Artists at JCPL is a program that allows people to connect with local artists, participate in various arts experiences and learn something new. Artists at JCPL brings awareness to and an appreciation of art in our community. Whether you’re an artist or someone interested in the arts, we invite you to celebrate art at JCPL.
JCPL wants to connect our community with engaging art programs, performances and experiences. Through Artists at JCPL, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions to local artists, see various art pieces and meet other art lovers. You can also try methods of art creation or brush up on your existing skills.
Artists at JCPL inspires creativity and excitement for art in our community. It also provides you with opportunities for growth and learning. Through these experiences, we hope you’ll have a newfound appreciation for art and notice all the art around Johnson County.
Upcoming Events
Artists at JCPL: Beth Manzione - Stained Glass Art
Clark Pleasant Branch
Thu • Nov 6 • 5-7 p.m.
Explore pieces from stained glass artist Beth Manzione. After a talk about the artistic journey, she'll answer questions and mingle while treats are served. Staff will offer kid-friendly activities. For All Ages.
Artists at JCPL: Beth Manzione - Open Studio
Clark Pleasant Branch
Thu • Dec 4 • 5-7 p.m.
Drop in during open studio to meet stained glass artist Beth Manzione. Projects will be on display and Manzione will be taking questions, offering tips and insights for beginners or enthusiasts. For All Ages.
Artists at JCPL: Beth Manzione - Mosaics
Clark Pleasant Branch
Sun • Jan 4 • 2-4 p.m.
Families will work together to create their own mosaic with artist Beth Manzione leading the group. Each family will create one piece to take home with them. Registration Required. For Families.
Artists at JCPL: Beth Manzione - Sill Sitter
Clark Pleasant Branch
Sun • Jan 25 • 2-4 p.m.
Create a sill sitter with Beth Manzione. Each person will create their own unique bird with a big personality. All materials provided. Registration required. For Adults and Teens.
These events made possible by the Clark Pleasant Project:
Beth Manzione
Beth Manzione is a multidisciplinary artist whose main focus for the past decade has been stained glass, and in recent years, acrylic painting. Born and raised in Franklin, Indiana, she graduated with a BA in English from Franklin College and went on to pursue work in print advertising as a graphic designer and writer. She gradually shifted her path into fine art after several private stained glass commissions. With background experience in both teaching and design, Beth has also worked with various local charities and organizations to support creative endeavors in the community. This depth of experience has added to her growth as an artist and a business owner.
Beth uses the Tiffany method of copper foiling to create custom stained glass windows, suncatchers, jewelry, and personalized gifts. Her preference for using recycled materials inspired her to use stained glass scraps to create a popular line of whimsical birds known as Sill Sitters. Each is unique in design as well as personality. She enjoys working one on one with clients to develop heartfelt glass gifts using heirlooms when possible.
A home renovation project gave Beth the opportunity to create three original acrylic paintings for her outdoor garden space. Developing a process for weather-proofing art as well as capturing the light and interesting perspectives of everyday surroundings inspired her to explore the discipline of acrylic painting. She prefers working on large canvases where she can study the actual brushstrokes of her work.
Beth works from a studio out of her home in Franklin where she resides with her husband, Charlie. Her work has been sold in area retail shops, featured on banners in downtown Franklin, and highlighted in various local magazines and television segments. You can see the recent work and read the stories behind them at her website, bethmanzione.com.
Barry Barnes
Barry Unitas Barnes is an Assistant Professor of Art at Franklin College, teaching all levels of Ceramics, 3D Foundations and Art History. He received a BFA in Ceramics from the Kansas City Art Institute (1990) and a MFA in Ceramics from Arizona State University (1994.) Barry has been teaching art for over 20 years in various places, including; the University of Indianapolis, Vincennes University, Mesa Community College (Mesa, AZ), Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ), Indianapolis Arts Center (Indianapolis, IN) and privately in the studio he founded, Beech Grove Clay Works (Beech Grove, IN). His work can be found in both public and private collections.
Greg Potter
Greg was born in Indianapolis and was raised by his parents, Jackie and Bryan, between Indiana and Illinois. Growing up, he would spend his summers at his grandparents’ farm in Morgan County. There, he developed a keen appreciation for animal behavior and art.
After Greg finished high school, he joined the army with the expectation of using his military benefits to attend college after four years in the service. However, he found life in the military extremely rewarding and stayed there for over twenty years. Between 1990 and 2012, Greg was deployed four times to the Middle East and saw combat. After his retirement in 2012, Greg finally embraced his passion for the arts and became a full-time artist. He took art classes at Franklin College under the guidance of Master David Cunningham, and he started to take part in art fairs and display his work in art shows in the Indianapolis area.
Greg often employs bold colors to paint animals in a surrealist manner and with beautiful landscapes in the background. Some of his animals are tourists, others are explorers, and a few are misfits. They may be in the Midwest, perhaps flying in a nest, sailing in a lake, or venturing in outer space. Greg gets inspiration for his art from conversations with friends and family. His animals convey a dimension of humanity and joy that usually spark conversations among people. Greg has also painted several murals in the cities of Franklin and Shelbyville. He also does sculpture with recycled objects.
