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
Weave of Life encaustic panel with reclaimed blue carpet tile border and vivid green crackled leaf photo interior. Nancy Fritz.

I've been thinking about what's missing. Not from the panels themselves, but from the experience of standing in front of one. You can see the encaustic wax, the reclaimed fabric, the botanical impression pressed into the surface. What you can't see is where the fabric came from, or when the panel was made, or the story behind where the material came from. That's the part I want to give you. Here's what I've been imagining: a small chip embedded in each panel, the kind you can tap or hold your...

Aquatint etching panel showing water from underneath — a college proof from fifteen years ago, now part of Weave of Life. Nancy Fritz.

I am a hoarder of materials. Not in a chaotic way. In the way that an artist who grew up feeling like nothing should go to waste keeps things carefully, in flat files and portfolios, for reasons that aren't always clear at the time. Just in case. Just because throwing them away felt wrong.These are from college art school. More than fifteen years ago. They're print proofs from an etching class, specifically from a piece I made called For the Greater Good. I made them on copper plates using a...

Custom laser-cut cardboard trays stacked and taped, ready to transport 310 Weave of Life panels to ArtPrize 2026.

Last week I crossed 400 panels. Just over 300 of them are going to Grand Rapids. I've been spending the last week creating packaging to get them there safely. Here's what I built: custom laser-cut trays sized to hold each panel snugly in place, with the panel shapes cut into the cardboard itself. Each tray gets a backer board, layer of glassine paper against the surface, then a sheet of foam padding, then cardboard on top. The whole tray gets taped closed and stacked into a larger box for...