Rushville’s Carol Jenkins-Davis Park, 409 N. Fort Wayne Road, is the new home of partner metal sculptures by Rush County artist Malcolm Perkins (1956-1998). Entitled “Joyous Journey of Life,” the sculptures have recently been installed through the united effort of Rush County organizations.
This installation began as a vision presented by Shelly King on behalf of imagine:nation, the Art and Cultural Council of Rush County. Shelly stated that imagine:nation dreamed of supporting Rush Count artists in displaying their art in our downtown, parks, and public spaces.
That vision became a reality through the combined efforts of the Rushville Parks Department and the City of Rushville.
Kathi Jackley, Assistant Director, and the staff of the Parks Dept., were instrumental in working with the sister of Malcolm and imagine:nation in the installation of the sculptures.
The Booker T. Washington Building, 525 E. 7th Street, will host an art exhibit of Malcolm’s additional art in the newly designed gallery on the second floor. The gallery opening will be Sunday, March 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
On Solar Eclipse Weekend the hours will be Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, April 7 the gallery will be open 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This art exhibit in the new gallery space created by imagine:nation and the Rush County Community Foundation is free to the public.
The exhibit of paintings in mixed media and photography will continue through June 7th. Future times to view the gallery exhibit may be scheduled by contacting Kathi Jackley at 765-932-4146 or e-mail at parks@cityof rushville.in.gov. Malcolm’s life story and art may also be viewed online at Legacy Pages.
Malcolm Perkins was a 1975 graduate of Rushville Consolidated High School, encouraged in his art by teacher Melvin Gray. Malcolm was the managing director and artist-in-residence of the Oddities and Originals Art Studio in Homer during the 1980s. He preferred abstract expressionism, believing, “Painting is an expression of pure brilliance in color.”
His sister, Amelia B. Perkins, donates his sculptures as a living tribute to her brother.
Our thanks to Dena Vittorio for this press release.