The Factory Arts District, formerly known as the Circle City Industrial Complex, will host an in-person First Friday, June 6th, 6-9pm. Admission is free. The Factory Arts District is comprised of two buildings, Factory Arts North (1125 Brookside Ave) and Factory Arts South (1011 Massachusetts Ave). For First Friday purposes, all of the listed galleries and studio spaces are located in Factory Arts North.
Open Studios and Galleries
Several studios and gallery spaces will be open throughout the building. This list is not all-encompassing; some artists may decide to open that night based on current information and comfort levels.
The Schwitzer Gallery
Located on the second floor of the North Studios, the Schwitzer Gallery will feature a group show, “Around the Corner: We Outside,” an unapologetic celebration of creative freedom, curated by Corner Boys Gallery, and presented by M2 Consulting Group. This show brings together six artists, Kenneth Hordge (FingerCreations), Gary Gee, Kevin West, Omar Rashan, Will Woodrow, and Rob Sloan, who aren’t just participating in culture, they’re shaping it. Their work lives at the intersection of personal truth, cultural literacy, and bold experimentation.
Arts & Images by Anthony Armstrong
Anthony Armstrong presents a blend of new abstract paintings highlighting bold colors, deep texture and movement. Armstrong is a self-taught abstract painter and photographer. As a mixed media artist, Armstrong wants the art collector to be engaged with their pieces, hoping to garnish new perspectives and elements of design. Arts & Images by Anthony Armstrong is located in the South Studios.
Bruce Armstrong / Bruce's Fine Arts
Bruce Armstrong features a wonderful collection of abstract, minimalist, collage and figurative paintings, highlighting bold colors, strong movements and sharp angles. Bruce Armstrong is located in the South Studios.
Aurora PhotoCenter
In Aurora’s Main Gallery, Juan Brenner’s series Genesis is filled with the beauty, aspiration, sanctity, and desire of the Guatemalan Highlands, where Brenner lives and works. In his images, as in the Highlands, traditional codes of power intermingle with a vibrant and vital youth culture, which mixes the ancient dress trajé with heavy metal t-shirts, ornate teeth art, and the ubiquitous cell phone. Published as a book in 2024 by Guest Editions, the large-scale prints in this exhibition of Genesis distill the grit, glamour, and always gold of the Highlands. Opening in the Efroymson Gallery, The Whole Preposterous Ideology features layered multi-media work by artist Leni Mae Wiegand; the artist uses photographic light boxes, paper scrolls, and electronics-based sculpture to evoke the digital realm as a safe space for exploration of gender and personal identity. Aurora PhotoCenter supports visual artists working in photography through exhibitions, residencies, workshops, visiting artist talks, and access to creative tools. As the only nonprofit in Indiana devoted exclusively to photography, Aurora is an essential hub for the medium in the arts community. Aurora PhotoCenter is located on the first floor of the North Studios.
Bebito Toys
Bebito Toys are handmade plush toys created from original patterns by Rachel Hedges. They are constructed from re-purposed and upcycled fabrics in colorful, quirky combinations. Each toy is unique and adorable. Find your favorite, or purchase a one-of-a-kind gift for someone special. Bebito Toys are for humans of all ages. Bebito Toys is located on the second floor of the North Studios.
Aimee Bruno
Aimee Bruno is a dynamic mixed-media artist based in Indianapolis, known for her bold vibrant use of color and captivating abstract forms that inspire and engage viewers. With a keen eye for innovation, she seamlessly combines mediums such as acrylics, alcohol inks, resin, and fibers, continuously pushing the boundaries of her craft. A graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art and a minor in Art History, Bruno is not only a creator but a passionate educator. Aimee Bruno is located on the second floor of the North Studios.
Daily Epiphany Studio: Michele Burns and Kurt Kriese
Michele Burns paints "Nightlight Art" featuring photoluminescent minerals. "One work by day…another by night,” Burns explains. “The main ingredient in my luminous pigment is strontium aluminate doped with europium and dysprosium. I make the paints myself for maximum glow- 10 times brighter than ceiling stars. Exposure to any visible light will excite the minerals up to 20 hours and they will continue to be excitable for decades. No special bulbs are needed and my pieces are OSHA-rated toy-safe.” Meanwhile, Kurt Kriese, of this dynamic duo, creates an eclectic mix of abstract and realistic art, and experiments with various media. He is a gifted landscape and figure painter and stained-glass artist and will debut new work for the month as well. Daily Epiphany Studio is located on the first floor of the South Studios.
Darkroom Revelations
Darkroom Revelations Gallery, founded by Tom Potter, Gayle Moore, and Nancy Frass, exclusively exhibits photography and often hosting guest artists. This month, they turn their attention to “A Closer Look,” a solo show by Gayle Moore. Henry David Thoreau wrote, “It is not what you look at, but what you see.” With these words resounding in her mind, Moore began a close inspection of the natural world, including the magical community of insects, the unique forms of the plants and trees, and the engaging images of wild fauna encountered over the years. Moore has been photographing natural subjects for over 40 years. Many of those years were using a large format 4x5 film camera, developing and printing her work in the traditional wet darkroom. She has more recently added the digital format but continues to print her own images. Darkroom Revelations is located on the first floor of the North Studios.
Gracen Dorsch
Indianapolis-based artist Gracen Dorsch is an abstract expressionist painter who often uses her background in psychology and art therapy to fuel her work. Her subject matter often reflects collective memories and invokes a variety of emotional responses. Dorsch uses her work as an art therapist to inspire playfulness and free-association in her pieces to invoke curiosity in her viewers. Dorsh often relies on the process of painting rather than the final product itself to determine when each piece is finished. Her personality shines through each piece with her intricate use of color and inventive technique to create a one-of-a-kind piece each time Gracen Dorsch is located on second floor of the North Studios.
Stephanie Doty
Stephanie Doty is a mixed-media artist working in a variety of materials. Working both in 2-D and 3-D art, her work primarily is centered around the use of texture revealed by color. Currently on display are new paintings and works in painting and ceramics. Her new series of work is titled “Elements” and focuses on the basic elements: Air, Water, Earth and Fire. Stephanie Doty is located on the second floor of the North Studios.
Five Seasons Studio
Martha Nahrwold, the Factory Arts District’s longest-serving resident artist, invites visitors to wander down a country road that curves around trees in the distance, alongside golden fields in the late Indiana summer. Using a new variation of a century-old technique, Nahrwold creates landscapes and tree studies by floating inks on water. “My Marbled Impressionism paintings reflect calm and peaceful places where I’d like to be,” Nahrwold said. “When I can’t be serious anymore, I paint animals, which take on a whimsical life of their own.” Five Seasons Studio is located on the first floor of the North Studios.
Full Circle Nine Gallery
The Full Circle Nine Gallery (FC9) will feature Jennifer Aiken in “Within the Quiet: A Study in Abstract Watercolor.” As a watercolor artist, my practice is rooted in the exploration of line, color, value, and texture—elements that speak a language beyond form or representation,” Aiken said. “I paint because it is a way for me to process the world internally and externally. Watercolor, in particular, allows for a balance of control and spontaneity—moments where pigment blooms unexpectedly or a line fragmenting into something new. That tension is part of what draws me in.” The Full Circle Nine Gallery is located on the first floor of the South Studios.
Victoria Gillieron
Victoria Gillieron painted one painting, which turned out pretty good, and decided to get a studio. Not having any idea what she was doing, she quite amazingly found artist friends who took her under their wings and basically turned her into an artist. After many years studying with big name, extremely talented artists, attending workshops, and trying to learn how to correct the billions of problems she encountered, she finally feels like she can paint! Victoria feels that art is a subject that can never be mastered and will always be a challenge but that she can, now and then, knock out a doozy of a painting! Victoria Gillieron is located on the first floor of the South Studios.
Glass Arts Indiana, Inc.
Glass Arts Indiana creates a collaborative glass community to support and promote emerging and established artists; to participate in events to increase the knowledge and appreciation of glass arts with Indiana residents; to host fun, interesting and educational events; increase appreciation and understanding of the glass arts; and promote glass-related opportunities in Indiana and the U.S. Finished works are available and visitors will get to see glass-blowing in action. Glass Arts Indiana, Inc. is located on the first floor, in the corridor.
Indy Fused Glass
The artist instructors at Indy Fused Glass (IFG) create fused glass art for sale in a retail gallery. IFG teaches introductory fusing sessions, guided by artists to learn to create with fusible glass. IFG offers 14 different fusing projects to select from. These can be fused or “slumped” (another method of using fusible glass to create functional forms). The Indy Fused Glass, LLC Gallery has newly created fused glass art each week on display and available for purchase. For First Friday, IFG Glass Artists either offer hands-on sessions or feature a working glass artist, doing a demonstration. Indy Fused Glass is on the first floor of the North Studios.
Raymond Gray
Leatherworking artist Raymond Gray presents a collection of new work titled “Shift, Shaping Fibers,” a presentation of caftans in different geometric shapes, and hand-beaded necklaces and bracelets with Vicuna charms and pendants. Gray uses repurposed garments, primarily leather, cashmere, and Vicuna, to create his magical pieces. Raymond Gray is located on the first floor of the South Studios.
Scott Johnson / Studio F60
Scott Johnson operates a contemporary art and design studio with a mix of painting, collage, and digital art. He blends representational and figurative artwork as well as selected forms of abstraction. There’s also a pool table. Scott Johnson is located on the second floor of the North Studios.
Larry Lad, LadArt
Larry Lad is a painter who covers the spectrum of abstract and representational work. He likes to add dimension to his paintings using additional canvas, cigar boxes, collage, and other materials to layer his work. His show "Replication" traces his journey as an artist as he searches for his own style by borrowing from the works of artists he admires. Lad also creates large sculptures and installations. Larry Lad, LadArt is located in the corridor on the first floor.
Cindy Lory
Cindy Lory works in a variety of mediums creating paintings, drawings, and digital artworks. She has had a lifelong love of fine arts and music and attended Herron School of Art in Indianapolis. Having recently returned to pursuing the visual arts, she enjoys working and creating in her studio. Cindy Lory is located on the second floor of the North Studios.
Grace Marshall, Grace M Design
Grace Marshall has always had a passion for using her hands to create beautiful and functional designs. Making unique jewelry with precious metals and gemstones has been both a challenging and rewarding career choice. As a certified jeweler and gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America, making unique jewelry with precious metals and gemstones has been both a challenging and rewarding career choice. Grace M Design is located on the first floor of the North Studios.
REDEFINITION Clothing
Tendai Phillips brings REDEFINITION Clothing, where global influences converge to create a unique fashion experience and designs transcend time. “We believe fashion should be a universal language, and that's why we design clothing that transcends borders,” Phillips said. “Every stitch tells a story, weaving together the threads of inspiration from around the world. Our pieces are more than garments: they're a fusion of art and personal expression.” Born at the intersection of K-Pop’s vibrant energy, the rhythmic beats of Hip-Hop, the colorful vibes of Afro-pop, the avant-garde aesthetics of Japanese street style, and the pulse of current trends, REDEFINTION is a celebration of diverse cultures. REDEFINITION Clothing is located on the second floor of the North Studios.
Strawberry Studios
Maya Smith-Custer, a painter and digital artist, creates a colorful and eclectic environment, with art inspired by travels, foods and nature. By using pastels and bright colors, she is hoping to remind others to not shy away from colorful expression. Strawberry Studio is located on the second floor of the North Studios.
Susan Semenick
Susan Semenick is a watercolor artist that will have several new landscape pieces for June’s First Friday. An award-winning watercolorist, Semenick has achieved success as a portrait and figure artist as well. Her hard work in the studio is shown in her unusual use of color and her sense of composition. Susan Semenick is located on the second floor of the North Studios.
The Factory Arts District is open during regular business hours, and the Schwitzer Gallery is accessible throughout the week. A number of the city’s most varied and exciting artists and galleries will remain open for their regular hours, with many of them available on weekends, posted on their own websites and social media. Some studios will be open by appointment.
About the Factory Arts District
Located just east of downtown Indianapolis, the Factory Arts District (formerly the Circle City Industrial Complex) encompasses a 16 acres and houses two buildings: Factory Arts South (1011 Massachusetts Avenue)—a 95,000 square foot facility—and Factory Arts North (1125 Brookside Avenue)—a 420,000 square foot facility—as well as two free parking lots. The property was previously home to the Schwitzer Corporation, a pioneer in automotive technology. This location is the gateway of the Mass Ave/Brookside Industrial Corridor, which encompasses more than 300 acres of vacant or underutilized commercial and industrial property. In 2014, with much of this area suffering from deterioration and environmental issues, it became a focus for revitalization for the City of Indianapolis. In 2015, the City awarded a $1.5 million Community Development Block Grant to the Factory Arts District; funds that were used to renovate, repair, and ultimately stabilize the property.
Today, the Factory Arts District provides a case study for successful industrial reuse in an urban environment.
For more information, please visit
https://www.factoryartsdistrict.com/
Also check out other Arts events in Indianapolis, Fine Arts events in Indianapolis, Workshops in Indianapolis.
