This type of visual art uses a combination of media (like paint, ink and collage) to create a single piece of art. Recently, Jill has added new artistic outlets to her mix.

The Fishers resident began offering mixed media workshops and writing a blog to share her artwork and encourage others in self-expression and creativity. In partnership with the Fishers Parks and Recreation Department, Jill is offering several public workshops in the art of mixed media and collage at the Fishers Train Station. Classes offered a variety of artwork media including Gratitude Mosaic, Color My WORLD, Yes-It’s Plaster, and a Just for Tweens workshop. Anyone interested in these workshops may contact Jill at www.truoriginal.com.

Jill considers herself a “creative coach” since she guides individuals in the exploration of art and creativity. She also offers private home workshops that are like a fun girls’ night out. “I have met the most amazing women through my workshops and they inspire me more than I do them!” said Jill.

Last year, Jill began blogging and her online journal has provided new connections in the art community. She was invited to Lake Tahoe for an art retreat with four other artists. One of Jill’s dreams is to expand her workshops and offer a mixed media art retreat in Fishers.

Jill attributes her brave creative spirit to the teachings of her single mom, who encouraged her to be independent and take chances. As a self-taught artist, Jill has had the opportunity to take creative courses and workshops from amazing artists around the country. Her artistic style is carefree and youthful. Mixed media allows Jill the freedom to explore many techniques and a variety of media.

Jill’s work can be found and purchased throughout the area. She is a regular participant of Art in the Park, the popular art fair presented by the Fishers Arts Council each September. Recently, Jill received a new opportunity to have her gift items available for purchase at Twisted Sister, a local boutique located at 7002 Lake Plaza Drive Avalon Crossing in Indianapolis. In addition, she has been invited to become a member of the CCA Gallery located at 47 South Main Street in Zionsville.

Jill is the owner of her own art business, TRU Original, located in Fishers. She has been married to the love of her life for 12 years and together they have two children and three dogs. She recently started working part-time at her parish, St. John Vianney, and also works as the High School Youth Leader with her husband. “It is an awesome blessing to serve our parish this way!” stated Jill. “St. John Vianney has been instrumental in supporting my family in our journey of faith and we are so happy to be part of that community.”

Contact Jill through her blog, http://truoriginal.blogspot.com/ or website, www.truoriginal.com.

Although an artist may execute her craft individually, the actual artwork reflects the influence of many. This is true with Rosa Maria Szynski, a Fishers author. She acknowledges the presence of loved ones in her life and other artists who have inspired her work and the individuals who will be inspired by reading it.

“I have always found that writing is a way to deeply connect to another human being through an invisible strand of energy,” said Rosa about her career.

Rosa is the author of Love Letters, a tribute to a wonderful life spent with her husband Gregg and their three children. Learn more about Love Letters at www.soarwithgrace.com.

Rosa is passionate about writing and the connection it makes with others. She handwrites letters as a healing art and reads with fervor. She says, “Poetry is something that connects me to the past through poets, artists and writers of all time.”

A native of South Bend, IN, Rosa majored in education at Indiana University and has a life-long passion for the arts of all kinds including theatre, music and dance. She contributes her success to her family and love of writing. Her future endeavors are shaped by connections with her family and others in her community.

One of Rosa’s current projects demonstrates a connection she has with artists through the ages. In addition, she is currently working on a children’s book with another local artist.

Zach Thomas has been creating art since he was a small child. When he was a student at North Central High School he realized he wanted to use his art to inspire people to create their own works. After working as an artist and teacher in California, Zach returned to Indiana to teach Hoosiers that they, too can be artists.

Last month, Zach opened his own art studio in the Geist area called The Discovery Studio. Located at 11230 Fall Creek Road, The Discovery Studio offers classes in all the fine arts mediums to all age levels.

“When I was young I didn’t have a place I could go to create. A place where I didn’t have to worry about getting paint on the floor. Now kids can come to our Open Studio and have a room where they can express themselves.”

At The Discovery Studio, Zach can build on his already extensive teaching career. While earning his BA in Art Education at Indiana University, Zach taught Saturday art classes for elementary age students. Upon graduation, he taught art on a Navejo reservation in Arizona. Then he moved to San Francisco where he built interactive exhibits for a children’s museum. Two years later, he moved to Los Angeles to get his Masters degree from Pepperdine University and teach art at Locke High School in Watts. After just two years, he was elected to be the head of the art department.

During his years in California, he exhibited his work in multiple gallery spaces and art exhibitions in both Los Angeles and San Francisco. Now Zach is eager to share his talents with Fishers area residents.

Our mission is to build a creative space for people to explore artistic endeavors, expand their artistic knowledge base and enrich their lives through art making.

Classes are taught in an open exploration setting that allows students to solve artistic problems without the limits of traditional school curriculums. The Discovery Studio also hosts a Wine & Painting Night every second Wednesday. For more information, contact Zach at the discoverystudio@gmail.com

Ten years ago, a passion for bicycle riding took an unusual turn for Michael Ediza.

In 2002, he decided to make a large framed mirror out of old bike inner tubes for his living room. The response from family and friends was immediate. Anyone who saw it was interested in having one. Michael now makes dozens of inner tube art pieces.

“Recently I decided to not only use the inner tubes but to see what I can create out of the whole bicycle tire, including the hardware.”

Michael’s interest in creating things out of odd materials dates back to the Phillipines as a young boy. “My first creation, with the help of my grandfather, was a semi-truck made from a tree trunk.”

The Pacific Islander’s route to Indiana included a stop in Alaska as well as California. He began saving inner tubes nearly 12 years ago for tying before realizing their more artistic value. Today he combines mirrors and vintage door knobs with bicycle inner tubes to create interesting works of art.

Each creation inspires me to go further and bolder.

Brad Bell, photographer, bradscapes@yahoo.com

Laura Chaiken, artist, La Rua Enamels, larua@bloomington.in.us

Stephen Clark, painter, sclark8800@sbcglobal.net

Dan Cook, photographer, Dan Cook Photography, dennis@eaglecreeknursery.com

Audrey Delello, painter, adelello@delelloandsons.com

Michael Ediza, contemporary artist, Mediza64@yahoo.com

Lisa Fox, jewelry artist, Foxy Beads, foxybeads@aol.com

Tracy Gritter, painter /mixed media, Gallery 116, tracygritter@comcast.net

Larry Hamilton, painter,  larryhamilton@msn.com

Alice Harpel, artist, A.M. Harpel Fine Art Studio, aharpel3209@comast.net

Thomas Harris, ceramic artist, Clay Oh Ceramics, tgharris@indiana.edu

Renee Hay, jewelry & mixed media artist, Bead Freak, reneehay@earthlink.net

Andy Henderson, photographer, Henderson Photography, oldlbc@aol.com

Ann Henn, textile artist, Sew Far So Good/Gallery 116, ahennx@gmail.com

Lisa Holmes, rustic silver jewelry artist, LH Collection, bslgholmes@att.net

Annjatica Imani, glass painter, Wasienua Creations, annjatica@yahoo.com

Liz Jenkins, mixed media artist, Collage Works by Liz, jejenk@sbcglobal.net

Beverly Jerabek, jewelry artist, Beading Buddies, bjerabek@cbrokerage.com

Kristin Johnson, jewelry artist, Madrin Design, Lakt.johnson@sbcglobal.net

Jan Keffer, jewelry artist, Jewels by Jan, jewelsbyjan@indyrr.com

Starr Keller, jewelry artist, Starr Strung Jewelry Designs, starrstrung@gmail.com

Steven Keller, painter, Skoalar, skoalar@skoalar.com

Megan Kromer, jewelry artist, Plain Jane Jewelry, megankromer@yahoo.com

Linda Lauter, artist, L.Lauter Fine Art, linleel@comcast.net

Jessi Martin, textile artist, Two Seaside Babes, Jessi-4RM@yahoo.com

Megan Martin, artist, Spice of Life Designs, nutmeg@SpiceofLifeDesignsOnline.com

Jill Metz, mixed media artist, TRUoriginal, mjillmetz@comcast.net

Lori Neff, glass painter, C’Jori Custom Glassware, cjoricustomglassware@comcast.net

Sharon Patterson, ceramic ocarina artist, Sounds of Clay, laagila@aol.com

Yvonne Pillard, artist, Uniquely Sculptured Water Birds, fmwindy@comcast.net

Connie Porter, painter, Connie Cruzan Fine Art, conniecruzan@gmail.com

Beverly Poske, jewelry artist, Jewelry by Bev, bposke@hotmail.com

Kathryn Samuelson, artist, Surreal Surrounding, Kathryn.samuelson@gmail.com

Catherine Schlebecker, ceramic artist, Beech Grove Clay Works, cschlebecker@indyrr.com

Kevin Shadle, artist, The Shadle Shack, kshadle@sbcglobal.net

Melanie Shipps, artist, CC Designs, Melbell0623@gmail.com

Meghan Simonett, artist, Outside the Lines, Meg.simonett@yahoo.com

Debbie Slack, artist, Debbie Slack Designs, debstack@sbcglobal.net

Janice Smith, artist, DBMyStar, Dbmystar73@yahoo.com

Ann Stark, textile artist, Freakin’ Billboard, info@freakinbillboard.com

Kate Van Sciver, textile artist, Textilian, kathryn@textilian.com

Denise Ward, jewelry artist, For Pete’s Sake, ward0818@sbcglobal.net

Trudie Welch, artist, Artzy Artz, tlwelch@sbcglobal.net

Rebecca Whittington, stained glass jewelry artist, Whittington Stained Glass, rwhittington@fpfc.net

Gina Wilder, artist, Gina Linn Designs, ginalinnart@aol.com

Tim Williams, artist, Tim Williams Fine Art, twwilliamsfineart@yahoo.com

Thank you artists for your patience and understanding! Although we can’t predict the weather, we’re hoping for sunny skies at our 5th Annual Art in the Park, September 18th!

“A Taste of Art” 2010 Artists

Patti Beck, ceramic artist, herbsandclaypottery@gmail.com

Brad Bell, photographer, bradscapes@yahoo.com

Rosie Bolte, gourd art & mixed media-The Uncommon Gourd, roseyzw@gmail.com

Stephen Clark, artist, sclark8800@sbcglobal.net

Perry Collins, artist-Roanoke merchandise, perry@pmcollins.com

Audrey Delello, painter

Tracy Gritter, painter & mixed media-Gallery 116, tracygritter@comcast.net

Larry Hamilton, fine artist, larryhamilton@msn.com

Thomas Harris, ceramic artist-Clay Oh Ceramics

Renee Hay, jewelry & mixed media-Bead Freak

Andy Henderson, photographer

Ann Henn, textile artist-Sew Far So Good, ahennx@gmail.com

Lisa Holmes, jewelry artist-LH Collection, bslgholmes@comcast.net

Kristin Hubick, jewelry artist-Retro Cafe Art Gallery, krishubick@hotmail.com

Annjatica Imani, glass painter-Wasienua Creations

Jan Keefer, jewelry artist-Jewels by Jan

Starr Keller, jewelry artist-Starr Strung Jewelry Designs, starrstrung@gmail.com

Linda Lauter, artist-L.Lauter Fine Art

Megan Martin, artist-Spice of Life Designs

Jessi Martin, textile artist-Two Seaside Babes

Jill Metz, mixed media artist-TRUoriginal, mjillmetz@comcast.net

Judy Mintze, painter,gadgetman@embargmail.com

Sharon Patterson, Sounds of Clay, laagila@aol.com

Yvonne Pillard, artist-Uniquely Sculptured Water Birds, fmwindy@comcast.net

Connie Porter, painter-Connie Cruzan Fine Art, conniecruzan@gmail.com

Joyce Ribble, jewelry artist-New Leaf Designs

Debbie Slack, artist-Debbie Slack Designs, debstack@sbcglobal.net

Denise Ward, jewelry artist-For Pete’s Sake, ward0818@sbcglobal.net

Trudie Welch, artist, Artzy Artz, tlwelch@sbcglobal.net

Tim Williams, artist-Tim Williams Fine Art

Thank you to the many artists who signed up for “A Taste of Art” & “Art in the Park. The following artists are scheduled for Art in the Park on September 18, 2010. Italicized names indicate artists who will be new vendors at Art in the Park.

Brad Bell, photographer, bradscapes@yahoo.com

Laura Chaiken, artist-La Rue Enamels

Stephen Clark,artist, sclark8800@sbcglobal.net

Audrey Delello, painter,

Tracy Gritter, painter & mixed media-Gallery 116, tracygritter@comcast.net

Larry Hamilton, fine artist, larryhamilton@msn.com

Alice Harpel, artist-A.M. Harpel Fine Art Studio, aharpel3209@comast.net

Thomas Harris, ceramic artist-Clay Oh Ceramics

Renee Hay, jewelry & mixed media-Bead Freak

Andy Henderson, photographer

Ann Henn, textile artist-Sew Far So Good, ahennx@gmail.com

Annjatica Imani, glass painter-Wasienua Creations

Jan Keefer, jewelry artist-Jewels by Jan

Steven Keller, artist-Skoalar

Starr Keller, jewelry artist-Starr Strung Jewelry Designs, starrstrung@gmail.com

Linda Lauter, artist-L.Lauter Fine Art

Megan Martin, artist-Spice of Life Designs

Jessi Martin, textile artist-Two Seaside Babes,

Jill Metz, mixed media artist-TRUoriginal, mjillmetz@comcast.net

Sharon Patterson, Sounds of Clay, laagila@aol.com

Yvonne Pillard, artist-Uniquely Sculptured Water Birds, fmwindy@comcast.net

Connie Porter, painter-Connie Cruzan Fine Art, conniecruzan@gmail.com

Catherine Schlebecker, ceramic artist-Beech Grove Clay Works

Kevin Shadle, artist-The Shadle Shack, kshadle@sbcglobal.net

Debbie Slack, artist-Debbie Slack Designs, debstack@sbcglobal.net

Janice Smith, artist-DBMyStar

Ann Stark, textile artist-Freakin’ Billboard, info@freakinbillboard.com

Kate Van Sciver, textile artist-Ottoman Empire, kathryn@textilian.com

Denise Ward, jewelry artist-For Pete’s Sake, ward0818@sbcglobal.net

Trudie Welch, artist, Artzy Artz, tlwelch@sbcglobal.net

Gina Wilder, artist-Gina Linn Designs

Tim Williams, artist-Tim Williams Fine Art

It is said that “those who can’t do, teach.” Whoever said that hasn’t met Thorpe Creek Elementary Teacher of the Year Lindsay Cortelyou. When it comes to art, Lindsay does it all.

My students inspire me to be more creative each and every day.

After taking “every art class possible” in high school, Lindsay went on to pursue her dream of becoming an art educator. She has taught for four years in the Hamilton Southeastern school district, and most recently created the first district-wide art show, HsEART. More than 500 student works representing every school in the district were part of the exhibit in late March. A portion of the proceeds from the show supported Spreading Sunshine, an organization created by a student at Sand Creek Elementary to provide art supplies to children in local hospitals.

My work is nothing shy of bold. I LOVE color and the brighter, the better!

Outside of the Thorpe Creek classroom, Lindsay is always looking for new ways to create art that makes people smile. Lindsay’s work represents her love for the whimsical and she says she prefers dream-like designs. She enjoys painting, drawing and collage. She also creates portrait drawings for friends and family, and most recently began exploring photography. In her spare time, Lindsay also teaches an art therapy group for children with emotional disorders using a curriculum she created.

My dream would be to open a studio for children of all ages in Fishers to explore all areas of art.

Lindsay recently started a blog, www.artspark-linds.blogspot.com, that highlights her work both as a teacher and an artist. She also is a strong advocate for the arts, serving on the Fishers Arts Council. Regardless of where she is or what she is working on, Lindsay is passionate about teaching people that “we all are capable of creating.” That’s a lesson we all can learn from.

An Unlikely Start to Art
Tyler Frank discovered his passion for metal art from what some would consider to be an unlikely source, his J. Everett Light welding teacher and mentor Lonie Scott.

“He taught me more than just welding. He taught me to have a passion for what you do in life.”

Surrounded by Art

Tyler has many passions, including fishing, canoeing, hiking and water & snow skiing. He also has always had an appetite for art. His two favorite artists are Dale Chihuly and M.C. Escher.

His family probably wasn’t surprised by Tyler’s artistic streak, considering his Grandmother and Aunt are both artists.

“I grew up surrounded by art.”

Art Fair Opened His Eyes to New Possibilities

Although Tyler made his first piece of art while in high school, as part of a project for the Indiana School for the Blind, he didn’t originally choose metal art as a career path.

“I was asked to be in the Fishers Art in the Park show last fall. That experience opened my eyes to the possibilities beyond welding as a career and more as an art.

His unique style made Tyler a favorite at the Fishers arts show. In fact, by the end of the day, he was taking orders for designs that were sold out.

“I am fortunate to have sold quite a few pieces so early in my career.”

For more information on how to commission a piece of Tyler’s metal art, please e-mail ty4weld [at] gmail.com

Fishers resident Elizabeth Ahlgrim once thought she was in love with the piano, but after discovering the harp at age ten, it was love at first sight.

“I had been playing piano for several years and wanted to try something else. My family supported my decision to choose the harp. I loved how harps look and the uniqueness of the instrument.”

Lyre Equals Love

Artist Inspiration
Robert 7, Megan 11,
& Colin 1 month

After studying the harp with private instructors and at Indiana University, Elizabeth began playing as a soloist. She has performed with the Carmel Symphony, Fishers Chamber Players, the Lafayette Symphony and at numerous special events.

Elizabeth credits her parents with supporting her early love of the lyre but says her husband is her biggest fan. For those interested in pursuing this elegant instrument she recommends trying it out first. Entry level non-pedal harps start at $4,000 and can cost as much as $175,000 for a Gold model.

Family Fuels Passion

Now Elizabeth’s harp shares space with the piano in the home she shares with her husband and three children.

“I am always inspired by my children and husband. I love their reaction to hearing me play and love it when they can hear me perform at events. But I also get inspired by my clients especially brides. These couples all have wonderful stories and I love being a part of their history.”

Music Made for Matrimony

During the more popular months, Elizabeth can be booked for weddings every weekend, for all 3 days!

“Weddings are still the largest part of my business. I am fortunate to be invited to play all over the state. After 20 years, I still love to watch a bride walk down the aisle!”

Hear the soothing sounds of Elizabeth’s harp music by clicking on the link below:

Learn more about Elizabeth’s music at www.indyharpist.com

Flowers, people and everyday objects come to life when local artist Kerry Ruschhaupt picks up a paintbrush. Torn paper and old photos are also transformed into art with she works in collage.  Before starting a new project, Kerry reviews photos she has taken and starts sketching ideas.  Then she plays with color.

 
“This is my way of communicating,” said Kerry.  “Sometimes you can say so much more with color than words.”
 
As sun streams through the window of her in-home studio, Kerry addresses a large canvas.  Containers of colored pencils and a plethora of paints beckon her artistic muse.
 
 “I think I have always been creating art in some form,” said Kerry.  “My favorite part is when I finally get lost in the process of creating and the painting takes me in new directions.”

From Art Studies to Art Connections

After graduating from Marian College and taking art classes at John Herron, Kerry began her career as an architectural illustrator.  She created pen & ink sketches of homes for builders in Indiana and Illinois. Then she spent several years working in colored pencil and took classes at the Indianapolis Art League (now the Indianapolis Art Center) in botanical illustration.
 
“When I was younger I was more concerned with detail–now I am always looking for ways to convey a feeling or idea,” said Kerry.  “Art for me has become more about what I am feeling at a certain moment, more of a language than just another mode of recording images.”
 
Three years ago, she began painting in oils after taking a class downtown at the Stutz building.  Kerry enjoys working on large canvases but also loves painting mini canvases she calls “Art Connections”.
 
“They are fun and quirky, like a charm bracelet for your house,” said Kerry.  “I like the way you can take several small canvases and by linking them together come up with one cohesive piece of art.”

Artistic Inspiration:

Kerry’s uncle is a painter and her grandfather was always building or making something while she was growing up.  Both men inspired Kerry to follow her artistic passion.  Ellie Siskind, a favorite teacher at Marian College, also inspired Kerry to paint.  When asked what fuels her art and what medium she works in, Kerry painted two mini canvases shown here.  One is of a coffee cup, her fuel, and the other a tube of paint and a brush, her medium. 
 
“My inspiration comes from simple everyday moments that bring me joy,” said Kerry.  “The beautiful color of cranberries in a colander, or the way our kitty looks all curled up in a sunbeam. Painting is my way to express how I feel at those moments.”
 
When she’s not painting, Kerry enjoys gardening, baking, and spending time with other artist friends and her husband and two teenage sons.  Kerry’s artwork is in private collections and can be seen locally at Gallery 116 in downtown Fishers and in Gourmet Grounds coffee shop on Olio Road.