The Visiting Artist Program

Spark your creativity and explore art in an exciting way!

Each year, the museum recruits exceptional artists with Indiana ties to publicly present and teach their work. The artists interact and inspire children and families with art exhibits, displays, and hands-on workshops.

Meet Our 2026–27 Visiting Artists

Christina Hollering

Christina Hollering is a visual artist born in Indianapolis.. She earned her BFA and MFA from the Herron School of Art and Design, where she currently teaches. Her work explores the intersection of nature and science, focusing on environmental stewardship and interconnected ecosystems.

Through murals, cut paper collage, and installation, she highlights native flora and fauna while drawing attention to overlooked species and environmental concerns. 
Cut Paper Collage with Christina Hollering
"I love how art creates space for families to slow down, experiment, and connect in a way that feels fun and meaningful. Making art together naturally sparks conversation and builds confidence especially when they walk away with a new skill or a finished piece they’re proud of."
Christina Hollering

Maria Patterson

Maria Patterson is an Indianapolis-based woodcarving artist and instructor. Her practice, which began as a self-prescribed, therapeutic antidote for burnout in the tech industry, involves transforming wood from fallen trees into whimsical folk art narratives and mythic realism using only traditional carving knives and hand tools.

By bridging her science and technology innovation background with traditional craft practices, Maria addresses contemporary challenges of digital overwhelm, social isolation, and mental health through timeless creative engagement. Her aim is not just to create beautiful works of art but to demonstrate how the process of making can foster healing, connection, and resilience.
Carving with Maria Patterson
Visiting Artist Maria Patterson.
"It’s fun to be around children, and people of all ages can learn from them if you make yourself open to it. I am excited to learn from them and have some fun."
Maria Patterson

Visiting Artist Workshop Schedule

The Visiting Artist Program is a project of the Lechleiter Indiana Visiting Artist Fund with support provided by The White Oak Foundation, Sarah and John Lechleiter.
today at the museum
Open today 10 am–5 pm