From hand-painted murals and whimsical, life-like statues to expansive galleries, there are tons of ways to support your local art scene here in Fishers. In fact, the Indiana Arts Commission named its downtown center one of the state’s designated art districts, featuring works by talented local high school students to master craftsmen. Use this guide to find some of the city’s best art installations. Let’s go!

City Hall Loop

Our exploration of the local art scene starts with City Hall. Located on the Municipal Drive loop, you’ll get the chance to see the amphitheater’s community mural painted during the Spark! Fishers festival on the north end of the complex. The “I in Fishers” mural by Rachel Kavathe graces the complex’s center spot. The “Wes Montgomery” traveling mural painted by artists Koda Witsken and Israel Solomon currently welcomes guests to the grounds directly in front of the City Hall building.

Once you’re in front of City Hall, head on in and browse the art gallery on the second floor. Fisher’s Art Council members curate monthly exhibits showcasing works from students, emerging local talent, and national, award-winning creatives.

The Nickel Plate District

A woman stands next to an art installation for sale in Fishers, Indiana

008” licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Flickr by Towne Post Network 

Visitors can find artwork at every turn in Fishers, especially in the Nickel Plate District just west of 116th Street and I-69. This area has grown tremendously in the past few years, and today, numerous artisans bring their visions to life on the streets of the city within this 4.5-mile greenway.

Celebrate the complexity of the human creative spirit with the Nickel Plate trail featuring unique rotating art installations that celebrate the history of our vibrant city. “Siege the Day” by Kevin Huff is a towering 12-foot tall sculpture standing near Commerce Drive and Lantern Road. Across the street, you’ll find “Face the Music,” a painted signal box by artist William Denton-Ray, while Nekoda Witsken’s painting “Mudstock Spirit,” pictured above, graces Pocket Park.

Fishers Annual Art Crawl

Discover works by some of Indiana’s most vibrant and visionary local artists with an annual event. The Fishers Art Crawl takes place every summer and again during the Spark! Fishers ceremony in September. It features a free, self-guided tour through the downtown arts and cultural district. Participants can enjoy the creative exhibition, plus meet local and regional artisans. 

The event offers a street festival feel with live musical performances and tasty food and beverages from local vendors. You can purchase your favorite pieces directly from the artists. Many businesses throughout the downtown area get in on the fun by hosting a specific artist or performer. There’s also a complimentary event shuttle if you prefer not to walk.

Gallery 116

Experience the arts in all its forms at Gallery 116. Located on East 116th Street, the wide range of local and National artisans on display here bring the community to life. You’ll admire the outstanding quality and diversity of the pieces that line this well-laid-out, though eclectic, space.

Browse a refreshing mix of hand-crafted jewelry, clothing, gifts, and home decor items at this charming bungalow in the heart of Fishers. Each room on both floors features a unique collection of pieces, and they even do gift wrapping when you find that special something, like a stunning leather-bound journal. There’s plenty of free parking on the east side of the building, too.

Ignite Studio at Your Library

Immerse yourself in the energy and growth of this city’s flourishing art scene at the Ignite Studio inside the Hamilton East Public Library on Municipal Drive. This studio is available to community residents and offers a place where artists can create and exhibit their work and provide educational experiences and professional insights to library guests. Members can also take advantage of access to a variety of creative tools, such as:

  • 3D printers.
  • Laser engraver.
  • Sewing machines.
  • Pottery wheels.
  • Power tools.
  • Audio/video production studio.
  • iMacs loaded with Adobe Creative Cloud Suite. 

Nickel Plate Arts

Why not create your own art with a class? Everyone in the family can get in on the fun with Nickel Plate Arts. Located on South Eighth Street in nearby Noblesville, your tween or teen can take an online drawing class right from the comfort and convenience of home. This hour-long seasonal course is just $10 a class or $100 for the full session and takes place after school from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Instructor Jeanette Pomeroy Parssi teaches kiddos of all skill levels, basic to advanced. She also provides students with a relaxed opportunity to learn and develop their passion. Get your supplies free of charge from Nickel Plate Arts, or you can use your own materials.

Conner Prairie

Immerse yourself in both art and history at Conner Prairie. Nestled in south-central Hamilton County on Allisonville Road, this fascinating place inspires curiosity and learning by providing engaging and individualized experiences for every culture-vulture in the family.

In addition to a 19th-century living history museum that simulates early life along the White River, this destination features a delightful collection of period art pieces. Check out its Explore the Arts program with engaging, family-friendly live presentations like “Stevens Puppets: The Wizard of Oz” and “Anyone Can Dance,” or take a creative class.

Conner Prairie’s hands-on classes in the Arts and Arms series provides kids 16 and over with the opportunity to work alongside master craftsmen like hornsmith Art DeCamp. His students make a Lehigh Valley-style decorative powder horn. John Schippers can teach your child the art of metal engraving or learn to create and antique leather pieces with instructor Ken Scott.There you have it! This list of Fishers’ best art installations came from the friendly staff at Crème de la Crème. Discover them for yourself! Which locations have you and your family visited? Have we missed any art installations in the city that you enjoy? Let us know, and we’ll be sure to add it to our list! As the local art scene continues to grow, check back to see what’s must-discover sites pop up.