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One of the most unique things about the fine arts program at Ivy Tech Indianapolis—something not common at many four-year art institutions until later in their academic career—is the plethora of opportunities for students to showcase their work in exhibitions. 

With the temporary closure of the Ivy Indy Gallery – once housed in the Julia M. Carson Systems Administration Building, formerly the Learning Resource Center (LRC) –  and an impending move to a different building on campus (as part of the campus renovation) Fine Arts and Humanities Department Chair Liz Wierzbicki saw an opportunity to elevate the level of visibility for the program and its ever-talented students, turning a logistical challenge into a major opportunity.

“A lot of this pivot was born out of necessity because we are in between on-campus gallery spaces,” Wierzbicki said. “We really were kind of forced to think about some creative solutions to continue providing essential access to exhibitions and professional development opportunities for students, because providing those opportunities is really core to our program.”

Over the past year, Ivy Tech fine arts students have exhibited work in professional off-campus venues including the Lost Dog Gallery, Storage Space Gallery, and the Indianapolis Art Center, in addition to a virtual exhibition. Approximately 40 to 50 students have participated, gaining exposure far beyond the campus.

Wierzbicki, who recently assumed the role of department chair following the retirement of Stephanie Robertson, notes that the transition, while rewarding, required significant effort. 

“It has been a logistical challenge,” she admits, citing the coordination of transportation, installation, and communication with multiple external partners. “But this period has opened some valuable doors for our students.”

Those doors Wierzbicki speaks of have led to tangible successes. 

Students have not only seen their work reach new audiences but have also sold their work and secured future opportunities through connections made at these shows.

“Showing student work in the community has expanded our audience, increased program visibility, and introduced students to a broader network of arts professionals,” Wierzbicki said. “They've gotten future exhibition opportunities, sales of work, some networking, and I think just deeper involvement within the artist community outside of Ivy Tech.”

The process of selling work has itself become an invaluable, early lesson in professional practice. For exhibitions like the one at the Indianapolis Art Center, Wierzbicki guides students through conversations about pricing, gallery commissions, and client communication skills often reserved for later in an artist’s education.

“For the students to even sell a piece at this point in their art journey is, I think, such a confidence boost and motivator,” she said.

This focus on early professionalization is a signature of the Ivy Tech program. As a transfer-focused program preparing students to continue at four-year institutions, this hands-on experience provides a distinct advantage.

“I don't know of a whole lot of four-year institutions that give their foundation students as many exhibition opportunities as we do,” Wierzbicki said. “I think it's more common that it's emphasized in their junior and senior years. So our students, in a lot of ways, have a leg up.”

This leg-up is noticed. 

Wierzbicki, who maintains close contact with colleagues at institutions like Herron School of Art and Design at Indiana University Indianapolis, regularly hears positive feedback about the preparedness of Ivy Tech transfers.

“We've heard, ‘Oh wow, whatever you guys are doing over there, it's great because these students are strong,’” she shared.

The off-campus strategy has proven so beneficial that it will continue even after the program’s on-campus gallery reopens. Wierzbicki confirmed that partnerships, particularly with the Indianapolis Art Center, will remain a staple.

“This has just solidified that having some opportunities off campus in addition to the on-campus space is really important and valuable,” she said.

The new on-campus gallery, currently under construction inside of the Illinois Fall Creek Center (IFC), is eagerly anticipated. Wierzbicki believes the new location will offer more visibility.

“It's right in the middle of the action, so I think it's going to get a lot of foot traffic and a lot more visibility,” she said.

Looking ahead, Wierzbicki’s vision for the Fine Arts and Humanities department is firmly rooted in community integration. She aims to increase the program’s visibility within central Indiana’s arts ecosystem and position Ivy Tech as a premier starting point for arts education.

An upcoming project exemplifies this community-focused vision: plans are underway for a spring juried exhibition that will be an invitational, open to foundation-level art students from Ivy Tech, Butler University, Herron, and others.

“It’s a way to draw some more connections between all art students in the city,” Wierzbicki explained. She aims for the exhibition to be hosted in the new IFC gallery. 

For Wierzbicki, the past year’s accomplishments underscore the strength and potential thriving within the program. Her message to the broader community is clear and confident.

“Our students are emerging arts professionals, and our program is educating the next flush of professional artists that are going to contribute to the cultural identity of Indy,” she said. “We are a top-notch program. The level of our students is on par with the other great art programs in Central Indiana.”

Through adaptability, strong community partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to student experience, Ivy Tech Indianapolis’s Fine Arts program has not only navigated a transition but has charted a course for an even more visible and impactful future.

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