Blue Brothers Kid

Indiana Disability Justice showcases artwork by people with all kinds of disabilities. We are here. We are human. We matter. We want to be seen. Thank you, Tom! Your artwark has such a cool element to it!

(ArtMix offers avenues for people with disabilities to express themselves creativity- www.artmixindiana.org.)

A pale ceramic mask with brown eyes,  red lips,  and black sunglasses.
A pale ceramic mask with brown eyes, red lips, and black sunglasses.
  • Current location: ArtMix
  • Size: Three dimensional, widest point w6”x widest point h7.5”x tallest point 2”
  • Medium: Ceramic and plastic addition
  • Artist’s name: Tom Hamilton
  • Title: Blues Brothers Kid
  • Date: Unknown

I think this piece is entertaining. It was challenging to make it- to think up the designs and put it together. I had to go through the steps and make it work. The piece is made from a clay slab that I rolled and cut to shape. I added the glasses to the glazed ceramic mask with a hot glue gun to make my piece neat. I designed it around a character from the second Blues Brothers movie. The way I feel or think about my work goes a lot of different directions. 

(ArtMix note: Tom really enjoys making, showing, talking about and selling his work. He uses templates to keep his work consistent and has worked hard over the years to develop his processes and a line of ceramics that is high quality and identifiable as his. Before Covid, Tom also volunteered at ArtMix with student check in for classes and as a guest musician at gallery events.)

About the Artist: Tom Hamilton

Tom grew up and went to high school in Indianapolis. He has attended classes at ArtMix for many years. He lives in the neighborhood and often stops by on his bike to say hi and check on his artwork.

Self-Portrait

Indiana Disability Justice showcases artwork by people with all kinds of disabilities. We are here. We are human. We matter. We want to be seen.

This is artwork by Sarah Strouse. Thank you, Sarah, for bringing passion in your artwork!!

(ArtMix offers avenues for people with disabilities to express themselves creativity- www.artmixindiana.org.)

This is a self-portait of Sarah Strouse.  Medium brown hair that comes pass the ears.  Black glasses.  Closed eyes.  Light blue top.  Blue background.
This is a self-portait of Sarah Strouse. Medium brown hair that comes pass the ears. Black glasses. Closed eyes. Light blue top. Blue background.
  • Size: w16”xh20”
  • Medium: Acrylic on canvas
  • Artist’s name: Sarah Strouse
  • Title: Self Portrait
  • Date: Unknown

My painting is a picture of myself. My friend helped me paint it. I looked in the mirror to draw it. After drawing I used paint. I added the black outlines last. I think I did a good job with the face. I like the blue in the background. I really enjoy making artwork. It makes me feel kind of happy about it. Making art makes me proud.

A picture of sarah wearing a Fever T-shirt, with her head cocked and a slight smile.

About the Artist: Sarah Strouse

I was born Indianapolis, Indiana. My name is Sarah Strouse. I started at ArtMix when I was in middle school at the Key School in Indianapolis Public Schools. I went to North Central High School for high school. I am 33 years old. I live with my dad and my brother. I recently lost my mother, Paula. I like the arts. I love making art all the time. I like making art on canvas, using markers and paint. I like showing the four seasons for my artwork subjects and sometimes different holidays. I love showing my work in the ArtMix gallery on First Fridays. I’d like to learn how to help other people with their artwork.

Floral Study

Indiana Disability Justice showcases artwork by people with all kinds of disabilities. We are here. We are human. We matter. We want to be seen.

This is the work of. Emily West. Thank you, Emily, for showing your spirit!

(ArtMix offers avenues for people with disabilities to express themselves creativity- www.artmixindiana.org.)

Painting of blue flowers in a short red vase in front a orange and yellow background
Painting of blue flowers in a short red vase in front of a orange and yellow background
  • Current location: ArtMix
  • Size: w14.5”xh14.25”
  • Medium: Acrylic on canvas
  • Artist’s name: Emily West
  • Title: Floral Study
  • Date: 2019

My piece makes me feel happy. I love the details and I really love flowers. I really love painting pictures and it makes me feel relaxed and calm. I want people to feel happy when they look at my painting. I also hope they know how proud I am because this is one of my best paintings. It would look good in a really fancy frame.

Emily holding a self-portrait. Emily has short light brown hair, wearing earrings and a red sweatshirt.
Emily holding a self-portrait. Emily has short light brown hair, wearing earrings and a red sweatshirt.

About the Artist: Emily West

I was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on January 17, 1997. I am 24 years old. I went to Beech Grove High School and I live in Beech Grove with my parents and my dog, Sadie. My full name is Emily Suzanne West. I have two siblings, Megan and Rachel. Megan is married to Drew and my sister Rachel is going to get married soon. Her fiancée’s name is Brad. I started in Urban Artisans at ArtMix when I was in high school. I go to ArtMix two days per week. At ArtMix we usually work in clay, but I make my own artwork too. I like to make landscapes and portraits. I use pencil, paint, colored pencil and oil pastels. I also use an easel at home so I can paint. I have a drawing pad when I draw. I love art because I love the colors, designs and textures that I make. I have been practicing drawing a lot lately. I want to practice more sketching and paint pictures of cities, nature and people.