History

From Steady to Explosive Growth to Polishing the Gem – 1934 to 2007

1934

Envision studios over garages with pot belly stoves ”to keep models from having goose bumps,” a quote from William Kaeser, our first artist/teacher, in reminiscences with long time faculty/artist Floyd Hopper in 1990 at the Indianapolis Art League.  Both were Work Progress Administration (WPA- Depression) artists who influenced the founding and growth of the Indianapolis Art Students League, inspired along the way by the likes of Elmer Taflinger, Otto Stark, T.C. Steele and continues today with our 150 artist/faculty. It was a place where member artists could gather to work and interact.  For 26 years the Art League was artist-run using community facilities for workspace and exhibitions.

1961: First Building

Incorporated as a not-for-profit organization as the Indianapolis Art League Foundation, funds were raised to build its first facility at 3102 N. Pennsylvania St. on land donated by John and Marguerite Fehsenfeld.

1976: Move to Broad Ripple Village

Fifteen years later, the Art League outgrew their space and with the leadership of M. Steele Churchman the community responded with contributions to construct a 10,200 square-foot facility along the White River in Broad Ripple and hired its first executive director. Studio classes doubled the first half year to 40 and then to 100 the second half.

1994: Explosive Growth

As community demand for classes, exhibitions and services burgeoned in the new facility, the board and staff embarked on an extensive needs study and boldly dedicated itself to a major expansion plan that would triple the programs and quadruple the space in 1996. To better reflect the inclusiveness of their philosophy, their name was changed to the Indianapolis Art Center.  Its building, designed by renowned architect and Indianapolis native Michael Graves, itself has become a metaphor for creativity as a piece of public art.

2005

Subsequently the ARTSPARK was completed in 2005, in harmony with nature setting of the 12-acre master plan, and provided an environment for master artists working with the community that ultimately produced almost 30 public sculptures that were site-specific and interactive and will be ever evolving.

2007

ARTSPARK will expand throughout the summer, including installation of the Nina Mason Pulliam Sensory Path, a fiber installation and a canoe launch.