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.
Please visit our events calendar for more info.
Please visit our events calendar for more info.
Addie Hirschten is a contemporary impressionist painter, art teacher, author of several books, and former children’s librarian. She currently lives and teaches in her art studio, The Studio Alchemy Art Gallery, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Hirschten earned a Bachelor of Fine Art from Appalachian State University, graduating in 2000. After working for a number of years as a children’s librarian, she went on to earn a Master of Library Science from Indiana University. When she moved to Indianapolis in 2011, she spent several years conducting performances for children in libraries throughout the state of Indiana. Over the years, the style and purpose behind her paintings has changed drastically from abstract expressionist work to impressionism that reveres the sacred beauty of the natural world. Find out more about her creative work at: www.studioalchemy.art
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.
Applications for our 2023 Maker-in-Residence program are currently closed. We will be seeking our 2024 Makers-in-Residence in the Fall of 2023.
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.
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.
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.