VisualFringe opens Aug. 1 on Mass Ave.

The VisualFringe once again brings its eclectic mix of local art to Mass Ave. throughout August as part of the Indianapolis Fringe Theatre Festival. The show opens Aug. 1 as part of IDADA's First Friday Gallery tour.

Curated by the Big Car Arts Collective, Visual Fringe features 50 artists in a dozen spaces -- including exhibitions by the Herron School of Art and Primary Colours. The Visual Fringe, now in its fourth year, is open through Aug. 31. Work will be on display during the Indianapolis Theatre Fringe Festival, opening Aug. 22 and lasting 10 days.

This year, VisualFringe has partnered with the Arts Council of Indianapolis and the Cultural Development Commission to support the Be Indypendent movement. Be Indypendent encourages people to support local art. At VisualFringe, patrons can vote on their favorite artwork for one of six new Be Indypendent stickers to be used throughout the campaign. The first five stickers debuted on July 4, and the sixth will be announced at the conclusion of VisualFringe.

Dean Johnson Gallery, home of the Best of Fringe show, will display the five 2008 sticker artists at its location at 646 Mass Ave. And VisualFringe visitors can vote for the sixth there. Voting forms will be available at all galleries, with voting taking place on Aug. 1 and Aug. 2.

VisualFringe galleries include: Art Bank, Circle City Baskets Co., Earth House at Lockerbie Central United Methodist Church, Franklin Barry Gallery and Frame Shop, G. C. Lucas Gallery, Graffiti Art Pit at Fringe Central (Historic Fire Station), Henry's Coffee Bistro, IMC Gallery, Kuaba Gallery, Mass Avenue Wine Shoppe, Herron School of Art (in a donated space at 911 Mass Ave.) and McFee Gallery of Modern Art.