Works of National Artist on Display at Library

The Mary Bishop Memorial Gallery at the Crawfordsville District Public Library would like to invite the public to view the work of national artist Rowan Morgan. This exhibit, “Talismania,” is currently open and will be on display through the end of January. A limited amount of works will be for sell (cash only) during the exhibition through our Circulation department.

Rowan is a multimedia artist currently based in Indianapolis. He earned a Fine Arts degree in animation from Ball State, and has over 15 years’ experience as a professional fantasy illustrator. He has published illustration work in partnership with the UK Bristol Children’s Hospital, and is the published game artist for Devious Weasel Game’s “Murray the A**hole Frog.” Rowan is inspired by craftspeople worldwide, and the emotional significance the act of creating imbues into culture. He is particularly excited by the aesthetics and techniques of indigenous cultures.

In his free time, he scavenges for found treasures as he walks and hikes in nature, learning and practicing ancient craft techniques such as tool making and textile weaving. His current obsession is learning to make utilitarian art, focusing on heritage trades, and sustainability of materials. A conservationist at heart, the focus of his work comes from a deeply held belief that humans have the power to amend our damaged world through art.

Rowan is heavily invested in treating each work of art with complete awareness of nature. The process as well as the result is mindfully treated as an act of respect, admiration, protection, and preservation of the natural world we call home. He states, “This body of work comes largely as a result of a diagnosed obsession (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). Creating art is perhaps our most spiritual act as a species. For me, it is a vital coping mechanism.”

If you are interested in contacting Rowan for a commissioned artwork or have other questions, email him at rmmayo97@gmail.com, or follow him on Instagram @localonion. To learn more about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or other health topics, please visit the National Institutes of Mental Health at www.nimh.nih.gov.

If you are an artist or a member of an artists’ group and are interested in displaying your work at the Mary Bishop Memorial Gallery in 2026 or 2027, please contact the Gallery Coordinator at (765) 362-2242. For more information about our upcoming Winter Reading programs or to obtain your very own library card, please visit our website at crawfordsvillelibrary.in.gov.