Before there was a cultural campus, before Fort Ben was redeveloped into the community hub it is today, there was a girl on a bike, riding up to a patch of green that is now a state park, sitting under a tree, and singing. "It was just such a spiritual place for me," says Dr. Shaila Mulholland, interim executive director of Arts for Lawrence. "I could go, ride my bike, sit beside a tree, and have time for reflection." She pauses, almost surprised by the memory herself. "I kind of forgot that, until you asked." Dr. Shaila Mulholland and her husband, Chris Brazis, recently attended an art gallery exhibit hosted by Arts for Lawrence. It's a fitting place to start, because so much of Mulholland's story, the one she's living out now at Arts for Lawrence, circles back to that same instinct … Find a quiet place, connect to something larger, and bring people into it with you. Roots in Lawrence Mulholland grew up in the Lawrence community and graduated from Lawrence North in 1997. Music was a constant presence in her life. She played piano and percussion all through school. By 15 she'd already won a piano competition and the prize was donated — $1,000 — to the Lawrence Township School Foundation. Outside of music, as a high school student, she was working at restaurants like Don Pablo's and American Bandstand, learning customer service and how to get things done efficiently and effectively. “Customer service has been a really good background to have in this new role." Finding her voice at Indiana University Mulholland headed to Indiana University (IU) Bloomington. Biology was her undergraduate degree, but her real interest — human development, and how people learn — pulled her toward education instead. She earned her master's at IU, and along the way discovered a talent she hadn't expected: Designing programs that brought people together. One of those programs, a dialogue series called Common Quest, invited students into conversations about interfaith and spiritual development. It won her awards, and it planted a seed that would define her career around the belief that people need spaces where they can be honest with each other, even about hard things. She also served as the youngest member of a 20-person national research team studying student engagement and inclusion in higher education, work that shaped her identity as, in her words, "a sociologist of education." That belief carried her to New York University for her PhD in education, with a focus on policy. While there, she was selected for a film and radio documentary training program for young women of color in New York City, run by Chica Luna Productions — an experience she still counts among her most formative, and one that helped her grow not just as a scholar but as an artist. New York, San Diego, and finding her way back home After finishing her PhD, Mulholland spent time back in Indianapolis on a dissertation fellowship from the Lumina Foundation, researching higher education in Indiana. From there, the family moved to San Diego, where Mulholland spent more than a decade, from 2009 to 2020, building her academic career at San Diego State University and National University. Even then, music stayed close. She set up a piano studio and taught lessons, something she'd first done as a teenager. "Teaching piano has always been really special," she says. "Music and art have both been something that me and my sons have been able to share together.” Art became even more integral during the years after experiencing the loss of their son and brother, AlVee. By 2020, she and her family were ready to come home — not just to Indianapolis, but specifically to Lawrence. "We just love everything Lawrence has," she says: the school system, the people, the way the community shows up for itself. Coming back also meant relearning her own hometown. New landmarks, new favorite spots in Lawrence — places like Jockamo Pizza, Café Audrey, Moo & Loo’s Frozen Treats, the library that wasn't there when she left, and the cultural campus now anchoring Fort Ben. Stepping into the role Mulholland quickly reconnected with the community, including a return to the Lawrence Township School Foundation as a board member, being elected in 2024 to serve on the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township School Board, and serving as a board member for Arts for Lawrence. When the opportunity came to step into the interim executive director role at Arts for Lawrence — after years of watching the organization's impact up close, Mulholland said yes. Since taking the role, she's been fully dedicated to the day-to-day operations, including booking artists, implementing and evaluating the organization’s summer camp, organizing outdoor concerts and gallery exhibits, and standing behind the mic at community events like Fridays at the Fort to tell the Arts for Lawrence story. This summer's camp gave her one of her clearest "aha" moments yet, such as watching children try piano for the first time. "The magic that happens when they get their five fingers to play a little melody, when they’ve never done that before, is really cool," she says. Mulholland also saw something she didn't expect … how quickly art dissolved the usual social categories kids get sorted into. "It just got them together and close," she says. That same instinct … using art to open something up in people … is what she keeps coming back to when she talks about why this work matters right now. "There's so much noise, so much instant gratification," she says. "Taking a pause, learning to listen … that's a different muscle. And if we don't take time to acknowledge the pain people are going through, we can't really help them find another path." What's next? Looking a year ahead, Mulholland wants to take what's working in Arts for Lawrence's summer camp and community celebrations and stretch it across the calendar. Those options could include more classes for youth and adults, more music and art instruction, and more visiting artists like the Kenyettá Dance Company program that spent a week with campers this summer. She also wants to grow the organization's volunteer base and bring in more local partners and teaching artists, part of a broader commitment to supporting Lawrence's small businesses alongside its artists. Her seat on the MSD of Lawrence Township School Board reinforces all of it. "These enriching experiences … a music class, an art class … they're not just nice to have," she says. "They're essential. They give kids an outlet, a form of self-expression, and they support a child's resiliency." It's the same thread running through Arts for Lawrence's community events, from Juneteenth celebrations to Fridays at the Fort: honoring traditions, building unity, and giving people a reason to gather, she says. Beyond the bio Ask her what people might not know about her, and she doesn't hesitate … she plays more than piano. Percussion, xylophone — she's got a full setup at her home, including three pianos in her living and dining rooms. But mostly, she'd rather people experience Arts for Lawrence than hear her describe it. "I can talk and talk," she says, "but you just have to come and experience it firsthand." Step onto the Fort Ben campus, into the gallery or the theater, and see what she means.

Photos by Brian Atkinson Some artists don't arrive at their craft through a straight line. Brian Atkinson is one of them. And that winding path may be exactly what makes his work worth seeing. Growing up, Atkinson was already the kid skipping class to disappear into the art room. But he came from a family where college wasn't part of the conversation, so when the time came, he did what everyone around him did: He went to work as a laborer. Although he didn’t stop exploring art, Atkinson considered it more of a hobby than a potential career path. It wasn't until his mid-20s that he walked through the doors of the Herron School of Art. He was 26. Most of his classmates were 18 or 19. He went full time, then had to stop, then worked, then went part time, then finally finished … earning his degree in art education. Finding the Lane Ask Atkinson how he developed his style and he doesn't hesitate. He found it early, and he's never really left it. "I've always just been really attracted to things that have high contrast," he says. "Really dark, dark areas and really light, light areas." Add to that an eye for organic shapes — such as the skeletal reach of leafless trees, the way branches move across negative space — and bold, arresting color, and you start to understand what you're walking into when you see his work. He does take commissions, but selectively. If it doesn't fit his vision, he turns it down. "I want to enjoy doing it," he says simply. The Teacher Who Stayed an Artist Atkinson spent 30 years at Lawrence North High School — 22 as an art teacher, eight as an administrator. But he never abandoned his studio. Early on, a mentor helped him see that teaching and making didn't have to be separate lives. That mentor, sculptor and fellow Lawrence North art educator Brad Holmes, modeled what it looked like to do both. When Atkinson eventually became department chair at Lawrence North, he carried that conviction into every hire he made. "Show me what you're working on right now," he recalls telling candidates. "Don't show me what you did in college." With an assist from then new hire, Nichole Cooper, he also launched a faculty art show — an annual reminder, to students and staff alike, that the people teaching art were actually making it. But the part of teaching that mattered most to him wasn't about technique. It was about belonging. "There are a lot of kids who don't have a place in a big high school," he says. "The art department is that place." He and Holmes used to chuckle about some of the grade cards — rows of D's and F's, and then an A in art, with a note that said “a pleasure to have in class.” Those weren't charity grades. Those were kids who showed up because someone saw them. Atkinson says he still hears from many of them, who often express gratitude for their time in his class. Retirement, and Getting Back to It With the blessing and the support of his wife, Liz, Atkinson retired in June 2025. Since then, he's been painting. A lot. That dedication has resulted in a growing collection of new pieces. Most mornings, he walks his dogs, then heads to the studio. Sessions run five hours sometimes — time disappearing the way it only does when you're fully inside something. "I don't ever want it to feel like a job," he says. That's why the commissions with too many directions — combine this element, this color, this concept — don't interest him. "That feels like work to me." \He started painting exclusively in oils during COVID, after years of moving through acrylics, chalk drawings, oil pastels, clay, and even digital fine art made with Photoshop and Illustrator. Seven years into oils, he hasn't looked back. What to Expect June 2–11 When you walk into the Arts for Lawrence gallery this month, you'll see bold colors and strong contrast in works ranging from landscapes to florals and abstracts. Atkinson describes his work as something he was chasing — a feeling, a direction, a few months of inspiration gathered and put on canvas. He's thought about what art does for people, especially now. "People need an outlet," he says. "Sometimes you need to look at something and just think, I really love that. I'd love to have that in my house." Brian Atkinson's work is on display June 2–11 at Arts for Lawrence, 8920 Otis Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46216

Seeking to shed its label as an art desert, especially in comparison to its Hamilton County neighbors, the City of Lawrence looks forward to opening the Fort Ben Cultural Campus, 8920 Otis Ave., Lawrence. Read the full article here.

Arts for Lawrence is made up of great people, volunteers, funders, donors, and sponsors working to bring the best performing and visual arts experiences and opportunities to the Eastside of Indianapolis. Find out how you can get involved! About Us Arts for Lawrence connects arts and community to inspire everyone every day. Founded in 2006, Arts for Lawrence (AFL) is the largest performing and visual arts nonprofit organization in Lawrence and the northeast quadrant of Indianapolis. AFL offers a diverse blend of affordable quality art programs at the Theater at the Fort, the Visual Art Center, and the Fort Ben Cultural Campus. Programs include festivals, theater performances, outdoor concert series, art classes, art exhibitions, poetry readings, and more. Many of these events are free to the public. Click Here For Images Mission Arts for Lawrence connect arts & community to inspire everyone, every day. Vision Lawrence is a vibrant Cultural District as designated by the State of Indiana. Core Values Relentless commitment to the vision. Continuous improvement defines our future. Breaking barriers to serve all. Giving our best in every interaction. Be kind. As stewards of the historic Theater at the Fort, AFL builds strong partnerships to bring a diverse blend of performances to the stage in drama, music, dance, storytelling, and more. AFL launched the Fort Ben Cultural Campus in June 2021. The former Fort Harrison Communications building was moved to the Cultural Campus and was repurposed as a Visual Art Center offering a gallery with monthly exhibitions, a ceramics studio offering classes for all ages and abilities, and an upstairs classroom offering classes in many other art mediums including painting, digital art, and needle felting. The Fort Ben Cultural Campus is also home to the Musical Swings, open to the public with music playing from 9 am – 10 pm daily. Meet the Staff & Board View Staff & Board View Financial & Annual Report View Financial Info The arts can do great things with your help! Donate Now!

AFL Rental & Private Events A Historic Space for A Lasting Memory Arts for Lawrence has multiple facilities available to leave an impression on your audience! We have spaces for meetings, creative classes, rehearsals, company parties, weddings, and so much more. Combining classic military style, artistic curation, and modern technology, you can be sure your event will be a success! Tell us about your event and email AFL for a quote: info@artsforlawrence.org Available Spaces Theater at the Fort Board Room: 25 capacity (Meetings, Small Classes) Small Stage/Rehearsal Space: 40 to 60 capacity (Medium Meetings, Small Public Speaking, Performance Rehearsal) Main Stage & Theater: 211 seating, including 8 ADA seats, 50 on-stage (Medium Performances, Weddings, Conferences) Visual Arts Center Main Gallery: 20 to 30 capacity (Small Gallery Exhibit, Small Meeting) 2nd Floor Classroom: 10 to 15 capacity (Small Class, Small Meeting) Fort Ben Cultural Campus & Amphitheater Outdoor Space: 1000+ capacity (Outdoor Concerts, Festivals, Cultural Events, Company Party) Email AFL for a quote: info@artsforlawrence.org Amenities Dressing Rooms (2) 4 Vanities in each room Running water and restroom in each Clothing racks Kitchenette/Laundry Microwave Coffee maker Washer/Dryer Combo Small Refrigerator Light & Sound Booth (Managed by AFL Staff or Certified Contractor) Up-to-date technology to enhance any event Email AFL for a quote: info@artsforlawrence.org

Arts for Lawrence is made up of great people, volunteers, funders, donors, and sponsors working to bring the best performing and visual arts experiences and opportunities to the Eastside of Indianapolis. Find out how you can get involved! AGES 6-13 Each day at camp is filled with creativity and fun! Mornings begin with visual art classes inspired by the week’s performance theme, followed by lunch (provided) and recess. In the afternoons, campers dive into performing arts classes led by local arts partners. Activities may include painting, pottery, t-shirt design, digital art, dance, acting, global music, and more! At the end of each week, campers showcase their talents in a Friday Art Show & Performance at 3 PM. Camp Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM – 3 PM Before & After Care: Available for $50/week Before Care: 7:30 AM – 9 AM After Care: 3 PM – 4:30 PM Registration: $195/week (scholarships available! ) WEEK 1 | JUNE 8-12 | THEATRE WEEK 🎭✨ Theatre Week is the perfect spotlight for young performers! In partnership with REACT , campers will dive into the world of acting, storytelling, and stage performance. Through fun games, improvisation, and scene work, they’ll build confidence, creativity, and teamwork. The week culminates in a live performance where campers take the stage to showcase their theatrical talents! REGISTRATION IS FULL, Waitlist Available WEEK 2 | JUNE 15-18 | CHORAL WEEK 🎶✨ Choral Week is the perfect opportunity for young singers to find their voice! In partnership with The Performing Arts Conservatory (TPAC) , campers will explore vocal technique, harmony, rhythm, and musical expression through engaging group activities and rehearsals. Along the way, they’ll build confidence, musicality, and teamwork while learning how voices come together as one. The week culminates in a live performance where campers proudly share their choral talents with family and friends! WEEK 3 | JUNE 22-26 | DANCE WEEK 💃✨ Dance Week is all about movement, rhythm, and expression! Led by the talented instructors of Kenyettá Dance Compan y, campers will explore various dance styles while building confidence, coordination, and creativity. Through fun choreography and high-energy movement, they’ll develop performance skills and a deeper appreciation for the art of dance. The week concludes with an exciting live showcase, where campers take the stage to show off their moves! WEEK 4 | JULY 6-10 | MUSIC WEEK 🥁🎶 Music Week is a rhythmic adventure around the world! Led by Adam Riviere , campers will explore world drumming and percussion, learning beats and rhythms from diverse cultures. Through hands-on experience with various percussion instruments, they’ll develop musicality, coordination, and teamwork. The week wraps up with an energetic live performance, where campers showcase their newfound drumming skills! To register for Summer Art Camp as a paid camper, please complete the registration form. If you are applying for a scholarship, please complete only the scholarship application form. REGISTRATION FORM SCHOLARSHIP FORM