The dreary days of winter are here. One potential cure to the seasonal gloom? Art.
Indy is home to dozens of artists creating colorful, whimsical and fun pieces that can help to spark joy no matter the weather. While art and joy are subjective, here are a few artists we hope you can look to for a powerful pick-me-up. We also asked each of them what sparks joy for them as artists.
Megan Jefferson
Around just about every corner in the city is a piece by Megan Jefferson just waiting to be discovered. She’s especially well-known for her contributions to the Broad Ripple Flower Alley, where you can wander among her wildflower works for free. She also has a studio at the Harrison Center where you can find pieces available for purchase.
“Joy sparks for me in the moments when I’m fully present, when paint is moving, intuition is leading, and I feel aligned with something bigger than myself. It’s the quiet magic of creating something that didn’t exist before, and sensing that it might bring someone else a moment of calm or wonder.”
Johnson Simon
With just one look at his work, you’ll find that Johnson Simon injects joy into all of his dynamic paintings of people dancing. These portraits have deep personal meaning.
“I desire to express myself through dancing, but my disability limits me from moving about the way that I would like,” he wrote. “Instead, I use my God-given gift of painting to demonstrate my desire to live life with no physical restrictions.”
The artist and teacher has exhibited his pieces everywhere from BUTTER to the Harrison Art Center to local restaurants.
“My art is my movement.”
Susanna Turner
Get lost in a dreamy fairytale landscape, bouquet of flowers or precious pet portrait by Susanna Turner. You can message her on Instagram if you see a piece you’re interested in, find her at local events like the Indiana Peony Festival (happening May 16) or request a custom piece, like this cat caricature.
“Finding art you love and connect with is like a blueprint for finding people you love and connect with. I’m always encouraging others to put themselves out there through art, whether it’s journaling, painting watercolors on a postcard to send to a friend or taking an art class. That’s what’s so joyful about it for me.”
Eliza Mowery
Many of Eliza Mowery’s acrylic, pastel and gouache paintings spotlight stunning locales captured in time, like a wheat field during the golden hour or a beach at sunset. You can contact them through Instagram to purchase a piece. If you can’t decide, don’t worry — you can buy a calendar that features 12 of their favorites.
“I find so much joy in bringing a memory back to life through color! Color has the power to regulate and ground me when life is uncertain.”
Julie Xiao
Julie Xiao’s colorful pieces are often inspired by traditional Chinese imagery, featuring lush flowers and creatures like moths, tigers and pheasants. Catch artwork for sale at rotating locations like Sun King Brewing and Tomorrow Bookstore, or see her public murals on the CAMi campus or the Citizens plant on North Illinois Street.
“Creating art sparks joy for me because it lets imagination become something real and alive. Making art is how I express the world inside my mind, and I hope it leaves people feeling uplifted.”
Sun-Young Gullery
If you love Indy as much as we do, Gullery’s work will bring an instant smile. Her art celebrates locales around the city, such as “Ann Dancing” on Mass Ave and Tinker Coffee Co. Bonus bit of joy: All of her paintings are miniature.
“As an artist and mother, I have a list of things that bring me happiness. But something that has sparked joy for me recently is connection — the feeling of my life and artwork intertwining with other people’s lives.”
Ashley Nora
Through her bold, blue visual aesthetic with touches of gold, Nora explores topics of faith and her signature saying, “Tell Me Heaven Ain’t Black.” You may recognize her work from the BUTTER art fair or her triptych on display at The Children’s Museum.
Phyllicia Carr
Inside the Factory Arts North building, Carr’s artist suite bursts with color. Her debut collection, Moon Valley, was inspired by vivid dreams, identity and introspective revelation. She also designs vibrant public pieces, including the mural that appeared on the Indianapolis Artsgarden during the 2025 WNBA All-Star weekend.
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Shea Stapley is a Mirror Indy freelance contributor. You can reach her at sheajuliestapley@gmail.com.
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