Fishers Arts Council expands

Two new Board members, Build BW & Ball State Galleries

Fishers Arts Council (FAC) has made major expansions in 2026, including welcoming two new board members: Fabi Gonzalez and Esperanza Alonzo.

Fabi Gonzalez is a business owner, architect, and female concrete contractor with more than 15 years of experience in both commercial and residential construction. Raised in a family of artists and married to a cartoonist, she has been immersed in creativity her entire life, fostering a deep appreciation for the arts and their power to build vibrant communities.

Gonzalez combines design expertise, skilled craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship in her work, while serving on the Fishers Arts Council, where she passionately supports local artists, promotes creative initiatives, and strengthens the connection between art, culture, and community.

Esperanza Alonzo, a native of Mexico from a creative family of 10, has called Indiana home for more than 20 years. She first settled in Fishers before becoming a longtime Indianapolis resident. A dual-trained attorney, she earned her law degree from the University of Guadalajara and later graduated from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. She maintains an active practice in family law, criminal defense, and workers’ compensation.

Deeply committed to her community, Alonzo is the founder of the Hispanic Cultural Hub, where she organizes monthly cultural events. In addition to her legal and advocacy work, she is a talented artist known for her distinctive sequin artwork and original jewelry designs.

The addition of these new board members puts FAC in a strong position to continue its work supporting and promoting visual and performing arts in Fishers.

Executive Officers were also elected at the January annual meeting: Chris Hayes as President, Erica Foreman as Vice President, Amanda Wilhite as Treasurer, and Ross Hilleary as Secretary. Returning board members are Susan Dickey, Greg Dierfeldt, Tyna Green Seall, Olivia Harris, Molly Hammer, and Latrica Schooley. Pat Grabill was named as Board Emeritus. Les Reinhardt will continue to serve as Executive Director for 2026.

Build BW Gallery

Also in January, Build BW formed a partnership with FAC to create the Build BW Gallery in the first floor lobby of the their Fishers location at 11 Municipal Drive. The intimate gallery space is open seven days a week and currently features FAC Artist Member Casey Williams of McCordsville.

“Missy Lowstetter of Build BW reached out to us in 2025 about the possibilities of art inside their building,” Reinhardt said. “It came at a perfect time as our long-time partners at the Hamilton County Community Foundation were selling their building which meant our FAC Hub Gallery needed a new home. Having an accessible space is important to us, not only for artists, but also for the public. Being able to come after work or on the weekends to see an art gallery isn’t always an option, but the Build BW Gallery makes that possible.”

Ball State Gallery – Fishers

Ball State Fishers Center is the newest gallery space for FAC, aptly named the Ball State Gallery-Fishers, which opens this month. Located at 8626 E. 116th St., Suite 300, and accessible from the Switch Patio by taking the elevator to the third floor, the first exhibit will be an artist and community favorite: Summer Shine.

“This exhibit always brings out the best florals, bright colors, and joy – and a number of artists new to FAC want to be involved because of the excitement around Ball State Fishers Center being a new space for art,” Reinhardt said. “Thanks to Aili McGill, Executive Director of Noblesville Creates, for connecting FAC with Chrissy Wawro of the Ball State Fishers Center. Chrissy wanted to get the Center connected with arts in Fishers, and Aili pointed her in our direction. Chrissy, Amie Drudge, and the whole Ball State Fishers Center team are an incredible group passionate about education, arts, and community. We are installing the exhibit this weekend in preparation for the Gallery Hop – I can’t wait to hear what the team thinks when they walk in on Monday morning!”

Gallery Hop

The third Second Friday Gallery Hop is coming up on Friday, Aug. 14, with seven of the Nickel Plate District Galleries participating for a portion of the 5 to 9 p.m. event window. Details regarding gallery locations, exhibits, musicians, and hours can be found online at FishersArtsCouncil.org/galleryhop. Four Day Ray in Fishers is the hop sponsor, offering a free dessert with dinner purchase if you complete the hop and dine in between Aug. 14 to 16. Gallery Hop cards are available on the arts council website or at any of the participating gallery locations.

If you are interested in learning more about Fishers Arts Council and how to get involved, meet their team at the Build BW Gallery, Ball State Gallery-Fishers, or the Art Gallery at City Hall on Aug. 14.  You can also sign up to volunteer with them at FishersArtsCouncil.org/volunteer.

About Fishers Arts Council
Fishers Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to support, advocate, and cultivate visual and performing arts opportunities that educate and/or enhance the lives of those who live, work, and visit Fishers. Visit the gallery space inside Fishers Municipal Center at 1 Municipal Drive, Fishers. FAC also maintains the Build BW Gallery at 11 Municipal Drive and the Ball State Gallery-Fishers at 8626 E. 116th St., Suite 300. Check out FishersArtsCouncil.org or call or text (317) 537-1670 for more information.