About
About Cassie
In my current series, “The New Abnormal,” I draw attention to the shift in our relationship with nature and the environment. This work is inspired by my family’s homesteading journey, where we are pursuing a more self-sufficient lifestyle by growing a garden and orchard, raising chickens, keeping bees, and learning how to forage. I capture the beauty of nature amidst the chaos of modern practices that contribute to pollution and overdevelopment. It reflects the contrast between our current consumer-driven culture and the pressing issues of global warming, declining wildlife, and food security. “The New Abnormal” encourages self-reliance in place of broken systems and underscores the rarity of untouched, unspoiled nature.
My earlier artistic endeavors delved into the intricacies of identity, exploring the interconnected components that contribute to one’s sense of self. Over time, this exploration transitioned into themes of morality and the pursuit of a self-sufficient lifestyle. My upbringing in a log home, surrounded by the natural beauty of woods and fields, has inspired my imagery and material choices through much of my work. Fungi, in particular, have served as a symbol, representing what comes to fruition through life experiences. Concurrently, my nature-based imagery has shifted from a broad spectrum to more intimate depictions of my homestead and the Midwest landscape. Through the deliberate use of surrealism and juxtaposition, my art seeks to not only provoke thought but also foster meaningful discussions on the interconnectedness of humanity and nature.
I’m located in Parker City, Indiana, where I live with my husband and two sons. I hold a BFA in drawing from Ball State University (2014). My artistic focus has evolved to primarily feature acrylic painting on wood panels and canvas, though I also work with paper and various media like colored pencil, ink, watercolor, gesso, and graphite. These media are sometimes layered over acrylic or combined in different ways. My process frequently involves using reference photos I have taken. I’ve been a professional photographer since 2017, transitioning from weddings and portraiture to fine art nature photography.
My transition from artist to wedding photographer and back to fine art was largely triggered by the events of 2020. My husband and I had already started homesteading, but supply chain failures and food insecurity around the country heightened our commitment to it. Spending more time at home, where we’ve let nature reclaim much of our property, brought solace. I’m inspired to share the values of homesteading and nature preservation, which I believe are vital for our world today and for future generations.
Education
2014 BFA, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana
Solo Exhibitions
2024
“The New Abnormal” | Anna Bier Gallery – St. Clair Memorial Hall | Greenville, OH | January 20th – February 24th
2018
Unitarian Universalist Church Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN | February – March
2015
Gathering Grounds | Pendleton, IN | April
The Cup | Muncie, IN | September
Juried Exhibitions
2024
Open Space: Art About the Land Exhibit | Juror – Mark Ruschman | Minnetrista and Anderson Museum of Art | Muncie, IN and Anderson, IN respectively | November 1, 2024 – January 5, 2025
The Indianapolis Zoo’s Naturally Inspired Paint Out Exhibition | Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre | Indianapolis, IN | August 26th -September 26th
Art from the Heartland 2024 | Indianapolis Art Center | Indianapolis, IN | June 10th – August 4th
2023
RAM’s 125th Annual Exhibition by Indiana and Ohio Artists | Jurors – Greg Hull and Carol Ann Carter | Advanced Division | Richmond Art Museum | Richmond, IN | November 9 – January 6, 2024
Open Space: Art About the Land Exhibit | Juror – Walt Bistline | In person – Anderson Museum of Art, Virtually – Minnetrista | Anderson, IN and Muncie, IN respectively | November 3 – January 7, 2024
2022
Minnetrista’s 32nd Annual Juried Art Show | Juror – Joel Fremion | Minnetrista | Muncie, IN | February – April
2015
Open Space: Art About the Land Exhibit | Juror – Stephanie Lewis Robertson | Minnetrista, Muncie, IN | Art Association of Henry County, New Castle, IN | Anderson Center for the Arts, Anderson, IN | September – January
2014
79th Annual Student Art Show | Juror – Bryan Hiveley | Atrium Gallery | Ball State University | Muncie, IN | February – March
Minnetrista’s 24th Annual Juried Art Show & Sale| Juror – Mark Ruschman | Regional Juried Exhibition | Minnetrista | Muncie, IN | February – May
Selected Group Exhibitions
2015
Cosmic Rubbish | Muncie Makes Lab | Muncie, IN | June
2014
Fungus Garden: BFA Thesis Exhibition | Atrium Gallery | Ball State University | Muncie, IN | April
2013
Finding Their Voice| Gallery 308 | Muncie, IN | December – JanuaryThe Blend | Pendleton Artists Society Gallery | Pendleton, IN | November
Art in Italy 2013 Exhibition: Fragments | Atrium Gallery | Ball State University | Muncie, IN | November
Art Walk | The Artist Within | Muncie, IN | March
2012
Living Lightly Fair | Minnetrista | Muncie, IN | September
Art Walk | Students for Responsible Consumerism | The Rose Court | Muncie, IN | September
2011
Beginnings Student Show | Ball State University | Muncie, IN | May
Awards
2015
2nd Place | 25th Minnetrista Annual Juried Art Show and Sale | Juror Craig Martin | Minnetrista | Muncie, IN | February
2014
Juror’s Cash Award for Painting | 79th Annual Student Art Show at Ball State University | Juror Bryan Hiveley | Muncie, IN | MarchDean’s Purchase Award | Dean of the College of Fine Arts, Ball State University Robert Kvam | Muncie, IN | March
2nd Place | 24th Minnetrista Annual Juried Art Show and Sale| Juror Mark Ruschman | Minnetrista | Muncie, IN | March
People’s Choice Award | Pendleton Artists Society’s 2nd Annual Show | Popular Vote, Pendleton Artists Society | Pendleton, IN | September
3rd Place | Pendleton Artists Society’s 2nd Annual Show | Jurors Shaun Dingwerth and Karen Vincent | Pendleton, IN | September
Public Collections
College of Fine Arts, Ball State University
Press
2024
Delk, Marilyn | “Capturing nature’s beauty among chaos” | Daily Advocate | January 19
2023
Overholser, Jennifer | Interview | WTGR 97.5 FM | Greenville, OH | December 7
2020
Keenon, Chrysa | “Styles Collide in this Indiana Industrial Boho Style Shoot: The Minnetrista Style Shoot” | WeddingDay Magazine | January 16 | Photography
2019
Keenon, Chrysa | “A Romantic Indiana Shoot: Notes of Gold Style Shoot” | WeddingDay Magazine | September 10 | Photography and Shoot Coordinator
Hope, Savannah | “An Organic, Outdoor Wedding in Central Indiana: The Wedding of Katie and Jordan Kester” | WeddingDay Magazine | April 17 | Photography
Hope, Savannah | “The Engagement of Morgan and Andrew” | WeddingDay Magazine | March 25 | Photography
“An Industrial Vintage Indianapolis Wedding” | The Overwhelmed Bride | January 18 | Second Photographer
2018
Fras, Carri | “An Elegant, Boho Style Shoot” | WeddingDay Magazine | May 17 | Photography, Coordination & Planning
2014
Rogers, Don | “Violins to be Auctioned for Fundraiser” | The Star Press | September 18
2013
Warner, Karen | “Trio Combine Talents to Craft Expressions of Faith” | The Herald Bulletin | November 16