Indianapolis‑based artist India Hines, 26, is opening the doors of their CAMi studio to the community. Hines, a self‑taught creator of watercolor, oil, ink, pencil and occasional ceramics, is currently part of the Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis’ artist‑in‑residence program.
Where to see Hines’ work
Visitors can already encounter Hines’ pieces in several local venues. Three paintings are on display at Faye Gallery inside Soley Wine on 16th Street, and a vibrant mural adorns the side of a Safeway in Garfield Park. The artist’s work was also featured in the “Artists Among Us” exhibition at Newfields, a popular stop for museum‑goers and coffee‑drinkers alike.
Free sketch club and community outreach
Beyond studio exhibitions, Hines runs a free monthly sketch club at Tube Factory Artspace, encouraging fellow creators to explore their own creativity. “Creating space for others to explore their creativity is something I really value,” Hines said.
Heritage and artistic inspiration
Hines draws on a rich blend of African‑American, Fijian and Tongan ancestry. Their father’s roots trace back to Marion, Indiana, while their mother hails from Aotearoa (New Zealand) with family ties to the village of Nacekoro in Cakaudrove, Fiji. This multicultural background informs the artist’s focus on ancestry, generational healing, and the spiritual connections that shape their figurative, dream‑like forms.
From early sketches to mature themes
Starting to create art at a very young age, Hines taught themselves through intuition and personal experience. Early work centered on drawing faces and bodies; today, the artist’s practice expands to include themes of identity, spirituality, nature, and heritage, all rendered in a style Hines describes as “figurative forms and organic shapes that feel both dreamlike and ancestral.”
Collaborations and recent projects
In a recent partnership with local artist Ash Guynn, Hines contributed to the By the Hand Dinner Series, a collaborative plate project organized by Patina Gallery. The duo’s piece, titled “Reflections,” explores cultural narratives and shared experiences through a ceramic‑and‑painted vessel.
Visit the studio
Hines’ CAMi studio welcomes visitors by appointment. Interested Indy residents can email [email protected] or send a direct message on Instagram (@indijart) to arrange a tour.
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