John Smith is a full-time art instructor near Indianapolis with 38 years of experience teaching at the high school level. With a deep passion for both education and artistic expression, John is now channeling his extensive experience into creating work that reflects his journey as both an artist and educator.

Working primarily in clay, John specializes in sgraffito-a technique that involves carving through a colored surface (glaze) to reveal the natural clay beneath. His approach to graffito is both methodical and expressive, as he carefully organizes carved segments complete with intentionally straight lines, (like corn rows) which are his attempt to bring order to the crazy turns life can bring, allowing the remaining areas of color to continue contributing to the overall composition. The result is work that is rich in texture, layered in meaning, and reflective of a life devoted to visual storytelling.

EXHIBITIONS AND AWARDS

PENROD ARTS FAIR 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2025

Ignite Studio Fishers 700 Collection show

Indianapolis Gallery 924 TINY show 2024

2024 Indiana Clay COOP “Secret Stash Box” Show. Selected as Best of Show

Juried Exhibit of Hamilton County Artists 2025

Stephanie Smith taught art in public schools where she emphasized focus, discipline, and artistic rigor in the classroom. Now retired, she brings that same dedication to her personal studio practice.

In her own work, color and movement have always taken center stage. Stephanie approaches painting as an evolving process-often beginning without a fixed outcome in mind. Through daily practice and ongoing self-critiques, she pushes herself to discover visual harmony and emotional resonance in each piece. Her paintings unfold over time, guided by intuition and a desire to uncover her individual artistic voice in every expressive 

EXHIBITIONS AND AWARDS

Ignite Studio Fishers 700 Collection show