The Factory Arts District, formerly known as the Circle City Industrial Complex, will host a First Friday art tour on September 5th, 6-9pm. Admission and parking are 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 Gracen Dorsch in “Expression Through Chaos.” For this show, Dorsch’s art is born from both surrender and chaos, exploring the tension between chaos and order in such a way that evokes curiosity between feeling and fact. The art emerges in spite of control, and instead through process and movement which some consider chaotic. Indianapolis-based, Gracen Dorsch is an abstract expressionist painter who often uses her background and psychology and art therapy to fuel her work. Dorsch often relies on the process of painting rather than the final product itself to determine when each piece is finished.
Aurora PhotoCenter
Aurora PhotoCenter presents Family Pictures, with work by Priya Suresh Kambli. At age 18, a couple years after the death of her parents, Kambli moved from India to the United States, with all her possessions, including a treasured collection of family photographs, in one suitcase. Since then, Kambli has navigated a sense of belonging in two worlds, with her family photographs acting as stepping stones across continents and generations. The exhibition Family Pictures brings together 15 years of Kambli’s work as she connects to family, culture, and heritage through photographs, both new and old. 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 our arts community. Aurora PhotoCenter is located on the first floor of the North Studios.
Arondite Vintage
Arondite Vintage will have its official opening night in their new space in the hall off the Schwitzer Gallery area. They are sharing a collection of vintage clothing, accessories and home goods with an emphasis on high quality and natural fibers to compliment the handmade leather goods of our suite-mate 1979 co. Arondite Vintage also specializes in costume jewelry and eclectic statement pieces from the 1910s-Y2K. Arondite Vintage is located on the second floor of the North Studios.
Aimee Bruno
Aimee Bruno’s artistic range is as impressive as it is diverse. She masterfully blends mediums like acrylics, alcohol inks, resin, and fibers, constantly exploring new techniques to expand her creative repertoire. With a Bachelor's degree in Studio Art and a minor in Art History from Indiana University, Bruno is not only a creator but also a dedicated teacher, sharing her passion and skills with both children and adults through Hamilton County Nickel Plate’s public art classes. Through her vibrant artwork and her unwavering commitment to community, Aimee Bruno continues to push the boundaries of creativity, making her an influential figure in Indianapolis’ thriving art scene. Aimee Bruno is located on the second floor of the North Studios.
Daily Epiphany Studio: Michele Burns and Kurt Kriese
Michele Burns will debut new photoluminescent "night-light" artworks, both small and large. The new pieces mostly leans toward the whimsical, using tiny toys and other objects to create unique, colorful glowing mosaics. "My paintings incorporate a photoluminescent (light-absorbing) mineral- ultra bright strontium aluminate, doped with europium and dysprosium,” Burns explains. “This creates a second, "night-light" composition and renders the artworks functional nightlights. I make the glowing pigments myself for maximum luminance. Excited by any visible light, they glow for 10-20 hours. Rechargeable up to 50 years. OSHA-rated toy safe. 18 times brighter than (zinc sulfide) ceiling stars (6000 millicandéla versus 320 mcd.)” 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
The Darkroom Revelations photographers –Tom Potter, Nancy Frass and Gayle Moore – will exhibit images from their many explorations of the western USA, in the aptly-named show “The West.” Their photographs highlight the prairie, mountains, and wildlife encountered, as well as images about the culture and history of the Native Americans. Many of their images have been taken with film using large format cameras, developed and printed in their darkroom. They also work in the digital format. Darkroom Revelations is located on the first floor of the North Studios.
Stephanie Doty
Stephanie Doty will have new work in ceramics and painting, working in using texture in both media. 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 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.
Earth + Fire
Earth + Fire is a mother-and-daughter team that specializes in crafting unique, handmade crystal jewelry and art. Earth + Fire began as a heartfelt hobby of creating gifts for family and friends that blossomed into a thriving business. Earth + Fire's mission is to make crystals and holistic healing accessible to a broader audience by offering affordable, high-quality pieces. Their collection includes a variety of handmade necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, alongside an assortment of loose crystals, incense, palo santo, and sage. Each piece is thoughtfully designed to promote well-being and connect individuals to the healing power of crystals. Earth + Fire is located on the second floor of the North Studios.
Mirvia Sol Eckert
Celebrating beauty is the fundamental concept unifying all of Mirvia Sol Eckert’s work. Common themes of her work are her Puerto Rican heritage, love of family, friends, spirituality and her fascination with nature. These ideas can manifest themselves in bright, vibrantly colored compositions, or in dramatic grayscale pieces with her stylized technique and putting lines and shape into movement and harmony. Mirvia Sol Eckert is on the second floor of the North Studios.
Five Seasons Studio
The longest resident artist at Factory Arts District North, Martha Nahrwold, presents a new series, “Lake Views,” capturing the summertime vibes of a cottage vacation, hiking by lakes, or at family reunions. Nahrwold creates using “marbled impressionism,” a technique both abstract and representational created by floating inks on water, a centuries-old process to create her unique art. 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 Tarrey Banks in “Snapshots.” “I create characters, examining humans and seeing their weirdness, their stories, being curious about who we are and who those are around us,” Tarrey Banks explained. “Take a look at one of my characters and try to imagine how they got where they are in this snapshot. What’s behind the eyes? Where have they been? Where are they headed? Why are they going there? It’s kinda dirty, kinda weird, kinda sad, and kinda funny.” Banks’s show will focus on his illustrative style, loose with exaggerated features. Each image tells a story, often leaning toward masculine characters commonly dealing with their own masculinity, sadness, confidence or lack thereof, or other issues plaguing the aging man. 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.
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.
Sylvia Gray
Sylvia Gray is an abstract expressionist painter and will have new oil paintings and hand-painted silk scarves. Her artistic vision is inspired by the places and people she experiences. Shapes and colors are her focus, she does her best to create a harmony, that invites the viewer into her experiences. Sylvia has a degree from IU Bloomington and continued her art education at Herron School of Art and Design. While she is a winner of awards at the Hoosier Salon and the Midwest National Abstract Art Show, she is most proud of being an Indiana Artisan. Sylvia Gray is located on the second floor of the North Studios.
Matt Hurdle/Matt Hurdle Fine Art
Matt Hurdle is a juried Indiana painter whose work blurs the lines of impressionism and abstraction. He paints big sky contemporary landscapes with a dreamlike quality. His intuitive work elicits a feeling of peacefulness and calm. This month, he presents new, big sky landscapes created using multiple layers of acrylic paint producing depth and a dreamlike quality. Matt Hurdle is located on the second floor of the North Studios.
Carmen Hurt
“Internationally unknown artist” Carmen Hurt is one of the earliest artists in the building. Her bright, abstract, and often poignant paintings have held court in the South Studios for over a decade. Carmen Hurt is located on the first floor of the South Studios.
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.
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.
Sara Love
Sara Love exhibits paintings, linoleum block prints and archival prints that utilize strong color and design. Much of the work has been inspired by her travels. Love is a graduate of Herron School of Art and Design where she studied graphic design and illustration. Sara Love 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.
Nate Olp
A leatherworking artist, Nate Olp will have new handmade leather goods, each extremely small batch, original pieces including bags, wallets, belts, and other small accessories. Each piece is hand stitched, hand cut, and hand burnished. Everything is done ‘the hard way’ to ensure top quality and to stick it to mass production. Nate Olp is located on the second 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.
Susan Semenick
Susan Semenick is a watercolor artist deeply immersed in the beauty of landscape and architectural art and will introduce a new series of small pieces. “My creations often spring from the depths of my imagination, drawing inspiration from the world around me,” Semenick said. “I thrive on the challenge of using a limited color palette to create pieces that resonate with impact and emotion.” 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.
Strawberry Studio
Maya Smith-Custer 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.
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.
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