University of Dayton’s Index Gallery is excited to present: “Whisper, but at full volume, those rumors about me.”, new works by Sarah Brashears. Running from October 30th- January 23rd with a reception November 6th, 2025 from 4-6pm.

Sarah Brashears (she/her) is an artist, art teacher, mother, daughter, friend, and mostly confused human being. Her work apparently traces to an old, awkward, and uncomfortable obsession with the hidden past of everyday objects. Folklore, rumors, patterns, stories, and birds are consistently welcome visitors. She works in found object sculpture, acrylic painting, and mixed media illustration. As a teacher, Sarah has taught photography, journaling, theater, public speaking, art education, history of American craft, visual culture, and painting to every grade level, from preK through college seniors and adults.

From the artist:

In the previous twelve months I’ve had reason to dwell on the jolting subjects of truths and rumors, whispers and lies. Much of this stems from personal happenings, some from the political atmosphere, and a portion from my own deep anxieties about the things I can't control.

Creating this series required a set of complicated, constructed steps. If you know me, this doesn't surprise you. I first searched out vintage photographs discarded in junk shops or thrift stores. The photos I chose had to be unmarked and needed to whisper to me when I held them in my hand. I then created a story, a rumor of sorts, based on the photographed person or their unseen, unknown family. Sometimes the picture would make me think of a historical figure. Portions of that famous person’s life might be then incorporated into the tale and piece.

Because these pictures were discarded, it is unlikely that we will ever know the actual stories of these people, nor the weight these humans carried. In my head, the photographed women had baggage. It seems probable; all humans do.
I gave them each literal baggage, a suitcase with precious items inside which give clues to the rumor I created for them.

I hope that the women remind you of vintage paper dolls. These flat females are grouped in pairs. You, the viewer, are to think of these pieces as women whispering to each other.

These women are releasing rumors, invisible but hanging heavy in our crowded headspace.

“Whisper, but at full volume, those rumors about me.” will run from October 30th-January 23rd.
University of Dayton INDEX Gallery
The Hub 31 S Main 45402

Gallery hours are:
Monday-Friday 9-7pm
Sunday 2pm - 4pm

Street Parking is available for gallery visitors. For additional information contact University of Dayton Galleries Director, Nicholaus Arnold at 937-229-3204 or narnold1@udayton.edu.