Katie Norman is an emerging Indianapolis artist, community activist, mover and shaker. She graduated from Ball State University in 2016 with a B.F.A in Drawing and a B.A. in Art History. Currently she spends her days as the Arts Program and Marketing Specialist for the Indianapolis Airport Authority, and her evenings making art and organizing exhibitions in Indy. Katie joined the Indianapolis Cultural Trail Young Professionals Board in 2019 where she serves as Chair of the Arts and Culture committee.
The 1828 Leadership Project, presented by Citizens Energy Group, is a civic leadership tract for Indy’s young leaders with the goal of fostering intentional relationships with a cross sector of Indianapolis’ thought leaders and decision makers. Katie is a part of 1828’s Class X– learn more about her below!
How do you spend your days? For example, you can tell us about your career, side hustle or exercise routine whatever you want to share here we’re ready to listen.
I spend my days drinking good coffee and working as the Arts Program and Marketing Specialist for the Indianapolis International Airport. My evenings are spent making art, practicing yoga, daydreaming about travel, attempting to learn French, and organizing community art opportunities and exhibitions. A good portion of my week is now spent on long walks with my COVID puppy, Cosmo.
I dedicate several hours a week as a Young Professional Board Member for the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, where I am Secretary for the Exec Board and Chair of the Arts and Culture initiative group.
You’re off the clock, there are no expectations. What are you doing?
Off the clock I spend a lot of time making art, whether that’s collage, video art, drawing, or macrame! Lately I’ve been working on my pottery game at Ruckus Makerspace.
When thinking about the future of Indianapolis, what are you most looking forward to in the next 5 years and why?
I am looking forward to seeing Indy continue to grow and invest in it’s arts and culture scene. I am particularly excited about the expansion of the Cultural Trail which will provide additional space for further developing the public art in Indy. These opportunities are essential for Indy to build a strong creative class.
Are there any local causes that you support? What are they and how might others learn more or get involved?
I support the Indianapolis Cultural Trail by serving on the YP Board. We are currently looking for new Board and committee members. You can find out more about the YP Board here: https://indyculturaltrail.org/ypb/
Do you have a favorite local place in town (restaurant, bar, park, etc.) that you love going to? Where is it and why should other people try it out?
I love taking my dog, Cosmo, to Marott Park in Broad Ripple. It’s a hidden gem of a park with easy walking trails and access to a beautiful creek.
Indianapolis is a sprawling county, what’s your favorite part about our city?
My favorite part about Indy is that the more I explore the city and learn about it’s history, the more I find to love about the place I live. I’ve lived in Woodruff Place, SoBro, and downtown and each location has given me a completely different view of the city. I have found some of my favorite spots in Indy by complete accident!
If you were a superhero what would be your special trait?
If I was a superhero I would be able to teleport myself anywhere in the world. Who wouldn’t want to spend a morning on the beach before going in to work?
You’re hosting your own music festival with three artists – Who’s performing?
Billie Eillish, Solange, Janelle Monáe
If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Billy Idol – Dancing with Myself. It reminds me of good times like dancing in the kitchen with my dad when I was a kid.
Mornings or evenings?
Evenings. I am my best self between 5 – 10 p.m.!
How do you define success?
I define success as living my truth and having a positive impact on the people around me.
What would you name the autobiography of your life? Feel free to give us context here.
I would title my autobiography: Grit. I think grit is a weird and interesting word. It is the ability to persist in something you feel passionate about. It’s the perfect descriptor for most artists. At my college graduation one of our teachers gave us a speech about grit means and I still think about it a lot!
