Wabash, IN – Honeywell Arts & Entertainment will host an exhibit by artist Bryan Ballinger from Jan. 30 through Feb. 25 at the Clark Gallery in the Honeywell Center. The exhibit, titled “From VeggieTales to Counting Cows: A Multidimensional Artistic Journey,” will feature his best-known works, including art from VeggieTales and illustrations from a variety of his picture books.
Ballinger will be on-site for a public reception on Tuesday, Jan. 30, at 5:30 p.m. at the Honeywell Center. Ballinger will sign copies of his books, including his newest release, Counting Cows, that will be available for purchase that evening. Reception reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 260.563.1102 or visiting honeywellarts.org. This exhibit is sponsored by the City of Wabash.
Ballinger graduated from Columbus College of Art and Design with a degree in illustration and holds a master’s degree in writing for children from Lesley University. After working as a freelance artist for companies such as Nintendo Power magazine, he worked at Microsoft as an illustrator. Bryan was the lead illustrator for the first version of the award-winning Encarta CD-ROM encyclopedia and the Explorapedia children’s encyclopedia series. Ballinger was the 3D Design Lead for five years at Big Idea
Productions, the producers of the VeggieTales children’s videos.
Bryan states, “The subject matter of my art is heavily influenced by my background as a children's book illustrator and from having worked for five years at an animation studio. Still to this day, I love to read picture books. I am drawn to picture books that engage both children and adults. I am also drawn to characters in settings that suggest a story that the viewer can also contribute to. My goal is always to have my art appeal to all age groups and people from diverse backgrounds.”
After working as a professor of Digital Media Arts at Huntington University for 16 years, Ballinger now concentrates on his picture books and public art projects, including large- and small-scale murals and toy design. His picture books include Animal Gas, The Big Wig Parade, and his recent release, Counting Cows.
Ballinger was among the recipients of the Governor's Arts Award in 2023 for outstanding achievement and contributions to arts and creativity in Indiana, the highest honor the state gives in the arts to recognize those who maximize their roles as innovators, supporters, and advocates to grow arts and creativity on the state or national level.
Bryan will lead as an instructor at an Arts for All workshop, Pigs in Wigs, for ages 5+ on Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Eagles Theatre. He will teach students how to create their very own cartoon characters. An offering of Honeywell Arts & Entertainment, Arts for All aims to ignite the spark of creativity and lifelong learning in every heart through visual art, music, and theatre workshops, classes, and lessons for individuals of all ages and skill levels. Full details and registration are available online at honeywellarts.org/arts.
