Kurt Vonnegut Jr.’s ‘Purple Heart,’ part of the Indianapolis Art Center’s exhibit ‘The Vonnegut Family of Indianapolis: A Legacy of Creativity,’ which showcases four generations of Vonneguts, up July 9-Aug. 29; 255-2464.

The show will highlight works by four generations of Vonneguts. Kurt Vonnegut Jr., of course, is one of America’s living literary lions. But he is also a prolific visual artist who has been collaborating with master printer Joe Petro III for years, creating artist prints.

Vonnegut grew up in a German-American family of architects and artists whose influence on the city was profound. His grandfather, Bernard Vonnegut, founded the architectural firm of Vonnegut and Bohn in 1888 and had a hand in designing the Athenaeum, the John Herron Art Institute, Methodist Hospital and Shortridge High School. He was also an accomplished portraitist and painter. Kurt Vonnegut Sr. was also an architect who did the first building of All Souls Unitarian Church, signature Art Deco buildings for Indiana Bell and Hook’s Drugstores prior to World War II. Two of Kurt Vonnegut Jr.’s children will also be included in the show. Edith Vonnegut has exhibited her figurative paintings in galleries throughout the country and has published a book of her paintings, Domestic Goddesses. Dr. Mark Vonnegut, author of The Eden Express, is an amateur watercolorist.

A free public reception to honor the artists will take place at the Art Center on Friday, July 9 from 6-8 p.m. A patrons reception with Vonnegut will be held from 5-6 p.m. Cost is $45. Call 255-2464, ext. 256 for reservations. The Art Center is located at 820 E. 67th St. Call 255-2464 for more information or visit www.indplsartcenter.org.