Late photographer and digital artist Bill Rasdell honored at Harrison Center

Indianapolis, Indiana – Williams “Bill” Rasdell, the late artist, will be honored at a celebration of life at the Harrison Center. Despite his passing in late 2018; his legacy lives on.

Rasdell was a photographer and digital artist. Being a Greatriarch of the Martindale-Brightwood area, he was the first artist to establish a studio in the Harrison Center.

Rasdell shared stories about how migration affected culture in Indianapolis and around the world through his photos.

Speaking, Joanna Taft, executive director, gave a reflection on Rasdell’s life. He visited numerous nations as a result of his artistic endeavors, which included investigating the consequences of the African diaspora on the Americas.

He visited numerous locations in West Africa, Ethiopia, and Cuba during his lifetime. Additionally, he was the creator of the “My City, My World” initiative, which traveled to Capetown, South Africa, with young people from Indianapolis in collaboration with the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

“Not only was Bill an artist and active artist, but he was a mentor,” Taft said. “He helped our younger artists, whether they were photographers or whether they were painters or whether they’re muralists or potters. There was a conversation that added depth and strength to their work.”

On February 2, from 6 to 9 p.m., the Harrison Center gymnasium will host a memorial to Rasdell. Viewings of Rasdell’s earlier interviews, his photographs, and more will be part of the celebration.

Additionally, there will be jazz and Cuban dance performances by Rob Dixon, Richard “Sleepy” Floyd, Arts With a Purpose, Cathy Morris, and others.

Public admission to the event is free.