MUNCIE, Ind. — Tucked away on the third floor of the local arts center, Debra Gindhart Dragoo has artistry “in her DNA.” Whether it is teaching or constructing new projects, art is important to the local artist. Not only does it give her meaning, it gives abandoned materials a new life.
Growing up in Muncie with six siblings, Gindhart Dragoo attended St. Mary’s Catholic School where the nuns recognized her artistic talent almost immediately. She would be “cranking out” greeting cards after she was done with her schoolwork which they would then sell out at bingo night.
Her great-grandfather was the cofounder of the Indiana School of Art which is now the Herron School of Art and Design. Her siblings are now all artists, musicians and photographers, adding to the proof that she was born to be in the arts.
“My mother made things out of things,” Gindhart Dragoo said.
Living in multiple places, such as California, Arizona and Bloomington, Indiana, the saying, “the White River calls you back,” worked out to be true for Gindhart Dragoo. The arts center needed her to work on grants and help raise money in 2000.
Her “Green Glam” is what she calls her upcycled jewelry, taking metal and art glass to create wearable items again.
“My spirit animal is a crow because all shiny things come to these eyes,” Gindhart Dragoo said.
While she faces almost no challenges with repurposing any thrifted jewelry, her motto seems to be true: “Debra has never met a piece of crap she couldn’t turn into something beautiful.”
On top of creating, Gindhart Dragoo is celebrating 25 years of her First Thursday event at Cornerstone Center for the Arts. This aims to support and celebrate local artists, especially younger creators, while giving the chance for local venues and galleries to showcase what they have to offer.
“It’s just helping other artists, you know, put their work and creative talents out to our community,” Gindhart Dragoo said.
She also frequents the Morrison Woods Health Campus to bring materials and new ideas to the residents who live there. Recently bringing more spring themed materials, it gives them a chance to create with their peers.
Gindhart Dragoo is grateful to be back in Muncie and with the local art community. To learn more about what she has to offer at the Cornerstone Center for the Arts, visit cornerstoneart.org.
Contact Arlene Thompson with comments at arlene.thompson@bsu.edu.
