A Seymour native’s artwork is the featured attraction this month at Southern Indiana Center for the Arts.
"Campfire Stories," a collection of Indianapolis-based artist Travis Owens’ recent acrylic paintings, are on display through the end of the month.
A self-taught painter, Owens said his focus is to create a sense of warmth and vibrancy in his work with a touch of surrealism inspired by his Hoosier roots and world travels.
"Growing up in Seymour, I was always close to nature," he said. "Camping at Vallonia lake (Starve Hollow Lake) or Hoosier National Forest sparked a lot of imagination for me."
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Even then, Owens said he knew he wanted to be an artist. But he didn’t start painting until he returned back from a trip to India in 2007.
"I realized I wanted to paint things and places I’ve seen and experienced," he said.
Professionally, he has been painting for about five years. Before that, he was a truck driver for FedEx for 12 years.
"I started just before my daughter was born," he said of painting full time. "I felt the need to try to and be more serious about making some sort of career out of it if possible."
He is excited about the opportunity to come home and share his work with Seymour.
"Coming back home is always a nice feeling, knowing that this is where the seed was planted for this adventure," he said.
Pieces in the exhibit range in size from 12-by-12 inches to 24-by-48 inches, and originals are available to purchase with prices starting at $250.
An opening reception is scheduled from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday at the center at 2001 N. Ewing St. on Seymour’s far north side. Junkyard BBQ will be set up at the center selling food and ice cream during the event.
The reception will be followed by the final regular JCB Friday Night Live concert featuring popular Seymour son, musician John Whitcomb.
Owens’ exhibit is free and open to the public during SICA’s regular gallery hours from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.
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What: Opening reception for "Campfire Stories," an exhibit of acrylic paintings by Seymour native Travis Owens
When: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Southern Indiana Center for the Arts, 2001 N. Ewing St., Seymour
The exhibit is free and open to the public during SICA’s regular hours of noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.
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