Built on a strong foundation
The Art Center builds a better, stronger, more vibrant and more united community through art. As a nonprofit, every year we offer hundreds of classes and camps, more than a dozen contemporary art exhibitions in six galleries, an outreach program that takes art into underserved communities, the OneAmerica Broad Ripple Art Fair, and much, much more!
Our History
1934
Started with studios over garages with potbelly stoves “to keep models from having goosebumps,” a quote from William Kaeser, our first artist/teacher, in reminiscences with long-time faculty/artist Floyd Hopper in 1990. Both were Work Progress Administration (WPA) artists who influenced the founding and growth of the Indianapolis Art Students League, inspired along the way by artists like Elmer Taflinger, Otto Stark, and T.C. Steele. For 26 years the Art League was artist-run and utilized community facilities for workspace and exhibitions.
1961: FIRST BUILDING
Incorporated as the Indianapolis Art League Foundation, a not-for-profit organization. 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 in the second half.
1994: INDIANAPOLIS ART CENTER
As community demand for classes, exhibitions, and services grew, the board and staff embarked on an extensive needs study and dedicated themselves to a major expansion plan to triple the programs and quadruple the space in 1996. To better reflect the inclusiveness of the philosophy, the name was changed to the Indianapolis Art Center. It’s building, designed by renowned architect and Indianapolis native Michael Graves, has become a metaphor for creativity as a piece of public art.
2005
ARTSPARK, a 9.5-acre outdoor creativity and sculpture garden also designed by architect Michael Graves, opened in 2005. With its varied landscape, interactive sculptures, river views, and wildlife, ARTSPARK forms a creative connection to culture, art, and nature.
2024
The Indianapolis Art Center remains a cultural destination and a critical part of Indianapolis’ cultural identity. As a partner with several other arts, culture, and community organizations, the Art Center is at the core of the vibrancy that is the creative arts scene in central Indiana.
Welcome to our campus
Located in Broad Ripple along the banks of the White River and just steps off the Monon Trail, the Art Center includes a vibrant and active 40,000 square foot building designed by world-renowned architect and Indianapolis native Michael Graves, and Indianapolis’ original ARTSPARK, a 9.5-acre outdoor creativity and sculpture garden with green space, trails, and a canoe launch.