The Factory Arts District, formerly known as the Circle City Industrial Complex, will host an in-person First Friday, March 7th, 6-9pm. Admission is free. The Factory Arts District is comprised of two buildings, Factory Arts North (1125 Brookside Ave) and Factory Arts South (1011 Massachusetts Ave). For First Friday purposes, all of the listed galleries and studio spaces are located in Factory Arts North.
Open Studios and Galleries
Several studios and gallery spaces will be open throughout the building. This list is not all-encompassing; some artists may decide to open that night based on current information and comfort levels.
The Schwitzer Gallery
Located on the second floor of the North Studios, the Schwitzer Gallery will feature Mike Meares, and a comprehensive collection of his work ranging from energetic surreal abstract musical pieces to his whimsical Space Rockers series. Meares focuses on musical themes and story-telling, striving for audience connection through shared appreciation and awe of music. “Over the last few years, I’ve leaned into music as my main subject matter. It is what inspires me most and is possibly the one true form of magic in the world,” Meares said. “Think of the power that music has to inspire, unite, and communicate in ways that nothing else can!”
Arts & Images by Anthony Armstrong
Anthony Armstrong presents a blend of new abstract paintings highlighting bold colors, deep texture and movement. Armstrong is a self-taught abstract painter and photographer. As a mixed media artist, Armstrong wants the art collector to be engaged with their pieces, hoping to garnish new perspectives and elements of design. Arts & Images by Anthony Armstrong is located in the South Studios.
Bruce Armstrong / Bruce’s Fine Arts
Bruce Armstrong features a wonderful collection of abstract, minimalist, collage and figurative paintings, highlighting bold colors, strong movements and sharp angles. Bruce Armstrong is located in the South Studios.
Kalli Bednarz
Kalli Bednarz paints depictions of the human through ancient themes. Bednarz’s travels to archaeological sites have greatly impacted her work and lead her to speak to archaeologists, geologists and anthropologists in the field. “The work has become an excavation site – I am the archaeologist and the canvas crumbling stone – the paintbrush a tool to reveal what’s hidden,” Bednarz said. “These paintings are to drum up recognition within ourselves and recall lost information of how we can thrive presently as a human civilization.” For March and celebrating one year at Factory Arts, Kalli Bednarz is hosting “Pottery Pop-Up” an event in collaboration with Indy local potter Jade Leetz. The event is to highlight the ancient history of humans and pottery. Kalli Bendarz is located on the first floor of the North Studios.
Aimee Bruno
Aimee Bruno is a dynamic mixed-media artist based in Indianapolis, renowned for her bold use of vibrant colors and abstract forms. Bruno transforms her creative space into a welcoming gallery every First Friday, inviting the public to experience her captivating works up close. Specializing in mixed-media, Bruno’s creative process incorporates a wide array of media, such as acrylics, alcohol ink, resin, and fiber, continually expanding her artistic toolkit. With a deep commitment to both her craft and her community, Aimee Bruno remains a leading and evolving figure in Indianapolis’ vibrant art scene, continuously pushing the boundaries of creativity. Aimee Bruno is located on the second floor of the North Studios.
Daily Epiphany Studio: Michele Burns and Kurt Kriese
Michele Burns creates photoluminescent artwork with one design visible ‘by day,’ and the other revealing itself once the lights are turned off. Her art is inspired by pattern, color, and texture and incorporates light-absorbing minerals that create a second “nightlight” composition (and also creating an art nightlight, in a way). Burns makes her own OSHA-rated and toy safe pigments herself for maximum luminance. Kurt Kriese, of this dynamic duo, creates an eclectic mix of abstract and realistic art, and experiments with various media. He is a gifted landscape and figure painter and stained-glass artist. The Daily Epiphany Studio features new work for winter 2025, including glowing mosaics, photoluminescent landscapes, complex abstracts, whimsical glowing nursery art, and Nightlight/I-Spy/Memory games and artwork. Daily Epiphany is located on the first floor of the South Studios.
Darkroom Revelations
Guest artist, Debbi Winchester, will display her photography, in a show entitled, “Frozen Spring – A Metamorphosis”. Winchester, a nature and landscape photographer from Carmel, Indiana, is a graduate of Ball State University, and her study included photography with a news-related slant and work in the traditional darkroom. With a concentration on nature and landscape, Winchester’s work has been displayed around central Indiana and has been recognized with numerous national, local and regional awards. “My photography began with my family and the natural world before evolving to include all aspects of the craft of photography,” Winchester said. “This exhibit exemplifies my growth from the attempt for perfection to the use of the conditions presented. I no longer fight the wind for a pristine flower shot or wait until the conditions are ‘right’. If the subject, composition or lighting causes me to catch my breath as I look through the viewfinder, then I know that is the image I want to make.” Darkroom Revelations is on the first floor of the North Studios.
Full Circle Nine Gallery
The Full Circle Nine Gallery (FC9) will feature Robin Frost-Bess in “Stay in the Light.” Robin Frost-Bess is a paper artist that sources her materials from many places, be it while traveling, searching obscure art stores, or simply looking at a menu in a new way. Anything, she said, that could make her think, “What could that be?” “These are challenging times for all of us,” Frost-Bess said. “I want this show to demonstrate that everyone needs some light in their life and an opportunity to enjoy the beauty that exists all around us. March is always a time of renewal and beginnings, and I hope that my art reminds the viewer of that.” The Full Circle Nine Gallery is located on the first floor of the South Studios.
Victoria Gillieron
Victoria Gillieron painted one painting, which turned out pretty good, and decided to get a studio. Not having any idea what she was doing, she quite amazingly found artist friends who took her under their wings and basically turned her into an artist. After many years studying with big name, extremely talented artists, attending workshops, and trying to learn how to correct the billions of problems she encountered, she finally feels like she can paint! Victoria feels that art is a subject that can never be mastered and will always be a challenge but that she can, now and then, knock out a doozy of a painting! Victoria Gillieron is located on the first floor of the South Studios.
Glass Arts Indiana, Inc.
Glass Arts Indiana creates a collaborative glass community to support and promote emerging and established artists; to participate in events to increase the knowledge and appreciation of glass arts with Indiana residents; to host fun, interesting and educational events; increase appreciation and understanding of the glass arts; and promote glass-related opportunities in Indiana and the U.S. Finished works are available and visitors will get to see glass-blowing in action. Glass Arts Indiana, Inc. is located on the first floor, in the corridor.
Sylvia Gray
Sylvia Gray is a painting both in oil on canvas, and silk painting. Gray is an Indiana Artisan and a member of the Indiana Plein Air Painters. She has won awards for abstract painting at the Hoosier Salon and the SALI National Midwest Abstract Show. For March, she presents “Matters of The Heart,” collection of hearts in her abstract and expressionist work. Sylvia Gray is located on the second floor of the North Studios.
Matt Hurdle/Matt Hurdle Fine Art
Matt Hurdle is a juried Indiana painter whose work blurs the lines of impressionism and abstraction. He paints big sky contemporary landscapes with a dreamlike quality. His intuitive work elicits a feeling of peacefulness and calm. This month, he presents new, big sky landscapes created using multiple layers of acrylic paint producing depth and a dreamlike quality. Matt Hurdle is located on the second floor of the North Studios.
Indy Fused Glass
The artist instructors at Indy Fused Glass (IFG) create fused glass art for sale in a retail gallery. IFG teaches introductory fusing sessions, guided by artists to learn to create with fusible glass. IFG offers 14 different fusing projects to select from. These can be fused or “slumped” (another method of using fusible glass to create functional forms). The Indy Fused Glass, LLC Gallery has newly created fused glass art each week on display and available for purchase. For First Friday, IFG Glass Artists either offer hands-on sessions or feature a working glass artist, doing a demonstration. Indy Fused Glass is on the first floor of the North Studios.
Scott Johnson / Studio F60
Scott Johnson operates a contemporary art and design studio with a mix of painting, collage, and digital art. He blends representational and figurative artwork as well as selected forms of abstraction. There’s also a pool table. Scott Johnson is located on the second floor of the North Studios.
Larry Lad, LadArt
Larry Lad is a painter who covers the spectrum of abstract and representational work. He likes to add dimension to his paintings using additional canvas, cigar boxes, collage, and other materials to layer his work. His show “Replication” traces his journey as an artist as he searches for his own style by borrowing from the works of artists he admires. Lad also creates large sculptures and installations. Larry Lad, LadArt is located in the corridor on the first floor.
Nancy Lee of Nancy Lee Designs Studio
Nancy Lee is a metalsmith, enamelist, and artisan jeweler. Her jewelry is made by hand in silver and karat gold, one at a time or in small batches, and is often embellished with faceted gems or unusual cabochons. Most are one of a kind. Lee’s abstract enamel landscapes are kiln fired at high temperatures using pigmented powdered glass on a copper substrate and are mounted on wood. She produces small-scale copper sculpture using traditional metalsmithing techniques. Lee’s new work revolves around a simple four-petal flower shape. She uses this shape in a variety of ways, including minutely detailed sterling silver flower stud earrings set with white gemstones. Other styles may include a cluster of various sizes and shapes of the four-petal flower in bunched arrangements on a necklace or in a simple embellished ring stack. Nancy Lee is one of the three original artist pioneers who brought First Friday art openings to the Circle City Industrial Complex. Nancy Lee Designs Studio is on the first floor of the North Studios.
Sara Love
Sara Love exhibits paintings, linoleum block prints and archival prints that utilize strong color and design. Sara is a graduate of Herron School of Art and Design where she studied graphic design and illustration. Sara Love is located on the second floor of the North Studios.
Grace Marshall, Grace M Design
Grace Marshall has always had a passion for using her hands to create beautiful and functional designs. Making unique jewelry with precious metals and gemstones has been both a challenging and rewarding career choice. As a certified jeweler and gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America, making unique jewelry with precious metals and gemstones has been both a challenging and rewarding career choice. Grace M Design is located on the first floor of the North Studios.
REDEFINITION Clothing
Tendai Phillips brings REDEFINITION Clothing, where global influences converge to create a unique fashion experience and designs transcend time. “We believe fashion should be a universal language, and that’s why we design clothing that transcends borders,” Phillips said. “Every stitch tells a story, weaving together the threads of inspiration from around the world. Our pieces are more than garments: they’re a fusion of art and personal expression.” Born at the intersection of K-Pop’s vibrant energy the rhythmic beats of Hip-Hop, the colorful vibes of Afro-pop, the avant-garde aesthetics of Japanese street style, and the pulse of current trends, REDEFINTION is a celebration of diverse cultures. REDEFINITION Clothing is located on the second floor of the North Studios.
Strawberry Studios
Maya Custer, a painter and digital artist, creates a colorful and eclectic environment, with art inspired by travels, foods and nature. By using pastels and bright colors, she is hoping to remind others to not shy away from colorful expression. Strawberry Studio is located on the second floor of the North Studios.
The Factory Arts District is open during regular business hours, and the Schwitzer Gallery is accessible throughout the week. A number of the city’s most varied and exciting artists and galleries will remain open for their regular hours, with many of them available on weekends, posted on their own websites and social media. Some studios will be open by appointment.
About the Factory Arts District
Located just east of downtown Indianapolis, the Factory Arts District (formerly the Circle City Industrial Complex) encompasses a 16 acres and houses two buildings: Factory Arts South (1011 Massachusetts Avenue)—a 95,000 square foot facility—and Factory Arts North (1125 Brookside Avenue)—a 420,000 square foot facility—as well as two free parking lots. The property was previously home to the Schwitzer Corporation, a pioneer in automotive technology. This location is the gateway of the Mass Ave/Brookside Industrial Corridor, which encompasses more than 300 acres of vacant or underutilized commercial and industrial property. In 2014, with much of this area suffering from deterioration and environmental issues, it became a focus for revitalization for the City of Indianapolis. In 2015, the City awarded a $1.5 million Community Development Block Grant to the Factory Arts District; funds that were used to renovate, repair, and ultimately stabilize the property. Today, the Factory Arts District provides a case study for successful industrial reuse in an urban environment.
For more information, please visit https://www.factoryartsdistrict.com/
