Reflecting the importance of bats to our ecosystem, Kimberly McNeelan’s Bat Haus is a whimsical sculptural intervention at Guggman Haus Brewery. Bats control insect populations, pollinate flowers, disperse plant seeds, and provide important nutrients to landscapes through their droppings; and their flying and echolocation abilities have inspired scientific advances. In addition, the Indiana bat is a state and federally endangered species.  Although it is unlikely that bats will actually roost in Bat Haus, it provides them a conceptual “home” and raises our awareness of their presence. Wildlife is everywhere, even in the middle of the city. The artwork was purchased by Guggman Haus after appearing for a year as a temporary installation with Indy Art & Seek, a 2020 project of the Arts Council of Indianapolis and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful.

Kimberly McNeelan, an Indianapolis-based furniture maker and sculptor, celebrates nature and healthy living through her artwork. Kim is a frequent contributor to Woodworker’s Journal, and teaches woodworking at the Indianapolis Art Center and at Butler University. She received her MFA in from Herron School of Art and Design in 2016 and her BFA from Purdue University in 2005. Kim has apprenticed to numerous well-known furniture makers, been featured on HGTV, received several public art grants, has work in collections across the country, and believes “It’s not just woodworking. It’s a lifestyle.”