Have you ever looked inside your craft box and thought to yourself, what on Earth will I ever use these for?  Maybe you have a pack of pipe cleaners or googly eyes, or maybe even a whole stack of construction paper?  Well have we got news for you - we’ve located the perfect place for you to put all of your crafting supplies to good use!

Cue the Mars Hill Arts Center!  Founded in 2015 by John and Lisa Schmitz, this nonprofit serves the Mars Hill community here in Indianapolis.  It is uniquely designed to serve as both an arts and community center, offering classes in pottery, ceramics and various craft courses, as well as providing a space for the community to come together for outreach events and cultural opportunities.  John and Lisa have worked hard to create a space where kids and families can come make things together, while talented artists have the opportunity to come in and teach different courses.  This is a place where ALL are welcome and have something to contribute!

We recently had the privilege of connecting with Lisa to learn about the INCREDIBLE impact MHAC is having on our community!

What kinds of donations are accepted?

Almost anything craft-related, such as paint + paint brushes, crayons (preferably new rather than used!), ribbon, construction paper, scissors, etc.  There’s also a Little Free Library located outside the center so children’s books are always welcome!  Additionally, Lisa constantly fills a Blessing Box (located right next to the Little Free Library!) with items for those in need in the community.  Donations are key here and range from toiletries and feminine hygiene items, to socks and small blankets.

Since space is limited, please email marshillarts@icloud.com with information on what you’d like to donate!

What are the greatest needs right now?

With the holidays around the corner, the greatest needs are old ornaments and holiday décor.  If you have decorative items that you no longer put out, MHAC would gladly take them off your hands!

What can we anticipate seeing from MHAC in the next 3 years?

We can expect to see two or three more pottery artists in the studio, with many more courses to be taught and many more community members to be impacted!

MHAC has already inspired artwork throughout the surrounding neighborhood, with one woman having a mural painted along her fence!  John and Lisa also got approval from the city to have a graffiti artist who grew up in Mars Hill paint a mural across the bridge near the center.  There are SO many amazing ways this arts center has touched the community, and we can’t wait to see the many more to come!

How can readers get involved?

Aside from in-kind donations, readers can email marshillarts@icloud.com to find out about upcoming opportunities!

You can also check out MHAC’s YouTube channel, where Lisa has posted multiple videos for crafts to do at home!

Where can we follow along?

Facebook: @marshillarts

Instagram: @marshillarts

YouTube: Mars Hill Arts Center 

It was an absolute pleasure to get to know Lisa better and her heart behind MHAC!  On top of running this nonprofit, Lisa owns her own floral business, Where Pigs Fly and Such, and her husband, John, hosts the Do Something Indy show.  The two of them are doing incredible things in the community and have a beautiful passion for serving others!

We think Vincent Van Gogh said it best, “I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.”  That’s exactly what Lisa and John are doing here in Mars Hill!

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