“Awakening” by Rena Brouwer Rena Brouwer of Delphi is one of three artists whose work will be featured in a special exhibit at the Hoosier Salon’s Broad Ripple Gallery, 714 East 65th Street.

The invitational exhibit is titled “Bringing Talent Together.” Joining Brouwer in the show will be Diane Lyon, oil painter, and John Manicke, portraitist. The exhibit will include landscapes, florals, and portraits by three artists who have a passion for painting.

Opening reception will be Friday, March 12, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The show will continue through April 3.

All three artists are members of the Hoosier Salon and have had work accepted into the Salon’s Annual Exhibit, a juried show.

Brouwer, a watercolorist, was first accepted into the Annual Exhibit in 1997 and then again for 11 of the next 12 years. She received a purchase award in 2002 and merit awards in 2003 and 2009. Both merit awards were for “Outstanding Watercolor.”

Brouwer describes how her subjects evolve: “As a lifelong resident of Indiana, the rich heritage of community and family has been a constant source of subjects for my work. Stories of life in Indiana emerge, intertwined with all the nuances of persona, history, and the environment. I challenge my senses to respond.

“This past year, I’ve become a resident artist at the Delphi Opera House Gallery of Contemporary Art through the Delphi Preservation Society. The subjects of my work have evolved from interactions within Carroll County.”

One of Brouwer’s paintings in the Salon exhibit is titled “Awakening.” The wooded landscape has vivid, flowing colors and a burst of light. Brouwer said her inspiration for the piece came from memories of walking through woods in early spring.

A free-spirited artist, Brouwer’s involvement with the arts has been diverse over the past 30 years. She has been involved in numerous projects for the advancement of her fellow man, including a project for the United Nations, projects for children, the disabled and disadvantaged as well as collaborations between various art groups. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards and exhibits.

Diane Lyon works exclusively in oil. Her impressionistic paintings include landscape, still life, and portraiture, and all share a romantic, lyrical quality. Having lived in many parts of the world, she now makes her home in Indiana.

John Manicke served as a human resources manager for 35 years. He then decided to reapproach his painting abilities that he discovered in painting and drawing classes at several Chicago area schools during the 1960’s. His portraits are like looking at fine photographs, only better.

In addition to the Hoosier Salon’s Annual Exhibit, the galleries also host more than 30 special shows each year.

Regular hours at the Broad Ripple gallery are Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.