20th annual Raymond James Stutz Artists Open House April 26 and 27

For the twentieth year, the historic former car factory that houses artists’ studios will come alive for a weekend in the spring. More than 70 artists will welcome visitors to their studios at the 20th annual Raymond James Stutz Artists Open House April 26 and 27.

The event began in 1993 when building owner Turner Woodard, an abstract painter himself, joined with a few other artists to host an open house. They threw some beer on ice in a plastic kids swimming pool and invited some friends.

Now, the event attracts 5,000 people every year, bringing to the historic Stutz building art lovers of all types who welcome the chance to wander through artists’ studios.

“Lots of people have been to art galleries and art fairs, but what’s different at the open house is that you get the chance to see where and how the work is created,” said Tom Potter, co-chair of the 2013 event.

The open house is an opportunity to see artwork in the settings where it’s created. Artwork ranges from paintings, drawings and photography, to sculpture, jewelry and furniture. The event also offers a rare chance to see vintage cars on display in the historic Stutz car factory.

Friday night, the event includes live music, including electric violinist Cathy Morris, while Saturday afternoon features hands-on art activities, an exhibition of work by Saturday School students from the Herron School of Art and Design, and free ice cream beginning at 2 p.m. while supplies last.

Housing the largest group of artists under one roof in the Midwest, the exterior of the yellow brick buildings that comprise the complex have changed little since the Stutz motor car was made here. Located on an entire city block in downtown Indianapolis, the interior of the 400,000-square-foot former car factory has been renovated into studios and office space.

Participating artists include:

Barbara Applegate-Jones, painting

John Bartlow, photography

JD Bills, paint & digital media

Faith Blackwell, photography

Linette Bledsoe, painting

JanettMarie Braun, painting

Susan D. Brewer, painting

Francie Broadie, jewelry

Vicki Broadie, painting

Emily Budd, sculpture/jewelry

Lydia Burris, mixed media

Martha Carlson, painting/photography

Shawn Causey, painting

Andy Chen, photography

Susan Christensen, painting/collage, jewelry

Katie Clayton, quilts/fabric

Cathy Cunningham, mixed

Anthony Dunne, photography

Camille Dunne, photography

Leigh Dunnington-Jones, metal & jewelry

Wendy Franklin, fiber

Bonnie Fillenwarth, painting

James Gerard, painting/drawing/sculpture

Victoria Gillieron, painting

Ritch Hanna, painting

Judy Hauth, metal/metal-clay/jewelry

Susan Hazer, jewelry & metalwork

Pete Howard, photography

Sarah Kercheval, photography

Amy Kirchner, painting

John Kirchner, woodwork

James Klosterman, encaustic painting

Jane Knight, finger painting

Lauren Kussro, sculpture/print-making

Laura LaForge, acrylic painting

Joe Leavell, photography/painting

Diane Lyon, painting

Terri McCatchie, painting

Mallory Marty, mixed

Bruce Moore, painting

Gayle Moore, photography

Sally Moore, fine art painting

Colleen Murphy, painting

Adam Noel, mixed media

Melissa Parrott-Quimby, sculpture/ceramics

Brian Phillips, collage/painting

Tom Potter, photography

Martha Sando, oil painting

Elise Schweitzer, painting

Constance Scopelitis, painting

David Joseph Sloma, silver resin jewelry

Taylor Anne Smith, painting

Rita Spalding, oil painting

Stewart Sparks, photography

Heather Stamenov, painting/photography/video

Ed Stewart, photography

Michael Swolsky, metal sculpture

Caroline Tabac-Shank, sculpture

Martha Vaught, painting/printmaking

Jack Wickes, photography

Julia Zollman Wickes, painting & drawing

Vicky Shaffer White, painting

Turner Woodard, painting

WHAT: 20th annual Raymond James Stutz Artists Open House
WHEN: Friday, April 26, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 27, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
WHERE: Stutz Business Center, 212 W. 10th St., Indianapolis
Enter Bearcat Alley from 10th or 11th streets.

(Free event parking in designated lots and free on-street parking on Capitol and Senate avenues and 11th Street.)

COST: $10 advanced sale tickets at select Old National Bank branches and the Stutz Business Office; $14 at Eventbrite; $15 at the gate; children 12 and under free

INFO: www.stutzartists.com, 317-503-6420

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, an in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.