Transformations at PATTERN: Get the Inside Scoop!

Polina here, popping in to say, “hello” and give you a quick update:

Happy Wednesday!

Thank you for reading our bi-weekly-ish updates! And a warm welcome to our new subscribers! For those new to the newsletter, Pattern’s been undergoing some major transformations as an organization. You may have heard about our new strategic plan, noticed hints of our rebranding, or sensed from our quieter social media presence that something big is coming—and it is!

I’ll admit, figuring out how to unveil all these exciting changes has been a bit overwhelming. In a good way, of course, but it's a lot of positive news to share. I’ve been hesitant to release it all at once, worrying we’d run out of updates—but I know that’s just me being overly cautious. Our main goal is to roll everything out strategically to ensure maximum visibility and understanding within our community.

Moving forward, we want everyone to be clear about what Pattern is: an economic development organization laser-focused on growing the creative economy. And what we are not: a fashion magazine or a fashion-focused organization. On a smaller note, for those who work with us regularly, you’ll be relieved to know we are no longer spelling PATTERN in all caps. When you see the new branding, it will all make sense. 😇

As we move forward with our new mission to support, empower, and grow the Creative Economy in Indiana, the content of this newsletter will continue to evolve. Our goal is to provide you with the most useful and interesting updates related to our work. If you have any thoughts or ideas on what you'd like to see in this newsletter, we’d love to hear them. We know you receive countless emails every day, so we aim to be the one you look forward to—one that you find useful and inspiring.

Thank you for being part of our community and joining us on this exciting journey!

P (Chief Cat Herder & Creative Economy Evangelist) 😉

The Indiana Creative Economy Summit is returning on October 25. If you are a policy-maker, a CEO of a company employing creative professionals, a leader dedicated to creating better and higher-paying jobs in the creative sectors, or an executive supporting nonprofit artistic communities, please save the date for this important event. We aim to bring together key stakeholders to learn, network, and foster growth in our creative economy.

The Summit’s focus is on the BUSINESS of creativity, economic development, and strategies to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem for professional creatives. Policy-makers will gain insights into how to shape supportive legislation, CEOs will learn how investing in creative talent can drive innovation and growth, leaders in job creation will discover ways to generate more creative positions, and nonprofit executives will explore how to enhance their support for artistic communities. This event is a unique opportunity to engage with the future of Indiana’s creative economy and to contribute to its thriving development. More soon!

In the meantime, we’re thrilled to highlight our Creative Entrepreneur Residency at the Stutz which welcomed two new residents: visual artist Julian J. Jones and floral designer Madeline MacKinnon of Frida’s Flowers. This Residency aims to help “emerging-established” creative entrepreneurs boost their visibility, improve cash flow and revenues, and receive essential business support in marketing, budgeting, product distribution, and mentorship.

Want to support Indy’s creatives directly? Consider hiring Madeline for your floral needs and Julian for decor. Julian also offers prints and totes featuring his art, which would make great additions to any retail store focused on gifts and local artisans.

For introductions or to schedule a studio visit with our residents, please contact Macy Lethco, ([email protected]) our Program Manager.

We at Pattern believe in Midwest kids (and creatives) making it big as well! So we’ll certainly be cheering on Sanderson at her performance along with the Indianapolis Men’s Chorus, Miss Gay Indiana, and more on the big day!

What’s Happening At PATTERN

• First! The Basketball Issue is at the printer 🥳, and presses are rolling! Which means that if you’re a subscriber, the mag will be arriving in your mailbox before the end of June! (If you’re not a subscriber, but are looking for an easy and fun way to support our work, your annual $30 subscription is a great way to do just that!)

• We recently welcomed SIX NEW FACES to the Pattern offices and TWO new faces over at StitchWorks. Our new summer interns are Lauren, Jack, Camille, Wes, Ava, Isabella, Callie and Sami. That’s a lot of names to remember, but we’re excited! They’ll be writing, graphic designing, photographing, and social media-ing all summer long. (Follow their adventures on the Pattern Intern IG account! And even though we’re not a fashion organization, no intern class experience would be complete without an OOTD post.😎)
  

• Our spring graphic design intern Jacob Chaves is now our graphic design Fellow, and starting in just a few days, we’re excited to welcome Micah Horne (our Summer 2022 intern) as our newest Fellow. She will be specializing in Social Media and Marketing. We’re thrilled to have them both!!
  

• Last, but not least Jenn Schimmelpfennig, the owner and founder of Pivot Marketing stopped by the Paradox Photo Studio on the 16th for an exclusive photoshoot and interview with our Executive Director, Polina Osherov. She was impressive in every sense of the word, and we can’t wait to share her digital cover story with you!

Interested in advertising space that sees thousands of local supporters? Contact [email protected] for more information!

Celebrate

American Lives Theatre at their Behind the Curtain VIP party and fundraiser on Wednesday, May 29, 6-8:30 pm! Watch a live rehearsal, experience the unveiling of the company’s fifth season, and enjoy complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Shining a Light, a special projection presentation on Monument Circle. The last date to see it is Friday, May 31 at 10 pm, 10:30 pm, and 11 pm on the AES Indiana building. This program is presented in partnership with Asian American Alliance, Inc.

Cultivate

Your artistic prowess with a summer class at the Indianapolis Art Center. Interested in oil painting? Crafting jewelry? Wood turning? The Indy Art Center is teaching classes this summer in possibly every medium you can imagine, so take a look!

Your dance skills at Rooted & Grounded Jazz Dance with Iris Rosa, Thursdays from 6-7 pm. These classes will focus on grounded movement, musicality, and expression and cost $20 each. All levels of dance experience are welcome.

Your photography and digital abilities with Indy Captures at the Indy Art Center on June 6 at 7 pm. Check out the Art Center’s photo and digital studios and watch a live photoshoot with professional photographers. You can even learn more about professional-grade printing from Kevin Raber, the Center’s artist-in-residence. This event is completely free and open to the public.

Apply

For Upward Gallery’s Portrait juried exhibition. Artists eighteen and up can submit their work in any medium, style, or genre. Profanity and political artwork are not allowed. Entry fees are $9-12 per entry. Deadline: June 7, 2024

To be included in Quotidian Magazine Volume IV. If you make art, poetry, fiction writing or non-fiction writing, this opportunity is for you. Submit work around the issue’s theme of appearances and of course, the quotidian. Direct any submission questions to [email protected].

Stay Connected

And Before You Go . . .

P.S. We love these guys!