Maker Spotlight: Artisan Alley
Erica Sagon
Editors note: Cardinal Spirits asked local artisans to create holiday ornaments for our online gift shop, with 100% of sales going to the artists themselves. Get the know the people behind the ornaments!
First up: Bloomington maker Adam Nahas of Artisan Alley, who worked with Bloomington’s Verisimilitude Studios to create etched bamboo ornaments that double as coasters, plus a set of 4 coasters (shop them here).
Etched bamboo ornament (doubles as a coaster!) and a coaster set created by Adam Nahas of Artisan Alley, and Verisimilitude Studios.
You’re an artist yourself, and you also run a cool hub for makers called Artisan Alley. What’s Artisan Alley all about?
We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit and our mission is to bring together area artists and the local community to foster art education, art collaboration, and cooperation in support of the arts. Spanning multiple locations in Bloomington, Indiana, Artisan Alley is an art co-op that provides a wide range of work studios, co-work spaces, classes, equipment, tools, essential amenities, and volunteer opportunities for community members interested in the arts.
Your work spans 2D, including portraits and illustrations, and 3D kinetic sculpture and bronze monuments. What would surprise people about the art you create, or your process?
Some of my artworks have hidden imagery or messages, but it takes a keen eye to spot them. Also, I do a lot of lost wax casting in bronze and aluminum, and most people have no idea the number of steps in the process (nearly 20, to start at a clay sculpture and finish with a metal replica).
Metal work by Adam Nahas
Looking back at all that you've created, do you have a favorite piece?
Not really, but some that I have helped with definitely stick out.
Captain Kathryn Janeway Statue on the B-Line Trail, Bloomington IN
Emotional Tone Scale Spiral Staircase at the Scientology international Headquarters, Clearwater FL
The Red Skelton Memorial at Vincennes University
Evolving Life RNA Monument near the Meridian Street ramp to I-70, just south of the Eli Lilly, Indianapolis
Remember Them: Champions for Humanity Monument in the Henry J. Kaiser Memorial Park, in downtown Oakland California
Baggage Claim Monument at the Indianapolis Airport
Sculpture by Adam Nahas
Tell us about your skills other than being an awesome artisan.
I am left-handed, was a comedian, an opera singer, a cheerleader, and a swing dance instructor, plus I have been known to fire breathe at parties.
Where are you from? Where have you lived?
Born in Indianapolis, and moved to Bloomington from 10 and on. Lived in Clearwater, FL, San Francisco, CA, and Tokyo, Japan.
Any pets or family members that you'd like to introduce?
Wife - Felicity Erin Nahas
Daughter - Penelope Pearl Nahas
Dog - Lilly Pants Nahas
Turtle - Toka Raphael Nahas
It's happy hour. What are you drinking?
Bourbon Old Fashioned or a Whiskey Sour
What's your coffee order?
Coffee smells great, but I'll order a smoothie instead.
Favorite condiment?
Hot Sauce
Want to give a shout-out to anyone?
To the people that took a chance to teach, guide and shape me into the Person/Artist/Entrpreneur I am today-
My Teachers - Mark Parmenter, Nicole Jacquard, Charlie Savage, Piero Mussi, and Miah Michaelson.
My Parents - Mike and Cami Nahas.
Lastly: hit us with the links, Adam!
Purchase pieces from Artisan Alley members. Purchase art created by Adam Nahas. Artisan Alley memberships and donations.
Thanks, Adam! We’re excited to share your art through our holiday gift shop!