INDIANAPOLIS — The Raymond James Stutz Artists Open House, taking place April 28 and 29, will showcase 60+ artists across all mediums. The event continues to showcase the vibrant art culture and diversity of Stutz artists — and is a favorite among art lovers, families and guests. The event, now in its 24th year, attracts more than 6,000 people every year to the 400,000 square-foot former car factory.
This art-focused event will also feature live music, food and beverages, classic cars, artist demonstrations on Saturday, opportunities to meet the artists and buy their art. The Raymond James Stutz Artists Open House not only allows guests an opportunity to see the work of 60+ local artists in one place at one time, it’s an opportunity to see where and how their art is created. Artwork ranges from paintings, drawings and photography, to sculpture, jewelry and furniture. This is the perfect time to buy one-of-a-kind gifts with artwork prices ranging from $12 to $10,000.
The Stutz Open House also gives visitors an opportunity to walk through a historic factory. The former car factory was built in 1911-1912 and produced up to 500 Stutz Bearcats and Blackhawks, among other models. The plant was shuttered in 1935, due to the Great Depression. Eli Lilly and Company bought the factory and housed its Creative Packaging division on the property until 1982. However, they closed the building in 1982 and it stood vacant until it was purchased by adaptive reuse developer Turner Woodard, who renovated the property in the early 1990s. Its studios and office space are now home to more than 80 artists, sculptors, photographers, designers, architects and craftsmen. When visiting, check out the vintage car collections on the first and second floors, plus the historic bar that was plucked from the Canterbury Hotel, which is open on the second floor.
Friday night offers a festive atmosphere perfect for adults, while families with children are encouraged to attend on Saturday. Saturday includes hands-on art activities, youth art scavenger hunt, and more.
When you go, make sure you pick up a map of the Stutz buildings and plot your journey. The best approach to visiting the many studios is to start at the top of the building (there are huge old elevators to take you up) and work your way down floor by floor (there are stairways that are quicker than waiting for the elevators). Many studios offer free snacks, but there are also local food vendors on certain floors.
Hours are 5:30-10:30 p.m. on Friday, April 28 and 2-7 p.m. on Saturday, April 29. Tickets are $12 in advance online at www.stutzartists.com or $16 at the gate; children 12 and under are free. Stutz Business and Arts Center is located at 212 W. 10th St., Indianapolis (enter Bearcat Alley from 10th or 11th St.). Free parking is available in specially marked lots.
Proceeds from the event support the Stutz Residency Program, a scholarship that provides free studio space and utilities for emerging local artists for one year. It is one of the largest grants to individual artists in the state.
