about this program
Ignite Studio features a professional maker/artist to help patrons connect with different creative processes. Drop-in during open studio hours, sign up for a class, or participate in an ongoing collaborative project during these maker residencies. The Maker-in-Residence Program is funded with support from the Friends of the Library.
Megan Benson
meet
As a fiber artist and weaver, Megan Benson explores themes related to identity, gender roles, and perfection. Megan’s work blends the traditional structures produced on a four-harness floor loom with unconventional techniques through embellishment and deconstruction. The passage of time, difficult life phases and the perceived permanence/impermanence of life is explored through the labor-intensive construction of a weaving, thread by thread. What appears insurmountable can be overcome one moment at a time and expressed one thread at a time.
Megan is a recipient of the 2018 Indiana Arts Commission’s On-Ramp Fellowship. She was awarded the 2019 Volunteer of the Year Award by Exodus Refugee Immigration for her work leading an art and sewing group for refugee women. Her academic background in Anthropology informs her weaving explorations and support of culturally diverse weavers in and around Indianapolis. Originally from Pennsylvania, Megan lived in Massachusetts, Delaware, Oregon, Utah and Washington before settling in Indiana nine years ago. She weaves on an heirloom Harrisville four-harness loom that originally belonged to her husband’s grandmother.
see
Please visit our events calendar for more info.
visit
Please visit our events calendar for more info.
PROFESSIONAL ARTIST & SCULPTOR
meet
As a fiber artist and weaver, Megan Benson explores themes related to identity, gender roles, and perfection. Megan’s work blends the traditional structures produced on a four-harness floor loom with unconventional techniques through embellishment and deconstruction. The passage of time, difficult life phases and the perceived permanence/impermanence of life is explored through the labor-intensive construction of a weaving, thread by thread. What appears insurmountable can be overcome one moment at a time and expressed one thread at a time.
Megan is a recipient of the 2018 Indiana Arts Commission’s On-Ramp Fellowship. She was awarded the 2019 Volunteer of the Year Award by Exodus Refugee Immigration for her work leading an art and sewing group for refugee women. Her academic background in Anthropology informs her weaving explorations and support of culturally diverse weavers in and around Indianapolis. Originally from Pennsylvania, Megan lived in Massachusetts, Delaware, Oregon, Utah and Washington before settling in Indiana nine years ago. She weaves on an heirloom Harrisville four-harness loom that originally belonged to her husband’s grandmother.
Megan’s work
become a maker
professional maker
Ignite Studio seeks applications for our professional maker-in-residence twice yearly. A professional maker serves a 16-week term of residency, receives a stipend (funded by the Friends of the Library), a modest budget for supplies, and access to a 1600 sq. ft. residency studio devoted specifically to their craft. In return, Ignite staff asks each resident to offer 8 hours of experiences to Ignite patrons each week through open studio hours, classes, workshops, and other experiences.
How can I apply to become Ignite Studio’s Maker-in-Residence?
Download a copy of our application guidelines to learn more about the application process.
How is a Maker-in-Residence selected?
The Maker-in-Residence is selected through a jury process. Jury members include HEPL staff, representatives of organizations with whom Ignite often collaborates, members of the Friends of the Library, and past Makers-in-Residence.
What does Ignite Studio look for in a Maker-in-Residence?
An ideal Maker-in-Residence has an interest in inviting people into their creative process and experience teaching at some level. We look for an artist with various content expertise including but not limited to 2D art and 3D visual art, performing arts, multidisciplinary arts, science and engineering, and craft.
How does a Maker-in-Residence schedule get set?
Once selected, the Maker-in-Residence works with the Arts Engagement Program Coordinator to determine a schedule and variety of experiences for Ignite Studio patrons.