Professor Ian Weaver of Saint Mary’s College selected as 2023 DeHaan Artist of Distinction

Saint Mary’s College associate professor Ian Weaver has been named a 2023 DeHaan Artist of Distinction by the Indy Arts Council. In total, six artists from Indiana were selected for the honor and will be showing their work in the DeHaan Artists of Distinction exhibit at Gallery 924. 

Weaver’s work that will be displayed in the showcase is titled Florae. According to his artist’s statement for the piece, “As an abstract image of a floral wreath, it connects with the themes of Commemoration. It is also reminiscent of flora in its shape and movement, and thus references bodies of water important in this work.” 

The themes explored in the DeHaan Artists of Distinction exhibit are nature, medicine, history, justice, identity, and the environment, according to an article on Saint Mary’s College’s website. As such, Weaver’s Florae explores various meanings of the word “wake,” including in the maritime sense and in that of funeral rituals.

Each year, DeHaan Artists of Distinction are awarded $10,000 to explore new artistic mediums and allow themselves to take creative risks. The grant began in 2017 and aims to award contemporary artists in Indiana with money to provide further artistic opportunities.

Melynne Klaus, who serves as the director for the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation, stated in a press release, “The heart of the DeHaan Artist of Distinction Award is artistic excellence and the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation is honored to partner with the Indy Arts Council to support these talented artists and their aspirational projects.”

In addition to Weaver, the other 2023 DeHaan Artists of Distinction were Jennifer Scheuer, Jacinda Russell, Shamira Wilson, and Ventiko.

For more information about the DeHaan Artists of Distinction, visit the Indy Arts Council website. For more information about Saint Mary’s College, visit the school’s website.