Indyhub.org

home

galleries

articles rss

events rss

No polls available at this time.

Poll Archive

IndyHubbers Beyond the Spotlight: Meet the co-founders of Oranje
9/9/2009
by Keianna Rae Harrison

People make the world go ‘round… we all know that’s true. And it’s no different here in our own city. Indy’s got some super, superstars whose accolades and accomplishments earn them celebrity status in the limelight on a regular basis. Kudos for the great work!

This blog is dedicated to showcasing Indy’s “hidden” talented people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make Indy a better place for you and me. The next Indy Hubbers “Beyond the Spotlight” are our own dynamic duo Ryan Hickey and Adam Crockett, co-founders of Oranje.

Ryan and Adam

Picture it: a 60,000 square foot warehouse filled from edge-to-edge with contemporary art pieces displayed in three-dimensional spaces. Now add six stages of live music performances from some of Indy’s hottest rockers and you’ve got yourself a pretty “colorful” show.

Developed and co-founded by friends Adam Crocket and Ryan Hickey, “Oranje” is a one-night annual event designed to showcase the work of contemporary, progressive artists and musicians. Both Hickey and Crocket have a personal passion for contemporary arts.

Hickey, 32, has been involved with music since high school. His love for music won him a vocal performance award and a scholarship to study music in college. With a B.S. in Public Administration from IU – Bloomington, Hickey went on to grad school, worked for AmeriCorps and spent time in Michigan and New York; but the music kept calling him. In 1999, Hickey, whose stage name is DJ Helicon, put his book knowledge and skill to the test by becoming a professional DJ. A self-taught mixer, DJ Helicon performs at various venues around Indianapolis.

Adam Crockett, 34, is an outdoorsman at heart. With a degree in outdoor recreation and leadership from Indiana University – Bloomington, Crockett thought he’d spend his career leading young people in outdoor adventure sports such as canoeing, caving and rock climbing out west. Although he was doing what he loved, Crockett, too, felt something was missing – his connection to painting and multimedia art.

The two returned to Indy just in time to reconnect and start Oranje in 2002.

Now in its seventh year, the fall event, which takes place every September, travels to different warehouse-styles venues. More than 80 artists and musicians will provide this year’s visitors with an experience to remember.

Expect the unexpected with activities ranging from live musical performances and fashion shows to film screenings and progressive art displays are planned for indoors and out. A wide range of artistic expression indeed, but this is not your grandmother’s art museum… Unlike traditional shows, Oranje artists are “fully-featured.”

“Oranje isn’t like an art gallery where pieces are hanged on a white wall,” said Hickey. “The artists put their all into the displays from the ground up. They personally construct their space to best showcase their talent and skill, so the audience gets a holistic, up close and personal taste of their work.”

Go. See. Do.

Oranje, contemporary art & music event showcasing progressive artists and musicians.
Sat., Sept. 19, 2009
8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
2323 N. Illinois Street in Indianapolis
Cost: $20

For more information, go online to www.oranjeindy.com

Photo: (L-R) Adam & Ryan

Keianna Rae Harrison (KR), a self-described Buckeyed-Hoosier, migrated across state lines just five years ago from Dayton, OH, aka, "Sleepy Town USA." The thirty-something downtown Indy resident enjoys salsa dancing, museum-hopping, homestore shopping and discovering new activities in Indianapolis. A lover of all things marketing communications, she is a small business owner, and has adopted the phrase, "This is GREAT PR!" as her life's personal mission statement. Find her electronically on Facebook at facebook.com/keiannarae, on Twitter @keiannarae or on her enter-at-your-own-risk blog: thechaoticsoul.com.

Click here to post your comment