“Common Threads” Exhibit Opens at Hendricks Live!

The exhibit, “Common Threads,” recently opened at Hendricks Live! in Plainfield.

“ Common Threads” is part of the “Opening Doors” series of programs sponsored by the Hendricks County Community Foundation, Hendricks Live!, andThe Republican newspaper.

“Common Threads,” highlights the spiritual communities represented in Hendricks County. This exhibit will run through the end of March and all are encouraged to stop by and add your thread to the tapestry. The kickoff event occurred last Thursday at Hendricks Live!

The Indianapolis Center for Interfaith Cooperation (CIC) guided and provided much of the evening’s atmosphere with a cello softly playing in the background, a few words from JR Sandadi, the CIC Board Chair, and an art exhibit highlighting the world’s religions curated by CIC Artist in Residence Sherrita Niles.

Sandadi spoke about universal oneness then encouraged everyone to participate in a traditional Hindu custom.

“We are all in this together. We are all one big, happy, worldly family in that everybody exists and everybody’s values are respected and we are seen for that mutual acceptance.”

With that, Sandadi had everyone stand up and get into two lines facing each other. A thin string bracelet tied to a bundle of orange fibers were passed out to those on both sides of the line. He then instructed those facing each other to tie the Raksha on to the other’s wrist.

“When you tie the Raksha to an unknown person,” he said, “it is saying that ‘I am here for you.’ I want all of you to close your eyes and ponder over that. In the polarized world we live in, that is a huge statement, ‘Irrespective of what you see, I’ll be here for you.’”

CIC Artist in Residence Sherrita Niles who also goes by the name of Plum Virtue, shares how she came up with the Common Thread exhibit, “Chris [Petrelli] from Hendricks Live! used the word tapestry when describing his vision for the event. I took tapestry to mean connection among the people that live in Hendricks County. I wanted to expand tapestry to what that means and put a human aspect on it.”

Several standing panels are crisscrossed with threads of fiber. Participants are encouraged to use the supplied materials and make a statement that can be hung on the fibers and in turn create a tapestry of spiritual and uplifting messages that connect us all.

The art supplies will remain available for you to create some art and add your thoughts to the fabric during the exhibit’s stay at Hendricks Live! through the end of March.

Whether you are at Hendricks Live! to see a show, visiting the Green Room for tasty food, or just in the neighborhood, stop in, take it in, and enjoy the moment. And if you are so moved, add to the fabric of our community.

Visitors can make message cards to add to others on display at the exhibit.

“We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.” — Herman Melville.