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Kaila Austin

Artist of Color; Black/African American; Literary Arts; Portrait; Visual Arts: Mixed Media, Murals, Painting, Portrait, Visual Arts Instructor, Works on paper

Kaila Austin is a painter and mixed media artist based out of Indianapolis, Indiana. She has been a participant in Murals for Racial Justice with the Arts Council of Indianapolis and has been interviewed for several magazines emphasizing Black arts and culture across the United States. Currently, she has a painting studio located at 201 Studios, where she also works as a bookbinder and printmaker. Austin works primarily in mixed media portraiture, focusing on the ways in which the arts can humanize Blackness after centuries of visual culture that has been subversive and noxious. Working traditionally in oil portraits, she has spent the last year expanding her work into mixed media loosen the rigidity tied to classical notions of what art is supposed to be. She primarily uses community members from around Indianapolis as the subject of her work, seeking to elevate everyday people and common people to the grandeur of historical narrative paintings.

Mads Ave

Portrait; Visual Arts; Ink painter

Pop art for the strange and unusual. Mads Ave is an Ink Painter who focuses on pop culture. After many years of rejecting art a life change caused her to embrace it in 2021. As an avid student of the Choe method, Mads believes that everyone can create amazing things if they work at it with their heart and soul. You can see Mads’ art in person at Indy Walls. Follow @MadsAveArtDistrict on IG to see what she’s working on next!

Tasha Beckwith

Artist of Color; Black/African American; Ethnic Art; Graphic Arts; Portrait; Visual Arts: Graphic Arts, Illustration, Mixed Media, Murals, Painting

Tasha Beckwith is an Indianapolis-based visual artist. She studied painting and drawing at the Herron School of Art & Design, IUPUI, but honed her skills in graphic design and digital art on her own. Her portrait-based work combines expressionism, realism, and surrealism and she cites science fiction, fantasy, and Afrocentric themes as her inspirations. Recent work includes billboards encouraging participation in the 2020 census, participation in an artistic campaign encouraging people to #MaskUpIndy, and the neighborhood history mural inside the brand-new Martindale-Brightwood branch of the Indianapolis Public Library. Beckwith works in a variety of media including digital design, oil painting, and resin.

Jacquelyn Brice

Multiracial; Performing Arts: Dance, Music; Portrait; Visual Arts: Architectural Illustration, Graphic Arts, Illustration, Murals, Painting, Photography, Portrait, Visual Arts Instructor

Performing arts: Dance Ballet Modern Contemporary Jazz Music Oboe Marimba Visual Arts: Painting: Oil Acrylic India Ink Watercolor Drawing Colored Pencil Charcoal Photography Action Shots Portrait Landscape

Phyllicia Carr

Artist of Color; Black/African American; Ethnic Art; Multi Arts; Portrait

Phyllicia Carr is a multidisciplinary artist from Indianapolis, IN and is known for expressing herself through visual art, graphic design, and photography. Her colorful figurative portraits are inspired from vivid dreams, dialogue, research, and deep introspective revelation. Her work encompasses realism and surrealism mixed with abstract elements while highlighting her subjects with nature. Phyllicia uses her intuition as a guide to explore and communicate the importance of empowerment, love, beauty, vulnerability, and healing for the African American community. She received her B.A. in Communication from North Carolina A&T State University. Her work has been featured in cities across the United States in Atlanta, Indianapolis, and Los Angeles. Her recent work was exhibited at Indy’s Meet The Artist, WACO Theater Center’s Wearable Art Gala founded by Richard Lawson & Tina Knowles Lawson, and was a top 4 finalist in the Finishline x Puma sponsored shoe design competition powered by Pattern Magazine and Martk’d.

Phillip Gilkeson

Graphic Arts; Portrait; Visual Arts: Ceramics, Film, Graphic Arts, Illustration, Media and Visual Communications, New Media/Technology, Painting, Photography, Portrait, Visual Arts Instructor, Works on paper

I’m a Visual Communications Student currently working towards my degree. I’m self-taught in Adobe software products (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects). My work has been described as having retro and synth-wave vibes, As I specialize in surrealist works. I think it is exuberating to bring something that never existed before, into this re@li_ty::..

Candice Hartsough

Graphic Arts; Portrait; Visual Arts: Graphic Arts, Illustration, Mixed Media, Painting, Works on paper; Digital

Candice Hartsough is a freelance illustrator living and working in Indianapolis, Indiana. Since graduating from the Herron School of Art and Design in 2005, she has illustrated for children’s books, magazines, small and large businesses and nonprofits, designed many logos, started a children’s apparel line (Kitten & Acorn) where she runs the (one woman) art department, travelled the midwest selling prints of her work and other goodies, participated in group and solo gallery shows, made over 200 personal portraits for families across the globe, and created three children. Among other things.

Angelina Kaul

Portrait; Visual Arts: Crafts, Mixed Media, Murals, Painting, Performers and Writers, Portrait, Textiles, Works on paper

I am a wearer of many hats: an independent early American historian, self-taught artist, freelance writer, blogger, author, biographer, designer, small budget business owner, and serial entrepreneur. But I am simply a creative individual, trying my best to live the creative life. I am the Founder of Trehan’s Treasures Studio (www.trehanstreasures.com) where I create and through which I share my art and writings. Samples of my works can be seen on my Pinterest boards (trehanstreasures) with over 3,200 followers. My books are available through Amazon.com, IU Press, and in bookstores everywhere. My articles related to art, history, small business, self-publishing, writing, home decor, and crafting can be found on various print and online magazines including American History magazine, Journal of the American Revolution, American Farmhouse Style magazine, PieceWork magazine, The Old Schoolhouse magazine, Illinois Heritage magazine, Hoosier Heritage magazine, Red Rock magazine, MollyGreen.com, and more. I have become a nationally recognized speaker from being featured on numerous podcasts and shows including NPR PBS WFYI Channel Indianapolis, Axelbank History Today Podcast, History Ago Go Podcast, Thought Row Podcast, The Alexander Hamilton Awareness Society Book Club, and Greg Garrison Radio Show – WIBC Radio Indianapolis. I have also presented lectures on early American history as a featured speaker at various groups and organizations in the USA. My art has been published internationally and my handmade journals are owned by collectors around the globe. When I am not writing, painting, or designing, I am also the co-Founder of Dream Works Furnishings, a home décor manufacturing company specializing in rustic and bohemian themed home decor products, based out of a joint USA and India venture. I am currently open to commissions for art and writing projects. Please contact me to discuss your options. Thank you!

James Kelly

Portrait; Visual Arts: Illustration, Murals, Painting, Portrait; Bubble Artist

I have been working in Indianapolis for twenty years. Most of my work has been commissions. I specialize in portraits. I typically work in oils. I am also Indy’s only Bubble Man! Known as BubbleJim.com. I bring bubble magic to the young and old at heart. Bubbles bring you joy and fun! Portraiture has always been my favorite subject.

Kenyon Mason

Artist of Color; Black/African American; Portrait; Visual Arts: Mixed Media, Murals, Painting

Kenny is a 2-Dimensional mixed media artist who is inspired by graffiti and portraiture. He uses mediums such as charcoal and pastel as well as paint to create his expressive portraits. His work reflects the urban street style artist in contemporary today. There’s something calming when I work It starts with a piece of cardboard…usually That cardboard soon changes into my empty canvas I add paint, glue newspaper, or spray paint But whatever happens I feel totally comfortable I unlock this space of complete safety. I feel loved and cared for, there’s no worries. I feel warm and rested And in those moments comes something important. My Peace For just a moment I want to give you that peace My work doesn’t visually reflect my thoughts. It expresses the way I feel.

Mary McClung

Media; Portrait; Visual Arts: Constructions/Collage, Film, Mixed Media, Painting, Photography, Textiles, Visual Arts Instructor

As a freelance photographer and artist, Mary McClung captures the small moments of everyday life including issues and situations people experience together, food culture, travel-connected experience and learning, as well as color theory and symbolism. McClung has been a fine artist and photographer for over 20 years. Her practice includes all photographic media including film, digital photo and video. Her artworks are produced using encaustics, oil, acrylic, and watercolor painting as well as textiles and multi-media/found objects. Her volunteer time is spent with Indy Humane, Patachou Foundation, and IUPUI.

Michael Miller

Graphic Arts; Portrait; Visual Arts: Ceramics, Graphic Arts, Illustration, Mixed Media, Murals, Painting, Photography, Portrait, Printmaking, Sculpture, Visual Arts Instructor, Works on paper

Freelance artist based in Indianapolis, IN. I’ve been a perfectionist since birth and I’ll be a maker until I die. Graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a Bachelors in Fine Art. I’m a trained illustrator, painter, muralist, screen-printer, sculptor, woodworker, and carpenter. I’m passionate about creating works of art for people and businesses alike. From an early age I developed an obsession for quality. As a child I would throw away little scribbles I had made if they were not “cool” enough, and my fourth grade teacher nicknamed me “Mr. Meticulous,” as I always perfectly spaced my math equations on my paper so they were clean and easy to read. Since I have become an adult, nothing has changed because when I create my work, I expect nothing short of accuracy and perfection.

Marck Miller

Graphic Arts; Literary Arts; Portrait; Visual Arts: Architectural Illustration, Constructions/Collage, Functional and/or Decorative, Graphic Arts, Illustration, Mixed Media, Murals, Painting, Portrait, Printmaking, Sculpture, Visual Arts Instructor, Works on paper; Draftsman/Drawing

Marck Miller (b. 1980) is a lifelong artist and has spent the majority of his creative career living and working in Indianapolis. He works in a variety of mediums, specializing in pen and ink drawing, mural/sign painting, and mixed media works on canvas and paper. His intention is to provide the viewer a space where spending more than a seconds’ glance is rewarded, even across multiple occasions. This is, he hopes, in contrast to online swiping, scrolling, and the proliferation of images at large. They offer decidedly more than a backlit, smooth image on a phone or computer, and communicate in a richer language: of texture, language, color, form, and meaning. He earned a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Fine Arts from Columbia College Chicago, and is proud to have art in collections across the city.

Brittany Nicole

Graphic Arts; Multi Arts; Portrait; Visual Arts: Earthworks, Graphic Arts, Illustration, Mixed Media, Murals, Painting, Portrait, Works on paper

I’m an Indianapolis based self taught artist. I create feminine forms that flow from my imagination to fit myself in many ways. To realize my dreams and thoughts onto paper. I find it meditative.

Jes Nijjer

Artist of Color; Asian/Asian American; Media; Multi Arts; Political Artist; Portrait; Visual Arts: Photography

I’m a first-generation Indian American woman who has been residing in Indiana for 16 years. My love of photography and identity as a visual artist were found here in Indianapolis. I have dedicated the last seven years to cultivating a career in photography and creating art through all I do.

Mary Lee Pappas

Literary Arts; Portrait; Visual Arts: Painting, Printmaking, Textiles

Pappas is an Indianapolis native and freelance journalist having worked as an art critic for NUVO Newsweekly and arts journalist for the IndyStar. She is an oil painter and printmaker.

Megan Reed

Graphic Arts; Multi Arts; Political Artist; Portrait

Designer, illustrator and artist. Owner of Rolling Rook Studio.

Mary Schrock

Literary Arts; Portrait; Visual Arts: Murals, Painting, Visual Arts Instructor; Visionary Art

Mary Beth is an Indianapolis loving Visionary Artist, and Live Painter. As a Visionary Artist, Mary Beth’s creative process is her spiritual practice– oftentimes her paintings are her prayers. In her day to day life she intentionally works to cultivate the right spiritual food to fuel her paintings. Her work typically features mystical themes, as well as symbolism which generally emerges from her time spent in meditation, books that she’s reading, and experiences observed throughout collective humanity. Mary Beth’s hope for her work is to illuminate a wider version of awareness so that others might see their divine potential, along with what else is available beyond the veil. When Mary Beth is not in her studio painting, she can be found painting murals, or at various music festivals creating works by the stage. Additionally, Mary Beth offers meditative workshops where participants get the opportunity to look deeply within themselves and create a meaningful self-portrait in her “painting with light” style.

Mechi Shakur

Black/African American; Political Artist; Portrait; Visual Arts: Murals, Painting, Portrait

A 90s baby, Mechi Shakur is an Indianapolis raised and based artist. His influences include Jean-Michel Basquiat, Leonardo da Vinci, Bosch and Kehinde Wiley. Painting for six years now and Self-taught, Mechi Shakur believes your art is a reflection of you and loves to blur the lines of reality and the imagination through an assortment of color all while diving into social and political issues touching many subjects all at once

Paula Shoultz

Portrait; Visual Arts: Graphic Arts, Media and Visual Communications, Mixed Media, Performance Art, Photography, Portrait, Textiles, Works on paper; Installation

EXHIBITIONS Small Space Fest; Emergency Arts, Las Vegas, NV, June/July 2016. Hubbard & Cravens, Indianapolis, IN, May 2015. Indiana LOVE; Plaza at Fountain Square, Indianapolis, IN, September 2014. Solo Exhibition; Boomerang BTQ, Indianapolis, IN, April 2014. Note2Self; Invoke Studio, Indianapolis, IN, November 2009. Rites and Ephemera; Healing Arts Indy, Indianapolis, IN, October 2009. Herron Fringe; Lockerbie UMC, Indianapolis, IN, August 3, 2007. Oranje Fashion Show, Oranje 2006, Indianapolis, IN, September 2006. Return to Sender: Herron School of Art and Design; Indianapolis, IN, May 2006. 03312006190021004122006: Photography, Installation, Performance; Gallery 003, Herron School of Art and Design, Indianapolis, IN, March 2006. Hearts to Hormones; Herron School of Art and Design, Indianapolis, IN, February 2006. Conflux: Photography, Video, Installation; Gallery 003, Herron School of Art and Design, Indianapolis, IN, November 2005. Skin Hula: A Wearable Art Event; Indianapolis, IN, November 4, 2005. EDUCATION Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography; Art History Minor, Herron School of Art and Design, Indianapolis, IN, May 2006. Associate of Science Degree; Humanities, Vincennes University, Vincennes, IN August 2003. WORK EXPERIENCE Curator, Healing Arts Indy, Indianapolis, IN, February 2009 to present. Freelance Photographer, 2000 to present. Designer, Director of Marketing, JP Parker Flowers LLC, Indianapolis, IN, July 2007 to June 2014. Preservation Imaging Technician Assistant Intern, Indiana Historical Society, Indianapolis, IN, 2005. Adjunct Professor of Photography, Herron School of Art and Design, Indianapolis, IN, August 2006 to December 2007. Studio Assistant to Photographer, Linda Adele Goodine, Spring 2006 to July 2007

Claude Smith-Kenny

Political Artist; Portrait; Visual Arts: Ceramics, Constructions/Collage, Crafts, Functional and/or Decorative, Illustration, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Painting, Performance Art, Portrait, Textiles, Visual Arts Instructor, Works on paper

I am a Queer and Trans artist interested in dismantling colonialist and patriarchal ideals of fine art by exploring and blurring the boundaries of Queer Aesthetics, Fine Art, and Low Art/Craft. By intentionally making art that is accessible to people who are not wealthy art collectors, I seek to empower myself and other marginalized artists as not only the creators, but also as the consumers.

Jonathan Southern

Artist of Color; Black/African American; Portrait; Visual Arts: Illustration, Mixed Media, Works on paper; Freelance Portrait Artist

Jonathan Southern is a self-taught portrait artist living in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is the owner and founder of J.South Art Studio.

Stephanie Spay

Portrait; Visual Arts: Painting, Portrait, Visual Arts Instructor

Stephanie Spay is an award winning Indiana based oil painter with a constant passion for the figure and portrait, an enthusiasm for still life, and a fascination for landscape. She was drawn to art at a very tender age and has been smitten with the relationship ever since. As a teen, she placed in several drawing competitions in her high school. She was awarded a scholarship her first year at John Herron School of Art, Indianapolis. Upon graduation, she taught elementary art for a time and then set out on her own as a self employed artist, taking commissions and producing mural work until the birth of her first child. Painting for pleasure during her first ten years of motherhood, she returned to the art world in 2017. The moments she seeks in paint are intimate, personal, and relatable. She works primarily in oil and draws her inspiration from children, family, and nature. Stephanie is a graduate of John Herron School of Art with a Bachelors degree in art education. She has continued improving her practice as a painter through workshops and/or mentorships with modern master painters like Daniel Gerhartz and Tina Garrett. She draws influence from the intimacy of classical painters and the emotive color and calculated brushwork of the French and American Impressionists. She is a member of the Hoosier Salon, Indiana Plein Air Painters Association, Indiana Artists Club, The Hamilton County Artist Association, and the National Portrait Society.

Jarrod Stone

Portrait

My name is Jarrod Stone (ArtbyJarrod), and I’m a local artist in Indianapolis. I specialize in portrait art, logo design, and more. My preferred mediums are pencil, pen, color pencils, and acrylics.

Cassondra Stukofski

Graphic Arts; Multi Arts; Portrait; Visual Arts: Constructions/Collage, Crafts, Graphic Arts, Jewelry, Mixed Media, Photography, Portrait, Printmaking, Sculpture, Textiles, Works on paper

Cassondra Stukofski is an Indy-based multidisciplinary artist specializing in print, papermaking, and book arts. She graduated in 2008 with a B.F.A. in printmaking from Herron School of Art + Design. Cassie grew up near the small town of Star City on a farm in northern Indiana. She spent summers camping and fishing in Minnesota, practicing art whenever possible. She currently resides in SoBro, working as a freelance artist-designer and production picture framer at In.Site Art Consulting, and her home studio, Bunnywood Creations.

Katrina Turk

Portrait; Visual Arts: Graphic Arts, Illustration, Painting, Portrait, Works on paper

Katrina has a BFA in Drawing and illustration, 10 years of freelance experience, and nearly 4 years as and in-house illustrator at an e-commerce product design company. She has completed several portraits and character illustrations and many games, toy and halloween costume designs with past and current clients. Many of her projects are on amazon or other e-commerce platforms. These include: Dog and Puppy Playing Cards, Wolves of Mercia, Master’s Relics, The Deck of Many Things and Fates, The Deck of Many Friends and Foes, Master’s Atlas Adventures, Hnefetafl, Hauntlook Halloween Costume Design, Busy Barnyard toys for Imagination Generation, and many canvas bags for holiday and gift occasions.

Taylor Walker

Multi Arts; Portrait; Visual Arts: Illustration, Mixed Media, Murals, Painting, Portrait, Works on paper; Encaustic

TayloredIllustration is a Fine Art & Illustration Studio creating hand crafted keepsakes for sentimentalists who want deeply personal art that connects. Specializing in portraits, children’s art, encaustics and greeting cards, I bring your unique story to life with stunning visuals that’ll exceeds your expectations. Detail is the hallmark of my work. Everything I do is detailed; from delicate cat whiskers, burnt edges on a holiday card, to perfectly blended makeup…detail is what sets me apart. I thrive on taking the time to capture elements that most wouldn’t have the patience for. It’s thrilling taking something to the extreme and hearing my clients exclaim, ” I can’t believe you noticed the way Cooper’s right eye is slightly more closed!” Detail is what makes us all unique, and detail is what separates a portrait of a brunette little girl, from a portrait of YOUR brunette little girl. Detail is what makes the difference between average and stunning. I strive for stunning.

Maxine Wallace

Artist of Color; Black/African American; Media; Political Artist; Portrait

Maxine Wallace is a visual storyteller based in Indianapolis. She believes that good storytelling relies not only on technical skill but creating an emotional connection with her subjects and collaborators.

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