareness of our unique relationship with water."
CBU staff and Utilities Service Board members welcome the public to join them for an opening reception for the exhibition at the CBU Service Center from 4 to 5 p.m. on Monday, October 29. More information is available on Facebook at @BloomingtonUtilities.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.