Free Make It Take It Classes for Those Affected by Recent Layoffs

Recognizing the therapeutic power of art and the value of creative thinking skills as individuals navigate the workforce, the Indianapolis Art Center is offering community members recently affected by layoffs free “Make It Take It” classes, two-hour workshop sessions in multiple mediums that will result in a piece of art to take home.

In the Indianapolis area Salesforce, Amazon, FedEx, Corteva Inc., KAR Auction Services and countless smaller employers have announced layoffs.

“This is a challenging time for people who are losing their jobs, and we want to offer our neighbors who have been affected a bit of respite and healing by providing a creative outlet and sense of community, support and belonging,” said Mark Williams, president of the Indianapolis Art Center. “We know this could seem like a small gesture in the face of a job loss, but we want these workers to have an opportunity to heal, transition and know that their community supports them.”

The Art Center is initially offering four classes for laid-off workers at its main campus in Broad Ripple, with more being planned.

Jan. 24, 1 p.m. – Painting

Jan. 31, 1 p.m. – Painting

Jan. 31, 6:30 p.m. – Resin Casting

Feb. 1, 12:30 p.m. – Printmaking

To apply, simply stop by or call the Art Center Guest Services team at 317-255-2464.

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Indianapolis Art Center

The Indianapolis Art Center builds community through art. Every year, the nonprofit offers hundreds of classes and camps, more than 50 art exhibitions in six galleries, an outreach program that takes art into underserved communities, and the Broad Ripple Art Fair. Its main campus is in Broad Ripple, along the banks of the White River and steps from the Monon Trail, and features a building designed by world-renowned architect and Indianapolis native Michael Graves and Indianapolis’ original ArtsPark, an outdoor creativity and sculpture garden and green space with trails. It also operates Hillside Art Center at 1145 East 22^nd Street, Suite 104, and is partnering with the City of Fishers on a Fishers Art Center, opening in 2024. More info at IndyArtCenter.org.

Media Contact: Jen Schmits Thomas, JTPR, [email protected], 317-441-2487