McAuley, Mellencamp, Meisberger

This site and its stories are dedicated to local arts and entertainment within Indiana. We have that Hoosier connection, which seems to play a dominant role when networking in the art world. As the founder, I've formed, and continue to grow, a co-op like foundation of photographers that seem to want the most out of their career by pushing the boundaries, delving out of our comfort zone, taking assignments to work, network and produce in a way that is not a club, class or online forum where people rarely meet. It is a first-hand experience of raw work for photographers that want to jump into the nitty-gritty and seriousness of producing with their own interests. The hope is to find at least one serious, exceptional photographer in all pockets of Indiana for coverage of their city. It is "like" an ongoing project which will hopefully grow to be the largest spin on Indiana photographers the state has experienced. This first story is a prime example of how these relationships form and the strength they hold in Indiana. 

Indianapolis (IU alumnus and Bloomington native) sculptor and graphic designer, Michael McAuley, was recently selected personally by musician and artist, John Mellencamp, to sculpt his latest bronze statue which sits on the campus of Indiana University. Mellencamp was memorialized as a Hoosier legend on October 18th. Rolling Stone contributor, Anthony DeCurtis stated the only thing Mellencamp was impressed with was the fact that the writer spent five years in Indiana while attending IU. When John learned this, his demeanor changed toward DeCurtis. They experieced something that John is passionate about. In a video produced by Kelly Willkinson of the Indianapolis Star, Michael stated that his style of work is authentic and realistic. He wanted to do the project because he basically grew at the same time John was growing up in his field of music. John chose him because of his Hoagy Carmichael sculpture, which also sits on the grounds of the IU campus. When Michael first heard the album "American Fool," he saw this guy has "REAL talent." When,"Scarecrow" came out that defined that he is a holistic musician who can make statements that are needed and valid about life and he cares about life and people but he also has this midwestern appropachableness to him-accessibility that I think anyone can relate to. We're both in this creative field. We're both artists. He uses words like I use clay. He is that strong independent spirit. He's driven. He's hungry. He's hungry for success, and he's hungry to achieve that higher world of creativity. The same with me, except I'm a perfectionist and I use the clay to get exactly what I want."

Michael describes himself as a perfectionist. I can justify that statement. We met on the Irvington Guild of Artists Board of Directors roughly fifteen years ago. I was president of the Irvington Photo Club which led two project-based book publications. The latter being such a revolutionary take on a "photo clubs'"photography, which the media helped highlight. The media helped gain more respect from the Irvington community and other local photo clubs and photographers. Michael was happy to pose as a model in the project. Afterward, I kept my own themed portfolio growing and proposed an idea to Jockamo's, in Irvington, of recreating the famous "Nighthawks" painting, by Ed Hopper, using their existing bar and rich hues of paint. They were interested for a couple of reasons; one being, the bar was scheduled to be demolished. I gathered the resembled models; Ben Asaykwee, of QArtistry, Lisa Marie, actress, and Michael. The image hangs on the wall replacing the former bar. The Indiana State Library asked for a donated copy to be archived for local artists. Michael additionally helped with the text for making it into poster form. 

I respect the realism in Michael's work, as well as dedication to seeing projects through and helping to make them happen. We've explored other art on First Fridays. We keep in touch with each other's projects. He is definitely one of the people I know I can receive an honest and valued opinion from, whom I trust. These are the crucial relationships we need, and need to highlight, to keep each other motivated and successful- to keep these creative juices flowing in a way that is beneficial to everyone in the arts and following the arts. We need the small town people that are hungry.

We hope you will follow and watch us grow. Furthermore, we are real people, continuing to learn through public and private shoots, classes, and workshops formed by our own members.

Sincerely, Nicole G Meisberger,

Founder of NGM Arts and Entertainment

"No, I cannot forget from where it is that I come from

I cannot forget the people who love me"