The Orchard Park Art Gallery is excited to feature a family of Artists. The Art Gallery is featuring the artwork of the Sparks family. Eleanor, her late husband James, and their two grown children, Jay and Julie, are sharing their talents in a diverse exhibit this November and December.
Eleanor is a long-time resident of Carmel. She has always enjoyed art and has expressed her creativity in many ways including sewing, cross stitch, reupholstering, painting, drawing, and writing. Her preferred media are largely watercolor and acrylic, but she also enjoys collage and rock painting. James had a lifelong career as an art teacher after graduating from both Butler University and the John Herron School of Art. He taught art at Carmel High School for 18 years prior to his retirement. Jay Sparks, also a graduate of the John Herron School of Art, uses photography, portrait drawing, and comic illustrations as his preferred media. His comics were regularly featured in a local Cincinnati publication, and his work has been shown in various venues in Indianapolis. Julie Sparks chose to study fine arts and drawing at Ball State University.
After various life experiences, raising three children, and trying career avenues, she returned to making art. She says of her art, “Creating has always been an amazing and fulfilling process of discovery, connection with the Creator, and necessary expression. It’s my hope that what I create would somehow also bring beauty, validation, hope, and healing to others.”