“Living Room” Exhibit Features Work of Herron Staff Member

Annemarie Katz's "Wiggle-Chair"

INDIANAPOLIS – At age 24 Annemarie Katz already is considered a “fixture” at the Herron School of Art and Design. Typically this term is reserved for the more “seasoned” professional, but Katz has a long-standing relationship with Herron that began when she was 12 years old.

Katz was introduced to Herron as a student in the school’s Saturday School community program, where she received the Outstanding Student Award. She became a regular participant in the program, which strengthened her appreciation of and involvement in art. When it came time to determine college plans, Katz again turned to Herron School of Art and Design.

A 2004 graduate of Herron’s furniture design program, Katz has gained a following for her furniture art and was featured by Nuvo Newsweekly in a cover story, “30 up-and-coming artists under 30.” She also has been recognized in the Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis Woman, and INtake Weekly. Her work has been exhibited in more than 25 shows including “Innovators” at the Indiana State Museum and in a two-person show at the IUPUI Cultural Arts Gallery.

On March 24, Herron will present, “Living Room,” a furniture art exhibition featuring 20 of Katz’s works.

“I simply enjoy working with my hands and transforming simple elements into visually stimulating surroundings. I strongly believe that people’s consciousness and mood are directly affected by their physical environment, and if the setting they live in is full of energy and beauty, it just might inspire a similar mental outlook,” Katz notes.

That’s what “Living Room” is about.

“I am interested in converting the gallery space into a Living Room. I enjoy the double meaning of the term. On one hand it is an every day room in most peoples’ homes. On the other hand it implies a room that is full of life; vibrant, exciting and effervescent,” Katz says.

The exhibition will include tables, stools, lamps and other works. All pieces will be one-of-a-kind, original art furniture available for purchase. The exhibition, which opens to the public from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on March 24, runs through March 31. Marsh Special Projects Gallery hours are weekdays from noon to 3 p.m.

Katz remains close to Herron today as the staff’s community learning coordinator. She has come full circle from her days as a Saturday School student to becoming the Saturday School director and instructor. .” Each year Katz works with 600 adults and youth who take part in Herron’s community programs.

“It seems like I’ve always been involved at Herron in some way,” Katz said. “Even as a college student I helped organize community art programs. I really enjoy interacting with the kids and adults who attend Saturday School. And it’s certainly rewarding working with the kids in youth art camp and honors art courses.