Latest news with #IndyArtsCouncil
Axios
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Axios
Meet the Maker: Nate Baranowski
Meet the South Bend artist chosen to create a mural of one of Indy's most beloved hoops icons on one of the city's most popular streets. Why it matters: Nate Baranowski's 24-foot piece will debut this summer in time to welcome scores of fans to the Circle City for the sellout 2025 WNBA All-Star Game in July. What he's saying:"Tamika Catchings is a magnetic personality and an amazing force for good to those around her and in her community," Baranowski said in a statement. "She is not just a legendary basketball player, but also an entrepreneur, activist, broadcaster, volunteer, mentor and motivational speaker. I wanted my design to reflect this high-energy force surrounding her." Zoom in: Baranowski was one of 98 artists who responded to an international call from the Indy Arts Council and WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee. Baranowski — a University of Illinois grad with a degree in fine arts and a passion for street painting — has experience with large chalk murals, painted murals, acrylic on canvas and various forms of digital painting. He was the only Indiana creator to make the final four. The inspo: The selection committee said Baranowski best captured Catchings' bright personality, basketball legacy and impact on Indy.
Axios
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Help pick the new Tamika Catchings mural
In case there was any doubt about Indy's love for the game, the city is honoring another local hoops legend with public art. Why it matters: The Indy Arts Council wants your help choosing the final design for a mural of Tamika Catchings that will be painted along Mass Ave this summer. Driving the news: The council and WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee, with funding from the Marion County Capital Improvement Board, are collaborating to create the new mural ahead of the All-Star game coming to town July 18 and 19. Catchings is co-chair of the host committee for the event. How it works: The council is asking for public input on four design concepts, from which the council will ultimately choose a winner. An international call for artists last year resulted in the designs from finalists Aziza Andre (Atlanta), Nate Baranowski (South Bend), Lula Goce (Galicia, Spain) and Desiree Kelly (Detroit). An online survey is available through April 13. Catch up quick: Catchings played all 16 seasons of her professional career for the Fever.
Axios
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Meet the Maker: 2025 Welcome Race Fans artists
Meet the five Indiana artists who are revving up their creative talents to welcome race fans to Indianapolis Motor Speedway this May. The inspo: The annual Welcome Race Fans collaboration between the Indy Arts Council and Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been connecting visual artists to the Indy 500 since 2016. This year's artists were selected from a pool of 58 applicants and tasked with creating original pieces to be displayed throughout the city starting next month. Each year, selected artists are asked to bring to life what "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" means to Indy. The 2025 artists: Sarah Anderson is a full-time ceramic artist who creates illustrative characters on the surface of clay through the use of sgraffito. Xavier Gray is a multidisciplinary artist who blends street art, graphic design and personal storytelling. Caroline Hays is an artist and educator who focuses on the layers of history that shape a place through her use of mixed media and layering. Cassie Mitchell, a junior at Marian University and former 500 Festival Princess, is a graphic design major who wants to inspire the next generation by promoting the impact art has on communities. Frances Ruiz, inspired by her upbringing in Puerto Rico and experiences in Indiana, uses vibrant colors and dynamic lines to make collage paintings that evoke movement and convey a sense of emotion. What they're saying:"The Welcome Race Fans art is one of the first things thousands of visitors see when they come to the city of Indianapolis and IMS for the Month of May," said IMS president Doug Boles. "This Hoosier hospitality is just one of the many reasons the Month of May is so special to so many."
Axios
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Meet the Maker: Indy Arts Council's new leader
Meet the Indianapolis deputy mayor selected as the next president and CEO of central Indiana's leading arts advocacy and services agency. Why it matters: Judith B. Thomas will leave her post as deputy mayor of neighborhood engagement to take the reins of the Indy Arts Council as the connection between creators and the city grows stronger. Driving the news: Thomas will start her new role in mid-April, replacing former president and CEO Julie Goodman. Goodman led the way from 2019-2024, navigating Indy Arts Council through the pandemic. She is now chief advancement officer with the Cabaret. Flashback: Thomas, a Butler grad, has spent the last three decades contributing to some of the city's biggest events, including Indiana Black Expo and National FFA. Last year, she was tapped as co-chair of the local organizing committee for the 2026 NCAA Men's Final Four in Indy. Thomas was president of Madam Walker Legacy Center from 2018 to 2020. Before that, she worked with Visit Indy for 13 years.
Axios
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Meet the Maker: 2024 DeHaan Artists of Distinction
Five Indiana artists recognized for their creative risk-taking are being honored with grants from the Indy Arts Council. The inspo: Each year, the DeHaan Artist of Distinction awards Hoosier contemporary artists grants of up to $10,000 to pursue aspirational projects. The 2024 winners were announced in January. Their final projects will be shown later this year during a special exhibition at Gallery 924. The program has supported 36 artists with more than $390,000 since its inception in 2017. What they're saying:"These artists are pushing the field of visual arts forward with new materials, new artistic processes, and underrepresented stories," said Kavita Mahoney, vice president at Indy Arts Council. Zoom in: Meet the 2024 DeHaan Artist of Distinction winners. India Cruse-Griffin A professional collage artist and retired art teacher whose work is based on family and growing up in Indiana. Huner Emin A multimedia artist who grew up in south Kurdistan/northern Iraq and is now based in Bloomington. Maria Schechter An artist with 30 years of experience who creates sustainable works using mycelium composites and plant-based palettes. Meredith Setser A printmaker and textile artist who currently teaches at the Herron School of Art + Design. Tom Torluemke A 40-year veteran artist with works in painting, drawing, sculpture and installations in various mediums. What's next: Applications for the 2025 DeHaan Artist of Distinction Awards are open now. The first round of applications will be accepted through May 4 and a second round runs through Oct. 19. Applicants can submit an application in either or both rounds.
