Circle City Industrial Complex Artist Studios

Very cool space for the art exhibit and reception we attended last night. Parking was right out front (super easy), but knowing which door to enter was a challenge.

I’m not sure how long this place has been around, but it was a fun new (to me) place to go for First Friday. I love it when old industrial spaces are repurposed and revived, and this one seems like it’s well on the way. The south entrance has just a couple of studios open now, but they are worth checking out.
The north entrance has the bulk of the art studios. Upstairs was an old call center, so the studios (nice), are in rooms surrounding a large open area. The floor was ripped up in the middle (not so inviting for an art space), but I’m sure it’s a work in progress. Downstairs you find several nice studios in what must have been offices. Be sure to see Five Seasons Studio (the last one before you go through the door to the back area) — Martha Nahrwold makes gorgeous paintings using a very unique impressionistic technique. Then, head through the door to the back area (you’ll know when you are there). It’s very industrial, full of old cars, car parts, scrap metal, etc. It might even be a little creepy if you happen to be there alone at a less than busy time. But, there are some cool studios back there, so be brave and follow the helpful signs.
I look forward to going back another First Friday and seeing the progress of this place.

A former industrial building just east of Indianapolis. I’ve been to several First Friday events here and have always been very impressed by the quality of the artists in the building.
The complex has sculptors, painters, photographers, glassworks and a very good bakery in the northern part of the building. There is plenty of free parking and don’t forget to visit the artists in the southern part of the complex.

I just quickly ran in a studio to pick up my PUP Bush Stadium seats, but this place has a really great feel to it. Almost like you walk off of a city street and into a secluded barn full of creativity.
On my list to revisit!

There are multiple artists with studio and gallery space in this large industrial building situated on the edge of the Cottage Home neighborhood. They include:
Nancy Lee (jewelry, sculpture), Nikki Blaine Couture (fashion), Wug Laku, Martha Nahrwold, Matt Davey, Mike Lyons, Nick Allman, Robin Long-​Jordan, Ted Ross (prev. 3 furniture), Jari Sheese, Lisa Atchison, Samma Parcels, Sallie Gurth (prev. 4 flamework glass beads), Stacy Holloway, The Pastry Station, and Curat Handcrafted Soap. (If not noted, space is fine art.)
Parking is easy-​there is a private lot just across the street. This building is a couple blocks from Mass Ave so you can walk if it’s a First Friday. Wandering around in here feels kind of adventurous, especially once you get out of the office-​looking area and into the skylit and dusty bowels of the building. Although there isn’t as much space as in some of the larger galleries (Murphy), the artists are friendly and there is enough to admire to keep you here for at least an hour, if not more. Flame Art offers glass bead making classes.
In terms of food, on First Fridays most galleries have a few complimentary snacks and drinks to offer, there are vending machines, and the Pastry Station is open to sell empanadas, cookies, and cakes.
There are other businesses and offices in this building, but they all have good signage and you’ll see the signs for the galleries at the door. Extra signs are put up for First Fridays.