The Factory Arts District, formerly known as the Circle City Industrial Complex, will host an in-person First Friday, April 4th, 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 a group show, “Meraki & Hygge.” The title stems from the combination of the Greek “Meraki,” meaning “to put something of yourself into your work with love and soul, and the Danish “Hygge,” meaning “the warm feeling you have when enjoying great company.” With that, Radie Lee Steiner and Evan Lloyd Steiner host guest artists Ryan Zumbahlen, Stephen D. Maxwell, and Eclectic by Kass, with abstract art, boudoir photography, and 3D printed art pieces.
The Stokol Gallery
In the Stokol Gallery, on the first floor of the North Studios, Turtle and Phoenix Entertainment will present artwork focusing on Djura, a tabletop roleplaying game. In Djura, the animal people of Orloinn struggle to overcome the shadow veil, reclaim their history, world, and become legends. The digital art presented will be in preparation for an upcoming Kickstarter campaign.
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.
Aurora PhotoCenter
In Aurora’s Efroymson Gallery, Savannah Calhoun mines 80’s and 90’s pop culture to evoke an uneasy sense of nostalgia in her series Meta Specter. Bright gradients, checkerboard patterns, palm trees straight form the set of Miami Vice, and compact disks float across the glossy surface of Calhoun’s large-scale collages and photo murals, reminding the viewer that escaping the echo chamber of nostalgia and technology might be the most important disruption of our time, one that gets us back to a better future. Aurora PhotoCenter supports visual artists working in photography through exhibitions, residencies, workshops, visiting artist talks, and access to creative tools. As the only nonprofit in Indiana devoted exclusively to photography, Aurora is an essential hub for the medium in our arts community. Aurora PhotoCenter is located on the first floor of the North Studios.
Bebito Toys
Bebito Toys are handmade plush toys created from original patterns by Rachel Hedges. They are constructed from re-purposed and upcycled fabrics in colorful, quirky combinations. Each toy is unique and adorable. Find your favorite, or purchase a one-of-a-kind gift for someone special. Bebito Toys are for humans of all ages. Bebito Toys is located on the second floor of the North Studios.
Kalli Bednarz
Step into an archaeological discovery with fresco paintings and textiles by Kalli Bednarz. Her travels to sites like Machu Picchu, Chichén Itzá, and the Roman Baths have greatly impacted her work and is leading her to speak to archaeologists in the field. Bendarz bridges ancient wisdom and modern expression through her paintings, proving that the past still speaks if viewers are willing to listen. “I’m a painter working with ancient techniques of fresco and hand-painted textiles,” Bendarz said. “The works are translations of channeled iconographic depictions of humans and symbols. I’m currently speaking to archaeologists to better understand what this work is and its potential to relay information on how to thrive presently as a human civilization.” 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, known for her bold vibrant use of color and captivating abstract forms that inspire and engage viewers. With a keen eye for innovation, she seamlessly combines mediums such as acrylics, alcohol inks, resin, and fibers, continuously pushing the boundaries of her craft. A graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art and a minor in Art History, Bruno is not only a creator but a passionate educator. 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
Darkroom Revelations will host “There’s More than Corn…” by guest photographer Phil Gibson. The collection showcases his love of photography, live music, and nature. The manager of Robert’s Camera for 27 years, Gibson has been inspired and pushed by the many talented photographers that he has met over the years. “Music and photography are my passions,” Gibson said. “I can’t imagine life without the. They are my therapy. Walking around in nature makes me feel grounded. The magic of both transcends my daily stresses and keeps me coming back for more.” Darkroom Revelation owners Tom Potter, Nancy Frass, and Gayle Moore, are photographers using both film processes as well as digital imagery. Darkroom Revelations is on the first floor of the North Studios.
Gracen Dorsch
Indianapolis-based artist Gracen Dorsch is an abstract expressionist painter who often uses her background in psychology and art therapy to fuel her work. Her subject matter often reflects collective memories and invokes a variety of emotional responses. Dorsch uses her work as an art therapist to inspire playfulness and free-association in her pieces to invoke curiosity in her viewers. Dorsh often relies on the process of painting rather than the final product itself to determine when each piece is finished. Gracen Dorsch is located on second floor of the North Studios.
Full Circle Nine Gallery
The Full Circle Nine Gallery (FC9) will feature José Luís Cabrera in “Roots & Traditions.” Cabrera, celebrating his Latino heritage through the eyes of Latino families, will present a collection of acrylic paintings on canvas, some also combining mixed media, such as gold leaf and aerosol paint. This show is Cabrera’s exploration of how his life has been influenced by the culture of both the United States and Mexico. “People and communities change constantly, but the traditions and cultures that influence them remain constant. I want my show to celebrate the beauty of those traditions and how the merging of cultures is so influential,” Cabrera said. 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.
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.
Sylvia Gray
Sylvia Gray presents “Flowers and Fauna” for the May First Friday. She is a silk painter who also paints on canvas with oil. Gray creates hand-painted silk scarves and oil paintings. She is also an Indiana Artisan and a member of the Indiana Plein Air Painters. Sylvia Gray is on the second 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.
Cindy Lory
Cindy Lory works in a variety of mediums creating paintings, drawings, and digital artworks. She has had a lifelong love of fine arts and music and attended Herron School of Art in Indianapolis. Having recently returned to pursuing the visual arts, she enjoys working and creating in her studio. Cindy Lory 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 Smith-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.
