The Harrison Center’s tradition of turning its windows into holiday displays has taken on a special importance this year.
People have been cooped up in their homes for much of 2020, outside of work and (hopefully) other essential travel, and could use something to brighten spirits around the holidays. Plus, it’s good to stretch the legs on a walk.
Artists at the Harrison Center, 1505 N. Delaware St., have turned about 25 basement windows into unique holiday displays.
“Art has never been more important,” said Joanna Taft, executive director of the Harrison Center. “People need to express their emotions.”
The Holiday Window Walk started in early November and will be on display through Jan. 4, 2021. Taft said the best time to take the self-guided tour is at night.
Johnson Simon, one of the artists at the Harrison Center, decorated his window with an art piece featuring Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.
“This is a time when we need to be reminded of this kind of gift,” he said.
The pandemic has been difficult for Simon. He lost his job and said it’s been tough to not be around other people and artists. The silver lining, he said, is that he got to become a full-time artist.
“Artists take what is going on right now and use imagination to take you to a different place,” Simon said. “Art is a therapy that helps when you feel overwhelmed and stress.”
There’s also a silver lining for the Harrison Center, which had window art on display earlier this year when the pandemic started and then later for racial justice protests. There usually aren’t this many window displays at the art center, but Taft said that will likely change going forward. The plan is to have window displays with different themes throughout the year in 2021.
“Constraints bring about innovation,” she said.
Contact staff writer Tyler Fenwick at 317-762-7853. Follow him on Twitter @Ty_Fenwick.
HOLIDAY WINDOW WALK Artists at the Harrison Center have decorated nearly 25 windows with different holiday displays.
• Where: Harrison Center, 1505 N. Delaware St.
• When: Now through Jan. 4, 2021
