Thanks for coming by! This isn’t a portfolio, and it isn’t a personal blog. It’s a flea market of ideas and images–you (and I) just never know what’s going to pop up.
My name is Mary Jo and I’m an artist who is an original Punk, born before computers. I think the world is definitely not just this OR that, it’s this AND that.
I love making things, word puzzles, hikes, traveling, cooking, and music. I’m also mom to a large family–four sons and four grandkids. My parents are both well over 80 and I visit them as often as possible. They all live on the East Coast. My husband’s family is in the UK and we visit them as often as we can as well.
It’s a good thing I love traveling!
I often spot interesting things when I’m out and about. I would like to see what cool things other people have found as well. Feel free to share your images or writing! Just send me a message and your image or literary thoughts and I’ll post it in Shared.
I started teaching art at the college level in 1997. In the past 25 years I’ve taught art in a variety of settings to all different age groups. Last year I decided to stop teaching and focus on my work. Everything I’ve learned from teaching these past 25 years informs my social practice art and knit sculpture.
January 5: Happy New Year!
Weather permitting, The Village will be at many Indianapolis Public Library branches starting January 6. It will be at Ivy Tech Community College on Wednesdays 12-3 at the Glick Technology Center. Sundays it will be at Tube Factory Artspace unless a pre-scheduled event is happening.
December 3: Gratitude
The Village is up and running, and has grown into something larger than a one off event for visitors. It is a project FOR Indianapolis. It is a visual record of the variety of people who make up our community.
I’m so grateful to the people who’ve come together to create this piece! Whether it’s at Ivy Tech, Tube Factory, or one the Indianapolis Public Library branches The Village will be a continuing part of Indy’s cultural fabric.
September 21: Stewardship
Happy Equinox! The past month has been insanely busy. I’ve learned a lot really quickly about so many things–how to use Illustrator, how to latch hook, speedy pompom making, best yarns to use in an outside setting, making connections with a lot of people from so many walks of life–and it’s all working.
The main composition is complete, artists and an assistant project manager are hired, materials are purchased, pompom parties are under way,
There is still a huge amount of work left, I’m excited an confident that things will unfold beautifully.
I’m grateful for all the love and support I’ve found in the community, and especially at home. My husband has been an absolute rock in the middle of all this, and I’m grateful beyond words. Check out the blog posts on the home page for updates about the project.
August 27: Manifesting
A lot of things have happened quickly. I’ve been invited to do a community piece for the Eras Tour in Indianapolis, and I’ve said yes! It’s a super short timeline to get things done, and I’m so happy to get started making pompoms with everyone after Labor Day.
This is a great opportunity to raise some finances for Arts Organizations in Indianapolis that are close to my heart. I’ve learned a lot about Taylor Swift, and I’m impressed with her business sense, willingness to treat people fairly, and her gifts to the communities she visits.
The next couple month’s posts will be ALL ABOUT what it’s like to make a large scale community piece out of fiber, how to work with a team of people effectively, and learning how I’m going to accept my weaknesses (hello dyslexia and ADHD) by asking for help!
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Home of BOO! Naptown Purls and The Village 