Cultivating Indianapolis's art scene at The Oilwick

For artists and creators alike, affordable studio space is invariably a top concern. Sharing space with likeminded artists can be a cost-effective solution. Sharing space with studiomates also offers opportunities for increased creativity, real-time feedback, and comradery — as opposed to the isolation one might experience in a home studio.

That's exactly what crossed the mind of Josh Haines (B.F.A. Painting '15) seven months prior to graduation when he co-founded The Oilwick, a 1,700 square-foot studio and gallery space in downtown Indianapolis. Now in its third year, the artist-run nonprofit based in Fountain Square is growing beyond offering inexpensive studios and cultivating the local art scene. Here's the "how" and "why."

HERRON: When did you first dream up The Oilwick and what set the plans in motion?

JOSH HAINES: The Oilwick was founded by me, Sean Yager, and Amy Applegate [B.F.A. Painting '15]. We started The Oilwick in May 2015 out of necessity for affordable studio space in Indianapolis. Originally, we only rented part of the building and the rest was vacant. As we worked on improvements to our space, we got more interest from friends and other artists. After a while, we decided to rent the whole space and do shows in what was a back loading dock to the warehouse.

This year is the first year we decided to engage with the local art scene as a nonprofit space focusing on affordable studios, gallery exhibitions, and career development for artists.

HERRON: Are you planning to apply for 501(c)3 status?

HAINES: We are a registered nonprofit in the state of Indiana currently without 501(c)3 status. We will apply for the 501(c)3 status later this year, but in the meantime Southeast Neighborhood Development is acting as our fiscal agent. This allows us to take tax deductible donations and apply for grants in the same manner as a 501(c)3 without yet having the official status.

HERRON: How do you envision The Oilwick will grow and what do you hope to accomplish?

HAINES: Our key goals are to improve the artistic culture of Indianapolis and connect with the local art community. We accomplish this through affordable studio space, quality curated exhibitions, and programming such as critiques, town halls, figure drawing classes, film screenings, and so forth. Some of these programs have already started and some will start within the next month or two.

As far as organizational goals, we hope to apply for grants this year as well as accept donations, both of which we have not done in the past. With an increase in funding, we can subsidize studio space, offer more hands-on classes, and fund as well as expand our programming. Increased funding can also help us with capital improvements on the space, which would create a better and more welcoming atmosphere.

HERRON: How many tenants do you have currently?

HAINES: We have seven total studio spaces with twelve tenants. Originally, it was all Herron students but in our second year, we have tenants from more diverse backgrounds. Right now, we have seven Herron students, three students from Ball State, one from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and another from the Center for Curatorial Studies at Bard College.

HERRON: We hear there are some Herron alums in the mix, too.

HAINES: About half of our tenants are recent Herron alums. Our first two shows of the year include a thesis exhibition by Herron students Cheyenne West, Kara Cullen, Abigail Sidor, and Tara Lee, and a group show for a graduating senior painting class. We also collaborate on programs with Cat Head Press [founded by Herron alums Dominic Senibaldi, Liz Wierzbicki, and Michael Hoefle].

HERRON: What is the process for renting a studio?

HAINES: There is no studio limit as of now, but it is something we've discussed in order to keep the space and our art community dynamic. If a studio space becomes available, we post it on our social media and do a classified posting with the Arts Council of Indianapolis.

We go through an interview process to determine the best fit for the space. This is a combination of how much use the space will get, quality of their work, and what they will contribute to our art scene and studio environment. Right now, we have a waitlist so those who have already submitted for space will get first priority for an interview.

HERRON: Describe the culture of The Oilwick. What's it like being involved as a studiomate or visitor?

HAINES: The first tagline for The Oilwick was "Illumination via Collaboration," which is how we view our studio practice. To a large degree, our studio feels like a family. I think even new studiomates feel that right off the bat. Artists are constantly encouraged to look at what everyone is working on and give feedback, so we are definitely propping each other up. A rising tide raises all boats, so when we all are super supportive of each other and work with one another, it elevates everyone.