Richmond Artist Selected to Create 2009 Indiana Governor's Arts Awards
India Cruse-Griffin, a mixed media visual artist from Richmond, was selected from among five finalists submitting proposals to create the 2009 Governor's Arts Awards.
Griffin's proposal is to create a piece reminiscent of the everyday life of the people of Indiana, using mixed media such as paper, paint and silver leaf on Plexiglas circles. The inner circle will be representative of the Indiana landscape, with branches of glass-like paper symbolizing the supportive arms of the community. The central figure, a dancer, will hold ribbons signifying the five disciplines of artistic endeavor, outlined by the state of Indiana.
“With four generations of Hoosiers in my family, Indiana and the arts have always been close to my heart,” said India Cruse-Griffin. “It is an honor to create the 2009 Governor’s Art Award and to use my art to connect with the people of Indiana.”
India’s work is almost always associated with her childhood memories of growing up in Indiana. Her mixed media art includes layers of bold colors, shapes, and texture, using a combination of paint and collage to reveal an illusion of distance and space. This complex style of construction results in lasting impression of Indiana culture and community.
Griffin has taken part in selected state and national exhibitions dating back to the 1980s. Her work is featured in the public collections of Indiana Governor’s Residence, Indiana University East, Indiana University Bloomington Campus, IUPUI, Richmond Art Museum, and the Dunn Center. Griffin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education from Ball State University, and currently teaches art in the Richmond Community Schools.
“Traditionally, the State commissions a new work of art to represent the awards and in that way the awards themselves encourage the advancement of the arts in our state,” said IAC Executive Director Lewis C. Ricci. “India’s proposal was well-received by members of the planning committee not only for the intricate technique demonstrated in her collages, but also for the manner in which she embraces the State of Indiana.”
