In June of 2022, I sat down on a gray couch in the middle of an office decorated in artwork, magazines, and vibrantly dressed strangers from all walks of the creative economy. Those strangers have since become family, and the once unfamiliar city became home.
The term “pattern” can mean many things depending on who you speak to. Coming from a career in the fashion industry, I first think of the definition for patterns in a cutting room; “something designed or used as a model for making things” according to Miriam Webster. In Indianapolis, when you refer to PATTERN, its identity as a noun transcends more than just a thing. PATTERN is a place and PATTERN is a people. For almost a year, I have had the luxury of indulging in the many faces of PATTERN, her programs, her parties, and her partners.
As I reflect on my Development Fellowship at PATTERN, I find myself reminiscing on the inviting character of a nonprofit who nurtured my integration into the City of Indianapolis. She opened doors for me; introduced me to lifelong friendships, broadened my professional network, and provided countless opportunities for me to serve the community while showing up as myself.
To honor my time with PATTERN, I’ve prepared a diary of projects, experiences, and sweet moments that showcase all her glory:
August ’22
Butter Art Fair and Melt by GangGang Culture
September ‘22
A Visit to Sew Valley in Cincy
October ‘22
Publishing My First Print Article:
Blockchain Or It Didn’t Happen
Vol. 22 is Available Here for $20.00
Afro Ball Indy Fashion Show hosted by the Indy Black Professionals
November ‘22
StitchWorks Program Development
December ‘22
First Friday with Creative Mornings at The Kan-Kan Cinema
January ‘23
Life After PATTERN Dinner Party with Current & Past Fellows
Left to Right: Alexa, Me, Lynsey, Cece, Carrie, Cory, Katie
Oyster Shucking Class at Strange Bird
February ‘23
Planning SustainabilityWorks at Stitchworks with Production Lead, Daniele (Left) and Sara (Middle) from Lux & Ivy
SustainabilityWorks: Materials 101 Panel at StitchWorks
Left to Right: UaZit and WaZeil of Stalph & Wazuaz, Sara of Lux & Ivy, Christian of Howl & Hide, Me
March ‘23
IndyNow Segment with Sara for SustainabilityWorks (Link to IndyNow on March 7th)
IndyChamber Women in Business Retreat Shadowing Casey
SustainabilityWorks: Sustainability in Retail Panel at Vision Loft Stutz
April ’23: PATTERN Volume 23 Launch Party
As you may already know, PATTERN publishes its print magazine twice a year. My latest memory was celebrating The Food Issue launch this past weekend.
If you have made it this far, thank you for allowing me to share my journey with you. Much like the cutting room version, I have come to define PATTERN as something designed for making things, modeling a future for creative professionals in Indy. She is the crossroads for creativity in the heart of Circle City. Because of her, I am a more whole member of the community, and look forward to carrying her mission down whatever roads I travel.
