ArtMix Featured Artist Exhibits

Featured Artist Exhibits

Each month, an Artist from our community is featured in the ArtMix Gallery

Mandie Anderson

April ‘25

THE ARTISTS OF ARTMIX: A PORTRAIT SERIES

ARTIST STATEMENT

This series was sparked by a question: "Who can be an ArtMix artist?" The answer is delightfully simple: anyone! This series of portraits feature just a few of the many faces that make up the ArtMix community. At ArtMix, artists of all kinds bring their whole hearts to the table—creating beautiful work, learning valuable skills, and embracing their own opportunity to shine. At ArtMix, everyone collaborates, everyone is respected, everyone is creative, and everyone is included.

Art, by its very nature, is inclusive. Yet too often, society creates barriers. ArtMix breaks down those walls, returning to the very essence of art—where everyone is an equal partner in creativity. The portraits in this series offer a glimpse into the vibrant lives and diverse personalities of remarkable individuals who share a love for color, paint, process, design, and expression. Within the ArtMix community, relationships are forged, trust is built, and people discover their own incredible potential.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Mandie Anderson is a freelance illustrator, fine artist, and educator. She lives in Indianapolis with her wonderful husband Robert and two sons. Working in the industry for over 15 years, Mandie created over 45 book design and illustration projects with the Christian not-for-profit, One Hope. Mandie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Illustration and Graphic Design from Indiana Wesleyan University, and her Master of Fine Arts in Illustration from the University of Hartford in Connecticut. Mandie currently is a freelance illustrator and teaches a variety of art courses at Butler University. She is also a Teaching Artist at ArtMix.

ABOUT ARTMIX

ArtMix is an Indianapolis-based not-for-profit organization that works to transform the lives of people with and without disabilities through the creation of art. With six core programs and additional special projects, ArtMix serves more than 7,000 people annually.

@MANDIEANDERSONILLUSTRATION HTTPS://WWW.MANDIEANDERSON.COM

The ArtMix Gallery Archive

Check out our featured artists through the years!

THE ARTISTS OF ARTMIX: A PORTRAIT SERIES
ARTIST STATEMENT
This series was sparked by a question: "Who can be an ArtMix artist?" The answer is delightfully simple: anyone! This series of portraits feature just a few of the many faces that make up the ArtMix community. At ArtMix, artists of all kinds bring their whole hearts to the table—creating beautiful work, learning valuable skills, and embracing their own opportunity to shine. At ArtMix, everyone collaborates, everyone is respected, everyone is creative, and everyone is included.
Art, by its very nature, is inclusive. Yet too often, society creates barriers. ArtMix breaks down those walls, returning to the very essence of art—where everyone is an equal partner in creativity. The portraits in this series offer a glimpse into the vibrant lives and diverse personalities of remarkable individuals who share a love for color, paint, process, design, and expression. Within the ArtMix community, relationships are forged, trust is built, and people discover their own incredible potential.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Mandie Anderson is a freelance illustrator, fine artist, and educator. She lives in Indianapolis with her wonderful husband Robert and two sons. Working in the industry for over 15 years, Mandie created over 45 book design and illustration projects with the Christian not-for-profit, One Hope. Mandie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Illustration and Graphic Design from Indiana Wesleyan University, and her Master of Fine Arts in Illustration from the University of Hartford in Connecticut. Mandie currently is a freelance illustrator and teaches a variety of art courses at Butler University. She is also a Teaching Artist at ArtMix.
ABOUT ARTMIX
ArtMix is an Indianapolis-based not-for-profit organization that works to transform the lives of people with and without disabilities through the creation of art. With six core programs and additional special projects, ArtMix serves more than 7,000 people annually.
@MANDIEANDERSONILLUSTRATION HTTPS://WWW.MANDIEANDERSON.COM
ARTIST STATEMENT
In this collection, I explore the quiet yet profound beauty of both iconic and overlooked places around the world. My work is a reflection on how we experience the world when we are not searching for it, but are simply present in a singular moment. Often, it is in the act of gazing out into the horizon—whether at a bridge spanning a river or a boat drifting on water—that the essence of a place reveals itself to me. These seemingly ordinary scenes, where the world’s pulse slows, evoke a sense of stillness and of movement, an exceptionally brief moment I try to capture. They remind me that, at their core, all places are anchored by one thing: their relationship to time, space, and the way we connect with them in fleeting moments.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Bijoy Shah is an artist who finds inspiration in the landscapes around him, using color and form to capture the quiet beauty and subtle shifts of the world’s landscapes. With years of painting behind him, his work continues to evolve in a process of ongoing discovery, driven by a sense of play. Rather than relying on traditional canvases, Bijoy often chooses recycled materials and textured plastics, a simple gesture of sustainability in response to the places he paints. Many of the landscapes he depicts are at risk of disappearing, and through his art, he quietly honors the fleeting nature of these spaces, hoping to spark a sense of reflection on their beauty and fragility.
BIJOY SHAH
IG @MRBIJOYMAKES
Nature’s Beauty
I enjoy being outside in nature. Nature is a big inspiration for me. I enjoy seeing the wildlife and plants outside. I like visiting local, state and national parks. About the Artist I enjoy photography, as well as drawing and painting. I’ve been at Art Mix for the last three years. I’m currently a junior at IUPUI . I have an associates degree from Ivy Tech in fine arts. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, being outdoors, playing games, and going to parks.
lessons from a misunderstanding
a study in how we as humans tend to take things at face value. nevertheless, when we are mistaken or incorrect in judgment, we are forced to assume a new perspective.the truth of untruth forces a shift. in order to explore and ultimately understand reality, we must first misunderstand it.ption
A HISTORY OF A WORKING ART RELATIONSHIP
10 years in the making, this show is based on friendship, coincidences, and curiosities.
In 2014, at 14 years old, Molly found herself signed up for her first summer job in an art studio full of strangers. Emily found herself, yet again, teaching a horde of teens how to make sellable art in ArtMix’s Urban Artisans program. As Emily’s student, Molly learned valuable art skills, and a love for ArtMix, and teaching. Her teenage experiences at ArtMix inspired her to pursue a BFA at Herron School of Art + Design, Emily’s alma mater. Following graduation in 2021, Molly rejoined ArtMix; this time as the Gallery Director, and a Teaching Artist. By happenstance, Molly began teaching in the very same program that Emily first taught her in.
As the Co-founder of ArtMix’s Artisans programs, Emily has spent 23 years spearheading accessible programming that has taught hundreds of young adults, job, art, and life skills. Between balancing her work life at ArtMix, and her family life, Emily felt waylaid in her personal art practice. She decided to pitch this show to Molly as an effort to rekindle her personal artwork, and her love of printmaking.
Being thrown back together after all of this time, Molly and Emily find themselves forging a friendship, and tackling their artistic journeys together. Come witness their confabulation, as this devious duo finds themselves working, and scheming, together again. This body of work is a tandem study in the natural world, personal imagery and the side effect of learning, and working, together over the last decade.
THE CURIOSITIES
Molly and Emily chose six curiosities to be included in this body of work. They both centered a single work around each subject, without any further discussion of the composition, or design of the pieces. Hung side-by-side, this opportunity to compare and contrast provides insight into each artist’s unique point of view.
1 Bloodroot 2 Cicada 3 Clematis 4 Clover 5 Crow 6 Rabbit
Molly Wolfe - IG @_mollywolfe_ Mollywolfeart.com
Emily Compton - IG @esyc.emily
NATURE NEXUS
ARTIST STATEMENT
Nature Nexus by David Kleeman is a series of paintings and sculptures that explore the relationship between humanity and the natural world. The artist employs vibrant colors and layered imagery to represent the diverse connections we have with plants, animals, and the environment. Kleeman seeks to evoke a sense of joy and wonder, inviting viewers to contemplate the beauty and interconnectedness of all living things. His paintings serve as a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and preserve the natural world, and its diverse cultures and peoples for generations to come.
ABOUT
David Kleeman is an Indianapolis-based artist who has been working professionally since 1996. He is best known for his assemblage sculptures which combine found objects with metal, stone, wood, and clay. Kleeman also enjoys painting and other forms of creating and has maintained a studio at the Stutz since 2005.
David has been a teacher at Artmix for a little over twenty years now. He loves helping others bring their creations to life and believes that art should be standard in learning and available to all who want to explore the act of creation and imagination.
DAVID KLEEMAN
IG @DK240A
“IMPRESSIONS OF NATURE”
ARTIST STATEMENT
Nature serves as my inspiration for this artwork. My impressions come from animals, landscapes, clouds, flowers, and the heavens.
I love to experiment in different mediums such as ceramics and painting. While painting, I experiment with oils and acrylic paints on wood or canvas. I study the works of famous artists such as Monet, T.C. Steele, and Van Gogh and try to emulate their styles. I also like to portray the constellations as abstract designs.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Cody has been creating ceramics with ArtMix since 2004, when he completed a fellowship and was employed as an Urban Artisan. He has participated in the Advanced Ceramics Open Studio at ArtMix ever since. In addition, he has studied painting with Johnny McKee at the Harrison Center for over a decade. Cody is the owner of Brody’s on the Canal and has been serving ice cream on the Central Canal since 2005.
“UNVEILING THE ABSTRACT MIND OF OMAR RASHAN”
ARTIST BIO:
Omar Rashan is a dynamic force at the intersection of creativity and tech. As a Commercial Designer and the Co-Founder of Elevated Culture™, a pioneering venture focused on Creative Tech for Raparative Ecosystems, Rashan is dedicated to leveraging the power of visual arts and science to drive transformative change. His title as a "Neuro Artist'' reflects his innovative approach to merging artistic expression with scientific principles, creating a unique and impactful body of work.
With a passion for both teaching and creating, Rashan is a versatile creative professional who seamlessly navigates between roles as a teaching artist and a visionary creative. His commitment to empowering others through education and mentorship is evident in his collaborative projects and workshops, where he shares his wealth of knowledge and experience with aspiring artists and entrepreneurs alike.
Rashan's entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with his deep-rooted belief in the potential of every individual, fuels his mission to inspire positive change and foster a sense of community through art. As a trailblazer in the field of Creative Tech, he continues to push the boundaries of artistic innovation, demonstrating the profound impact that creativity and collaboration can have on building a brighter future for all.
IG @OMAR.RASHAN
FB OMAR.RASHAN
“SILENCE + NOISE”
ARTIST STATEMENT
This collection is my visual love letter to those who sense the world in a unique way. Those who see the details others miss. Those who line up and sort items, steps, and thoughts. Those who easily identify patterns and find joy in things others may not appreciate. Those who thrive in silence and those who find comfort in the noise. I see you.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Kristi Marsh Watson is best known for her abstract mixed media paintings that explore texture, movement and nature. She utilizes chemical agents, an array of mediums, and untraditional means to create her bodies of work. Kristi is a Harrison Center studio artist.
KRISTI MARSH WATSON IG @KRISTIMARSHWATSONSTUDIO
AURA
ARTIST STATEMENT
I am a person with epilepsy. Before having a seizure, I experience a neurological phenomenon called an aura. Auras are different for everyone with epilepsy. For me, auras consist of seeing bright, colorful orbs around the people surrounding me.
When I was first diagnosed with epilepsy, navigating life was difficult. I felt weird, awkward, and like “the other” for many reasons. However, over the years I began to appreciate the beauty and see the aura as a gift. It is my safety net. It helps me know that a seizure is coming. Auras are also beautiful. It gives me a deeper appreciation for the internal, spiritual beauty of the people around me. The people I call home.
Over the years, I began recording the auras I’ve seen in my art journal. AURA is my interpretation of these experiences in painting form. I hope you will see the beauty in these helpers, these people who have been there for me through my most difficult times. The beauty in the chaos that is life with epilepsy.
-Britt Sutton
IG @BRITTSEESBEAUTY
“GALORIBUNDA”
/ge’lor’uh’buhn’duh/: A word I made up word describing something in large amounts: Plentiful: Abundant
Artist Statement
I am a busy woman with more ideas for making art than I have time to make. It’s the oldest story in the art-maker’s book. At times this feels sad, but mostly I grab the good ideas as they float by and try to do something with them before they float away. The ideas for this show started with a feverish Covid-induced bout of picturing myself out of my sickbed. This is what happens when an artist watches too many romantic, British classic tales on BBC or PBS Masterpiece apparently. Thoughts of nature, landscape, the seasons and my own little garden filled my mind. Call it my Emily Dickinson recovery plan. Once I felt better, I got to work, taking this abundance of ideas and putting them to use. So this series of work comes from my love for my garden, the joy I find there and how to connect that to my creative practice. I am ever-inspired by the life and the world around me...
IG @ESYC.EMILY
Summer Artisans Showcase
La Vida Es Una Fiera
“Las Vida Es Una Fiera is inspired by Francis Bacon’s unconventional style and his ability to convey raw emotion through his paintings. By incorporating his techniques into my own work, I aim to create pieces that challenge traditional notions of beauty and provoke a visceral response in the viewer.”
@arte.de.sammy

Neunundneunzig Luftballons
Based on the 1983 pop hit by Nena, this series is a study in understanding. In the song, 99 ballons are let loose near the Berlin Wall. Both the East and West sides of Germany see this as an act of aggression. This leads to war.
99 people hanging from 99 ballons represent the difference and similarities between us all. An understanding of each is the key to living in harmony.
Instagram: @mobilistindy
Movement Behind the Wheel
As an artist, I find inspiration in unexpected places. One of those places is the Indy 500, an event that is often associated with speed and adrenaline. But to me, the Indy 500 is about more than just racing. It’s about the human spirit, determination, and the pursuit of excellence.
Through my art, I aim to capture the energy and excitement of the Indy 500 while also exploring its deeper themes. I use vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes to convey the sense of movement and momentum that defines the race. At the same time, I incorporate subtle details and symbols that reflect the values and ideals that make the Indy 500 such a meaningful event.
Whether you’re a racing fan or not, I hope that my artwork will inspire you to embrace life with passion and creativity. We may not all be drivers in the Indy 500, but we can all find something worth pursuing with our hearts and souls.
artbyjohnsonsimon.com
Would You Give Up, or Try Again?
“Last year my dad died, I nearly divorced my husband of 23 years, I made myself pretty miserable and I constantly told myself I wasn’t good enough.
I have always considered myself creative but never called or considered myself an artist. My husband gives painting lessons to one person, and he invited me to join in and push myself a little bit. I did it, thought I wasn’t good enough, and gave up for a bit.
I decided to try again after my dad died, I went back to the studio, joined the painting lesson, and started again with no intention of creating a body of work. I jumped in and it felt good, and then I went home and dove back into my misery.
Fast forward, I was ready to give up on my marriage. I get jealous and hulk green with envy because he is so inspiring… someone I look up to and want to be. Always positive, optimistic, and always making me feel less than good enough. I was always angry and then realized it wasn’t him making me feel this way, it was totally me and instead of being influenced by him, I chose to be the opposite.
I’ve never said to anyone or to myself that I was depressed, in the back of my mind I’ve always thought that taking antidepressants was sort of cheating and not dealing with real feelings, and then earlier this year I started taking one and it changed everything.
I realized that I don’t ever want to give up and no matter what I will always try again.”
You said we couldn’t, so we did
In celebration of Disability Awareness Month, ABLE showcases the work of ArtMix artisans, students, teaching artists, and staff. This impressive group show reiterates ArtMix's mission that no matter our age or ability, we are capable individuals with identities beyond our labels.
We are artists. We are able.
Artists: Kei'Anna Anderson, Hunter Brumley, Talia Caldwell, Chad Campbell, David Cohen-Arazi, Lauren Coles, Emily Compton, Joseph Copass-Israels, Lynn English, Cody Feldman, Skilar Games, Jared Grondin, Tom Hamilton, Katelynn Hurst, Norriesha Ice, Ti’andre Jackson, Cole Jarrett, Jordan Kent, Larry Keough, David Kleeman, Amber Mcclain, Renee Mcghee, Emily Meeker, Tom Meeker, Ashley O'Keefe, Nikki Owens, Samuel Penaloza, Eleyés Reeves, Breanna Rice, Eli Sandlin, Ellie Schwer, Katie Shirk, Johnson Simon, Sarah Strouse, Kim Watanabe, Emily West, Joshua White, and Molly Wolfe
What If…
“What if you didn’t let fear hold you back? What if you let your imagination run wild? What if you let your inner child free? What if you weren’t afraid of being judged? What if you tried? What if you said ‘yes’ or ‘no’? What if you failed, but stood right back up? What if you had hope? What if you actually tried that thing you always wanted to? What if you took that class?
What if you tried?
I have always gravitated towards working with my hands, solving puzzles, and finding solutions to problems. Creating with my hands is a puzzle and a problem for me to solve.
Some of my favorite things I have created came after I uttered the phrase ‘What if…’”
Pandemic Diaries
"I tried to deal with the isolation of the pandemic by maintaining a daily sketch discipline. It helped replace some of the creative energy and inspiration that I usually got from friends, coworkers, and students. Most of this work grew out of those sketches and my desire to explore and expand my repertoire of personal iconography, and in the case of the ‘Gems’ collages, to scramble up layers of sketches to create lovely little keepsake moments from a dark period. "
chris-tower.sqaurespace.com
Good Fibes
Urban Artisans is an internship program that aids 16-22 year-olds, with and without disabilities, with the transition from school to the workplace. Under the leadership of our professional Teaching Artists, interns work as a creative team to produce marketable, artistic products in clay, fiber, and paints. This summer, a group of our interns had the exciting opportunity to explore the world of fiber arts with Teaching Artist Kei’Anna Anderson. For many of the artisans, this was their first experience working with yarn, thread, looms, and weaving. Throughout the program, the artisans were pushed to master the basics of tapestry making. Here’s what Kei’Anna had to say about the artistic process:
"A slow rhythmic, meditative, repetitive process that allows gentle reconnection with the mind and fine motor skills is the answer to the question ‘Why Tapestry?’ Tapestry not only connects us to our ancient history but also connects us to our present experience with others and most importantly ourselves. This grounding process instantly slows us down and causes us to, first, appreciate the colors and textures of fibers; smooth, rough, bright, dull, as we begin to make personal connections with our selected fibers for a design pattern.
This body of work exemplifies a progression of mastering the technical skill of tapestry making. However, the Urban Artisans’ natural instinct to imagine and create consumes this basic concept from the beginning. They continue to express happiness and joy while given the creative freedom to make design choices and complete a process from start to finish. Their imaginations are beyond, as presented in every single tapestry. Their diligence and perseverance demonstrate courage. The Urban Artisans express the challenges of learning the technical process. In the end, nevertheless, their work shows a gain of respect for this ancient way of art making.
This Tapestry Series is a collection of individual works as well as collaborations. It is an honor to have worked with the Urban Artisans.”
Artists: Aidan Cole, Isaac Cole, Ti’Andre Jackson, Adrian Maupome Ramirez, Ava Belcher Harris, Jonathan King, Bart Countryman, Michael Redd, Nick Hillebrand, Cameron Moore, Gretchen Lineback, Talia Caldwell, Max Richey, Gabriel King, Byron Smith, Anthony Shockley, Christian Walker, Adam Betten, JD Snyder, Emily Mathias, Mary Eyth, Kayla Angus, and Sutton Frederick
Good Morning Sunshine
Your Guess is as Good as Mine: The Search for Memory and Identity
“What happens to yourself when you cannot remember your past? Philosopher René Descartes once claimed, ‘I think, therefore, I am.’ Descartes said the only certain thing in this world was since he thought, he was a thinking thing, and therefore he existed. Therefore, if you can think, you must exist. But if you exist, then who are you? Selfhood relies directly on your ability to remember. Your current self is simply the response to a collection of memories and experiences. If you cannot remember those core things, then how do you maintain a sense of self at all?
Over the past few years, I have felt very lost as an individual. Every week seems to bring another life-changing event to my doorstep. My days have been full of car wrecks, break-ups, and emergency room visits. I feel unable to keep up with the pace of life. By the time I begin to process one event, the next one sweeps me off track.
My memory has never been very solid, I always joke that my brain is on a two-year timer. If a memory is not absolutely critical to my survival, I will forget it within two years. While this makes rewatching movies an enjoyable experience, I often find myself worrying about who I am. With the rate of life over the past few years, I feel it has gotten even more challenging to keep track of my life and my memories.
In this struggle for clarity, I have come to see my art for what it is: a collection and categorization of memories. It is an effort to preserve the person I was, and the person I am, for the person I will be. I have turned my paintings into a catalog of my life events. Weaved into the patterns of my paintings, are little mementos and symbolic imagery.
As Descartes put it, I hope to move beyond a ‘thinking thing’ to being a person with a stable and reliable identity. Through the repetition of making these paintings and remembering them, I hope to maintain my sense of self as time passes, even in this unsure world. So I ask again, what happens to you when you cannot remember your past?
At the end of the day, your guess is as good as mine.”
www.mollywolfeart.com
Gray Stories
“I often think about the impact that one’s medical history can play a significant role in their life and incorporate this topic in my artwork. Genetic medical history has dramatically affected my family’s past and has significantly impacted my present life. It helps me anticipate my future and how my decisions will impact those around me. It has helped me become more aware of my surroundings and to be more conscious of how everyone’s differences. In my work, I use my and my family’s personal experiences with health as inspiration. I incorporate how our past experiences have affected the way memory can be used.
When beginning a piece of art, I initially research and find old photographs that I become interested in. By doing this I find the overall theme for a composition. By taking these photographs with family members, they are able to be reminded of a specific time. I am able to see how a photograph has the potential to affect your memory that for some time may have been forgotten. They help provide a way to tell old stories.
With the use of the photographs and stories, I am able to combine them to create an oil painting to visit the topic of memory. These works show both figurative realism and abstraction. Painting using impasto also helps me to suggest the form of memory, how some stand out more than others. The text incorporated with my work suggests the reminder of a specific event provided by a minor photograph. I look at past family photographs and recorded stories from family members for inspiration to create both oil paintings and sculptural work.”
www.carolinegray-art.com
Arteyles
Jaden Leyles is an up-and-coming Indianapolis-based artist. He has previously worked with ArtMix as a teenager, in our Urban Artisans summer program. His nature-inspired acrylic paintings feature vibrant colors, impressionistic lines, and an expression of the artist’s inner feelings.
The Greatriarchs are long-term residents of the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood. They are leaders, nurturers, mentors, and friends of the old and new residents of their neighborhood.
During an eight-week class with ArtMix, the Greatriarchs came together on Friday mornings to draw, paint, collage, and share their stories. The Greatriarchs were guided through different projects each week by Teaching Artist, Bella Heilbrunn. During each class, the Greatriarchs focused on a different theme. Bella says, “One week’s project was painting flowers in a vase. We were inspired by artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, and Manet. The students were asked to use their favorite colors, types of flowers, tablecloths, and shapes of vases.”
The eight-week course culminated with the Greatriarchs’ largest work: 24” x 48” acrylic paintings on canvas. On this Bella says, “For our final painting project, we got to use large canvases for yet another new experience. It was a little intimidating at first for some. But once we warmed up and it turned into a ‘feel-good painting,’ we didn’t want to stop. For this piece, each student painted whatever they wanted. I really enjoyed getting to know the Greatriarchs by watching them paint, listening to their stories, and hearing them sing.”
These works were on display in ArtMix’s gallery for our February and March shows.