There is never any shortage of cutting edge work by rising art stars to get your fill of and this year of 2021 is no exception. These breakout artists are passionate about their own body of work and have the freedom to define how they will make their mark in the art world. The work of emerging artists may be quite different in the next 5-10 years, but that is what makes the emerging work dynamic, evolving, and always growing. Most of these artists are just beginning their careers and will be shaping the future of contemporary art for years to come. They are rising stars and are offering us the opportunity to be among the first to showcase their exceptional talents.  

The Garrett Museum of Art presents ten individuals for Breakout Artists 2021 who we feel are on the path to recognition and exposure in their respective fields. They are fresh, exciting talents who are taking risks in hopes of becoming the career artists of tomorrow. They are the newest, brightest stars!

Jocelyn Arbogast comes from a creative family and she has always loved art. She is currently a full time student in therapeutic massage at Ivy Tech. She was drawn to massage science because it is an art form of sorts.  She also paints and has found it takes her to a place of relaxation. Her paintings illustrate her passion for life. 

Kayla Bell graduated from IPFW in 2018 with two BFA degrees in Visual Communication; one with a concentration in Graphic Design and one in Photography. She is employed at IBA Marketing and Design. Her photography will take you to the upper peninsula of Michigan and some of nature’s astounding natural pieces of art.

Katherine Gaff is currently working towards a BFA in sculpture at Purdue University Fort Wayne. After a summer internship in Colorado, she has returned to her ceramic sculptures with more vigor. Katherine intends to continue her education into a master’s program, with the goal of becoming a university professor. Her sculptures of the female form are a highlight to be seen. 

Amanda Gargac is a hyper-realistic portrait painter born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. She is currently a senior at the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, studying 2D Studio Art and minoring in Photography. Amanda has exhibited her winning pieces at the MoMA PS1 gallery in Queens, NY, and also in the Parsons New School of Design in New York. She won the Congressional Award in 2017 and her winning painting was exhibited in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. for a year. Amanda’s goal is to obtain her MFA in painting after completion of her undergraduate degree. As you view each scar, wrinkle and pore in her portraits, you will discover the uniqueness she aims to portray in her detailed work.  

Rosalee Harvey was inspired to create record covers after buying a box of records from Neat Neat Neat in Fort Wayne. She draws them in ink and colored pencil on canvas. They tell individual stories in groups or by themselves.  

Kathy Minnich earned her degree in Graphic Design and Marketing with a minor in Fine Art. She co-owned an advertising agency for several years but now enjoys a slower pace at her home office studio for a handful of fun clients. She creates consignment art, also. Kathy enjoys hosting clay workshops for her nieces and nephews which is when her idea came about to sculpt a large tree that will be on display. Kathy teaches workshops and helps people connect with their creative side.  

Abi Mustapha is a Sierra Leonean/American, and graduate of Indiana University with a BA in political science with an emphasis in Sustainability.  She has been showing her work in the San Francisco Bay area since 2013.  She works on a large scale of 4-5 ft. tall work of graphite, charcoal, and oil paint on paper.

Michelle Pokorny is an emerging artist who specializes in flame working with borosilicate glass making delicate flowers and botanicals. She is inspired by the small details in nature. She earned her BFA from Kent State in Ohio. Her work has been shown at John Waldron Arts Center in Bloomington, IN, and at the Gallery Walk-in Limestone Cafe in Bedford, IN.

Gretchen Schreiber is an MFA candidate in metalwork, jewelry design, and digital fabrication at Northern Illinois University and is pursuing a second master’s degree in art education. She is currently pursuing a body of independent sculptures and wearables, such as the jewelry she brings to the show.

Kaylie Snodgrass graduated from IPFW in 2018 with a BFA in Visual Communication with a concentration in Photography and Graphic Design.  In 2019, she started her own company, Rough Draft Co., which specializes in graphic design for local companies such as 2Toms Brewing, Two-EE’s Winery, and Great Lakes Gear. Her photographs show her perspective on taking care of our planet.  

Breakout Artists 2021 runs from January 15, 2021 through February 7, 2021. The Opening Reception is on January 15th from 6PM – 8 PM. It is free, open to the public, and all ages are welcome.

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A Note About COVID-19:

We will have hand sanitizer available in various locations throughout the museum. We will not have snacks and drinks available during the Opening Reception. Please remember to practice social distancing to keep yourself and other guests safe and healthy while viewing the artwork on display.

A kind reminder: per Governor Holcomb’s order, face masks are required at this time to help combat the spread of COVID-19. You must wear a face mask to enter the museum and view the exhibition. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Regular Museum Hours:

Friday 5PM – 8PM
Saturday 4PM – 7PM
Sunday 1PM – 4PM

Private tours are available Monday through Thursday by appointment only. Please call 260-704-5400 to schedule yours today.