A few weeks ago in the Indy Maven newsletter, I shared a TEDx Talk that resonated with me. It was by an author, artist, and speaker Aimee McNee called “The Case for Making Art When the World is on Fire.” I can’t remember how I stumbled upon it or if it was sent to me but I couldn’t stop thinking about it. For more than a year now, I’ve been dreaming of getting into watercolors. A dear friend even gifted me some supplies for Christmas and they’ve sat unopened. It felt frivolous in “times like these” and how was I to do art alone when I have kids I should be spending time with for crying out loud?
And then McNee hit me with this: “Art is not just for kids. Art is not just for adults. Art is not just for peacetime. Art is now. We need it now.”
Me: “FINE. But also, I have a job. I’m a mom. I’m reading at least three books right now, two more on hold at the library—four of which are productivity books.”
McNee: “Creativity is the missing pillar of self-development. We are a culture that is obsessed with optimization and productivity. We’ve got podcasts coming out of our asses about like how to, you know, do breathwork and be the best versions of ourselves. We’re looking at meditation practices, sleep practices, exercise practices. How can we optimize and be the best versions of ourselves? And no one’s talking about creativity. No one’s talking about making stuff. It is the missing pillar of self-development. If we are going to look at how to improve ourselves as humans, sure, do your 20-minute exercise. But where’s your 20 minutes of playing around with the pens? Where’s your 20 minutes of singing in the shower? We should be considering this.”
And so, dear reader. I signed up for a watercolor class. It starts next week. Want to find your route to creativity? Here are six places in the Indianapolis area where you can tap into your own creativity. It might just be the thing we’ve been looking for.
Create Art Studio
Founded by two longtime friends Chrissy Sweigart and Alissa Moody, the studio has classes for ages starting at 1.5 years through 18 and older of all ages and abilities. Offerings include Mindful Reset for Moms workshop to reconnect with yourself, reset your brain, and bring a creative spark back into your life. In a small group setting, you will be gently led through a series of calming and creative experiences like release scribbles, mood mapping, and compassionate letter writing that are designed for rest, reflection, and emotional renewal.
Indianapolis Art Center
The OG homebase for classes, the Indianapolis Art Center has classes on myriad topics from knitting and sewing to sculpture, woodworking, sketching, mixed media, glass blowing, and more. You can choose from multi-week courses or one-off “Make It and Take It” classes depending on your level of time and interest. Fall registration is now open!
Griffy’s Art Supply
Located in The Stutz building, Griffy’s is an Independent and family owned art supply store offering quality art supplies from paints and paper to in-store workshops and class kits for local education from Herron to the Indianapolis Art Center.
The Art Lab
Prefer to get your craft in the privacy of your own home…but with friends? Hire The Art Lab to make your next celebration unique with adult party offerings including painting, mosaics, and pottery. An Art Lab artist will demonstrate and assist in art making activities and everyone will leave with a piece of art work they have made during their visit.
Kicasso Indy
If your vibe is less “Sip and Paint” and more “Where’d you get those kicks!?” head to Kicasso, a sneaker art venue in Broad Ripple. Choose from group classes on canvas or leather BYOS (Bring Your Own Shoes), book a private class, or grab a DIY kit you can do on your own.
10 East Arts
For slightly more unique offerings than your average art center, look to 10 East Arts where the schedule rotates across mediums from visual journaling to regular free “open play” on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month for artists, writers, musicians, and performers who want to share their work, get expert feedback, collaborate on new ideas, and inspire each other.
Leslie Bailey is the cofounder and CEO of Indy Maven. She promises to post her first watercolor on Instagram.
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