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.

From India to Indiana
Born and raised in India, Shakila Garugu came to the United States with her family in 2004. Her husband, Sukumar, is a software engineer and his job led them to several states before their recent move to Fishers, Indiana. Now their two daughters, Shruthi and Neha go to school in Fishers and Shakila is adjusting to life in the midwest.

From Mathematics to Masters
A self-taught artist, Shakila learned how to paint by studying and copying Old Master paintings.

“I had done my post graduation in Mathematics in India. After my marriage I started doing replicas of Old Master paintings.
Now I am doing my own style of oil paintings and water colors.”

After painting for 15 years, Shakila enjoys learning different styles but classifies her work as realistic. She has sold her paintings in India, Arizona, California and Connecticut and looks forward to showing her work in Indiana. In fact, she even takes special orders for portraits in oil.

From Teacher to Student
Shakila used to teach basic drawing classes and oil painting to children and adults in her home. Now she enjoys going to the Indianapolis Art Center where she takes art classes in their studios with live models. In addition to art, Shakila has a passion for dance and enjoys shopping in her spare time.

“ Whenever I have free time I will do Art. This makes my life colorful.”

Larry Hamilton’s interest in fine art started in 1976 with a few basic oil painting classes in Crown Point, Indiana. He created many paintings that he would give away as gifts to family and friends.

Because of increasing job responsibilities and the need to get an advanced degree, Hamilton stopped painting for many years. It was a TV show that reignited his interest in painting. About ten years ago, after viewing PBS television broadcasts of a well known painter named Bob Ross, Hamilton began painting again.

The tools and technique Ross used on TV were much simpler and faster than what Hamilton remembered about oil painting. So, Hamilton began experimenting with the methods and style of Bob Ross.

In 1994, Hamilton’s interest in watercolors developed when he attended a workshop with another well known painter named Tony Couch.

“Couch’s focus on design and creating ‘symbols’ in watercolor got me hooked on this medium,” said Hamilton. “I really liked the look of his water colors. His painting technique is called ‘wet-into-wet.’ It is difficult because you have to paint on top of paint that has not yet dried. The effect is fantastic!”

Since Hamilton in now semi-retired and has more time to devote to painting, working in both oil and watercolor gives him great pleasure and satisfaction. In fact, he has about 65 paintings on www.fineartamerica.com, a website where prints can be ordered, customized to any size and matted/framed as desired.

Since 2008, Hamilton has been teaching the Bob Ross painting style to several of his neighbors in the Britton Falls (Del Webb) community in Fishers.

“ In June, Hamilton will be starting a four-day watercolor class for the members of the Britton Falls community. “This is a ‘first’ for the community members and a ‘first’ for me!” said Hamilton of the watercolor class.!”

The elfin blonde pounding nails in the wall at Gallery 116 is Tracy Gritter. She greets customers with a friendly “hey sissy” and a genuine giggle.

Tracy co-owns the funky shop in downtown Fishers that sells handmade gifts and home decor. Although she’s not afraid to wield a hammer, sander or drill–most days Tracy prefers a paint brush.

“I love working on big canvases with acrylic paint. A few years ago, I got into metallic paints & spray reactors. Now I can add rust and verdigris effects to my work.”

An abstract painter, Tracy often pairs her brush strokes with collage, plaster and stamping techniques. Bold stripes, fluer de lis and paisley motifs are predominant. She also creates ‘functional art boards’ by transforming wood panels into personalized art pieces. “Functional art boards look great in family rooms. I often customize them for clients and use colors to match their decor. People add their own family photos. It’s fun and functional art!”

A native of Wabash Indiana, Tracy studied art at Indiana University and sold cosmetics and fragrances before opening Gallery 116 in 2002. A busy mother to daughter Anna, wife, business woman and artist, Tracy appreciates her family’s support. In addition to painting, Tracy is a home decor consultant and jewelry designer. Tracy’s artwork can be found in many central Indiana homes and can be purchased at Gallery 116, 8597 E. 116th Street, Fishers, Indiana.

“I love to create and express myself through art. It’s great to do what you love. Luckily my husband, Dave, likes to cook!”

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.

Ken Bloomhorst has always been involved in the creative arts. As a graphic designer and art director for over 50 years, Ken has earned regional and national awards from the Art Directors Club of New York, the Indianapolis Art Directors Club and the American Advertising Federation among other honors.

One of his more recognizable designs is the federal logo for the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

While graphic art often must follow a client’s requirements, fine art gives Ken more freedom. “When I create fine art, I can break the rules like Picasso did,” Ken says. One of the “art rules” Ken was initially worried about was using the computer to paint.

“To me the computer is just another medium. I was worried about showing my digital paintings to my art group, the Hamilton County Artists’ Association. Even though they are a very traditional group, they all loved them and said make them bigger.”

Recently, Ken illustrated a children’s fantasy novel, “Three Sister Dragons.”

“In addition to following a story line and representing it accurately, illustrating for children’s books requires a bit of ‘kid in you’ quality,” Ken says.

In the case of the “Three Sister Dragons,” Ken and the author decided to do a major illustration for each chapter and use extra spot illustrations to accent special happenings as the story progressed. While his work was critiqued by the author and multiple editors, Ken says the most important critique is that of teachers and parents.

Not only is he an artist, Ken is an active promoter of the arts. He currently provides public relations for the Hamilton County Artists’ Association and was a founding member of the Fishers Arts Council.

“I can remember when 116th street through Fishers was just two lanes. I think the town is beautiful.”

Liz Jenkins spent the last twenty years teaching art but only the last few creating art herself. Liz taught art in New York and New Jersey public schools before relocating to Indiana for her husband’s job in 2002.

An east coast native, she has a bachelor of fine arts degree from Cornell University and a masters degree in art and art education from Teachers College at Columbia University.

As a busy mother of three daughters ages 2, 6, and 10, Liz started teaching art part-time at the Fishers YMCA four years ago. It was while working with young students, that she got the urge to create her own work again.

“It’s only been the last couple of years that I have begun to create art for anyone other than family and friends. After painting for a few years, I started working with hand-painted paper and assorted materials to develop my current style.”

Now Liz works mainly in collage and mixed media. She enjoys piecing together different colors and textures to create unique works of art.

“I love working on larger canvases and creating special orders for personalized family collages.”

Liz participated in the Fishers Arts Council’s “Art in the Park” last fall and sells her original art at Gallery 116 in downtown Fishers.

Penny Pennington started drawing when she was 8 years old. That was when she entered her first art contest. While she didn’t win, drawing stayed her art medium of choice until high school. That was where she discovered how computers could transform the artistic process.

“In the early 80s, I scored high on an aptitude test in both art and computers. I remember feeling discouraged because I couldn’t figure out how those two would ever go together.”

Today, Penny makes a living out of merging the two disciplines as a graphic designer for Propeller Marketing in Fishers.

“I discovered that I loved the creativity and the technical aspects of graphic design. I love experimenting with new fonts, colors and techniques.”

Recently Penny put her creativity to work designing a new brand image pro-bono for the Fishers Arts Council. She has since developed a brochure, advertisement and invitation for the Council to the Transformation Celebration on November 4 – an event she named as well.

I believe if the client is happy and my work brings them good results, then that’s a reward in itself.

How does Penny keep her art fresh? She finds inspiration in books, movies and walks at nearby parks. She also recently re-discovered water color painting and plans to take classes soon at the Indianapolis Art Center.

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.