University of Indianapolis Art & Design Faculty/Staff

The art faculty at University of Indianapolis are practicing artists. Each has practical experience to share with you. All have displayed their work in noteworthy exhibitions, and all attend professional conferences and workshops to keep up with new research and technology. The full-time and part-time faculty bring expertise in a wide variety of specializations.

Full-Time Faculty/Staff

Nathaniel Foley headshot

Nathaniel Foley

Associate Professor
Art & Design

foleyn@uindy.edu

  • Expertise in sculpture
  • MFA
Background

Nathan has been curious about materials and making for the majority of his life. Through his curiosity of how things are made, he strives to be a lifelong learner. Nathan has exhibited his sculptural installation, Flight of Obscurity, regionally and nationally since 2014. He has been recognized for his work and received numerous awards for his research including receiving the best of show award, "Going Solo", from the Foundry Art Centre, being recognized for an Ohio Arts Council Artist grant, and being long listed in the international Aestetica Art Prize where the top 100 artists out of 3500 entries had their work published in their "Future Now" publication.

See Faculty Works

Research Interests

Growing up in a family of pilots, Nathan was exposed to the awe-inspiring mysteries of flight at an early age.  As an adolescent, his introduction to aviation developed into a deep respect and love for the field.  Countless hours were spent building model airplanes and talking about aircraft with his father, a certified aviation mechanic and instructor, whose passion propelled his curiosity.  Their conversations resulted in his insatiable desire to create forms with his own hands that brought his interest in aviation to light utilizing construction techniques and processes (such as riveting and sheet metal fabrication) that have been used throughout aviation history.

Nathan communicates concepts rooted in aviation history through a visual language that references both travel and warfare by hand fabricating dynamic and iconic forms of flight. These sculptures consist of cones that are integrated with spires and held together under tension, supported by utilitarian containers (crates). This fragile relationship of forms exposes the delicate balance between grace and imminent danger, similar to the fleeting ballet of courting birds or the hostility felt between foes engaged in a dogfight. Through references to aeronautical form, the sculptures communicate tension and dance in direct opposition of fundamental forces.

Education
  • MFA, Miami University, Sculpture
  • BFA, Eastern Michigan University, Ceramics
Fun Fact

Nathan lived in New Castle, IN for ten years.

Favorite thing about UIndy

The opportunity to expand the UIndy communities' knowledge of the vastness of sculpture.

Katherine Fries headshot

Katherine J. Fries

Department Chair & Associate Professor
Director, Hullabaloo Press
Art & Design

frieskj@uindy.edu

  • Expertise in 2-D painting, drawing, printmaking, and letterpress
  • MFA
Background

Katherine was raised in Lincoln, Neb., before moving to Indiana to attend the University of Indianapolis where she earned her BFA and MA. She then went on to complete her MFA at Miami University. Katherine has curated local exhibitions as well has presented research and exhibited artwork nationally and internationally. In 2016 she founded Hullabaloo Press in the Department of Art & Design where students learn a variety of printmaking and letterpress techniques. Through Hullabaloo Press students create works in pursuit of their own artistic vision as well as for clients and community partners.

See Faculty Works

Research Interests

Katherine’s artwork explores the connections between objects and people as a narrative reflective of relationships, experiences, and memory that mirror culture on a personal level. Katherine is interested in preserving these relationships through painting, printmaking and letterpress. Beyond her personal artwork Katherine actively researches and champions letterpress and letterpress education.

Education
  • MFA, Miami University 
  • MA, University of Indianapolis 
  • BFA,  University of Indianapolis
Fun fact

I am a proud UIndy alum!

Favorite thing about UIndy

The community! The faculty, staff and students working together to make amazing things happen in and outside of the classroom.

no photo available

Alex Lewis

Visiting Assistant Professor
Art & Design

lewisat@uindy.edu

  • Expertise in ceramics
  • MFA in Ceramics
Sarah Pfohl headshot

Sarah Pfohl

Associate Professor, Photography, Art Education
Art & Design

pfohls@uindy.edu

  • Expertise in photography, art education, drawing, disability studies
  • MFA
Background

​Sarah Pfohl is a dis/abled, chronically ill artist and teacher. She makes work about the value, power, and complexity of: a rural New York hill, the disabled body, and classroom teaching. Sarah’s artistic work has been exhibited and published nationally and internationally; her writing has been published in collective academic journal articles. Sarah was shortlisted for the 2019* Palm Photo Prize and was a FOTOFILMIC18 artist. Her work is part of the Midwest Photographers Project collection hosted by Museum of Contemporary Photography (Chicago).

See Faculty Works

Research interests

representation and identity, abstraction, photobooks, drawing as a way of expressing teaching and learning, disability studies

Education
  • MFA, Art Photography, Syracuse University
  • Ed.M., Arts in Education, Harvard University
  • BFA, Drawing, minor: Art History, Pratt Institute
Fun fact

I've crossed the U.S. overland by bus and train 6 times.

Favorite things about UIndy

The commitment to purpose, meaning, and quality I see from students, faculty, and staff across campus and our location in dynamic Indianapolis!

no photo available

Morgan Stamper

Art & Design Coordinator
Art & Design

stamperm@uindy.edu

James Viewegh headshot

James Viewegh

Professor & Assistant Chair
Curator, Permanent Art Collection
Art & Design

317-788-3253
jviewegh@uindy.edu

  • Expertise in drawing and painting
  • MA in Drawing
  • MFA in Painting
Background

Professional artist who exhibits regionally and nationally and has work in a variety of private, corporate and museum collections.

See Faculty Works

Research Interests

realistic figure drawing and painting techniques

Education
  • MFA, Painting, Indiana State University
  • MA, Drawing, Ball State University
  • BFA, Drawing, Ball State University
Fun Fact

Creating and making artwork is one thing I have always been interested in doing my entire life.

Favorite things about UIndy

The smaller campus where you know faculty and staff, as well as the smaller classes that allow you to get to know students.

no photo available

Emma Wingfield

Assistant Professor
Art & Design

wingfielde@uindy.edu

  • PhD
no photo available

Trevin Wyant

Assistant Professor
Art & Design

wyantt@uindy.edu

  • Expertise in illustration
  • MFA
Background

Trevin Wyant is an illustrator, educator, and nightmare maker from the foothills of Appalachia. His work offers a portal into the illusive landscape of dreams where shadows come to life and the unimaginable takes form. His work was recognized as a winner in the World Illustration Awards in 2023.

Research

Trevin's work is based on visual storytelling in the genres of horror and dark fantasy. His work extends into the fields of comics, concept art, and publications. 

Education
  • MFA, Visual Arts, Columbus College of Art & Design
  • BFA, Drawing, Shawnee State University 
Fun Fact

I have lived and taught in Tokyo, Japan.

Favorite Things About UIndy 

Smaller class sizes that lead to more personalized feedback from instructors and students.

Faculty Emeritus

Dee Schaad headshot

Dee Schaad

Professor Emeritus
Art & Design

Expertise in ceramics

Julia Taugner headshot

Julia Taugner

Professor Emeritus
Art & Design

taugner@uindy.edu

  • Expertise in visual communication design
  • MFA