Creative Growth and Community in Indianapolis


This past week was full of conversations, ideas, resources, and inspiration — so much so that I’m still processing everything I learned. As artists, it can sometimes feel like we are building quietly in our own corners of the world, so it was energizing to spend time surrounded by creatives from across Indiana.

I got the opportunity to share the Weave of Life project with other artists, mentors, and program leaders. Being able to speak about the vision behind the project helped me further clarify the direction the work is continuing to grow.

One of the things that stayed with me most was the reminder that creative work does not happen in isolation. Every conversation, shared experience, challenge, and moment of encouragement becomes part of the larger weave that supports the work we create.

Along with the program itself, I also had the chance to explore parts of Indianapolis through a walking tour. Slowing down to experience the city in that way felt meaningful and grounding amidst the intensity of the week. Those quieter moments often become just as important to my creative process as the workshops and presentations themselves.

I left feeling inspired not only by the information shared, but by the generosity and openness of the people involved — from the hosts and organizers to the artists participating alongside me.

A heartfelt thank you to the Indiana Arts Commission, Indy Arts Council, and Minerva Financial Arts for creating such a thoughtful and valuable experience.

Weave of Life Project: In Progress

Weave of Life is an evolving, living project—growing panel by panel, story by story. This space offers a glimpse into the process as it unfolds: from early material gathering and studio moments to community contributions and new installations. You’re invited to follow along as the work develops and to see how memory, nature, and community connection are woven together over time. Subscribe to get updates directly to your e-mail! For project details visit: https://www.nancyfritzart.com/weave-of-life

Read more from Weave of Life Project: In Progress
Close-up of a fragile honeycomb resting on a teal encaustic panel, showing the delicate hexagonal wax structure of the comb against the smooth painted surface below. The honeycomb was left behind by a bee colony removed from Nancy Fritz's former home and

We were days away from closing on our old house when we found out there were unexpected tenants moving in. Bees had built a home in the space between the balcony floor and the porch ceiling. A colony, fully committed, completely unbothered by our closing date. We were lucky. Within a few days, a beekeeper was able to remove and relocate the hive safely. The bees found a new home. We closed on schedule. And they left something behind: The honeycomb came out intact — fragile and intricate. I...

Beautiful panel — the texture of the reclaimed material on the border against the smooth encaustic interior is striking. Alt text (blog/accessibility): "Close-up of a leaf-shaped Weave of Life encaustic panel by Nancy Fritz, featuring a periwinkle blue wa

There is a number that lives in my head right now. 13. That's how many Weave of Life panels I need to make every week between now and September 12th, when I install approximately 300 panels at Monroe Community Church in Grand Rapids for ArtPrize 2026. I'm doing the math in the living room. Our house is being renovated, so Charlie and I are temporarily in an apartment. The encaustic painting table is next to the Glowforge, which is next to Charlie's desk and the couch. Materials are stacked...

A large square framed panel displaying the Seed of Life geometric pattern, composed of dozens of individual encaustic panels in varied colors and textures. Each panel features unique layered wax surfaces in deep reds, blues, greens, golds, and earth tones

This Work Won't Exist After September Weave of Life - Seed of Life 2 On June 22nd, Weave of Life — Seed of Life 2 opens at the Indy Art Center in Indianapolis as part of Art From the Heartland, a group exhibition running through September 13th. This is the first time this particular arrangement of panels has been shown in a formal exhibition setting. And it will be the last time it exists in this form. Here's what I mean by that. Weave of Life is a long-term, modular installation — hundreds...