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.
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.
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.
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.
While Ken Bloomhorst has been creating art for more than 10 years, he has always been involved in the creative arts. As a graphic designer and art director for 28 years, Ken 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.
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.
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.
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.
Ten years ago, a passion for bicycle riding took an unusual turn for Michael Ediza.
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.