I’m giddy to introduce you to Jessica Green! She showed up unannounced into my inbox in late 2024, interested in collaborating on the entertaining pantry I had chosen as my space for the 2025 Decorators’ Showhouse & Gardens. We met at Starbucks and she brought my most favorite idea to the (literal) table that we were meeting at.

….”What if we put teeny tiny framed paintings in the pantry?”

And if you had an opportunity to see this space last year in person or photos, you’ll realize that these little paintings stole the show. They were unexpected, relatable and the perfect amount of fancy in a space otherwise reserved for storage. And then there was the large, commissioned piece that she created based on the mood board for the entire space that greeted guests upon entering. It was an “ooh, ahh” moment for sure.

Jessica was a delight to work with throughout the entire process and I felt so grateful that we walked out of the experience friends.

Who are you and what lights you up? Tell us your story, your mission, and what you’re building in Indy.

Making things and feeling connected to others. When telling people about my professional life, I often boil it all down to this: "I love making things and I love showing people how to make things." I was the little girl who lit up when it was 'art day' at school or when it was time for the craft station at Vacation Bible School. I've always loved the smell of walking into a craft store and immersing myself in a flood of creative possibilities! I went to college to learn to be an art teacher and I did that for seven years full time. I now teach a few days a week and also paint and sell my work at local art fairs and through the CCA Gallery in Carmel. I have a growing passion to create community among other creative, maker-obsessed individuals and am excited to see how impactful creating together in groups can be life-giving and impactful!

What values anchor the work you do?

Simplicity, Relatability, Connection, and Beauty. The subjects I feature in my work are relatable/recognizable, for instance I paint toasters (lol), fruit, flowers, Midwest landscapes, etc. There isn't a deep message or meaning to decipher. My subjects are from my regular, ordinary, and beautiful life. We're surrounded by busy, complicated, and confusing information, so the work I put out into the world I hope leans on the other side of the see-saw from that by being peaceful, simple, and joyful. I want people to look at my paintings to gain new appreciation to see beauty and joy in ordinary things.

Give us a peek into your space! Share what makes a particular space in your home or workplace feel utterly and totally "YOU."

Several years ago after the success of my first art fair, we converted our sunroom into my painting studio. The room gets great light and I love working from home. For my other crafty pursuits outside of painting, I have a basement full of art supplies and sewing machines!

Your go-to tip: What organization, mindset, or workflow trick has been a game-changer?

To be honest with you, I often work like a tornado. I think I'm trying to learn to be okay with things getting messy and crazy while I'm in the zone...to give myself grace in that, and to build habits of pulling things back in order once a project is complete. For painting, it works best if I have a game plan as to what I'm going to paint the next day and have a simple practice sketch done in advance. I hope to follow that advice for myself this year, it would serve me well!

Your Indy List: What 3 local businesses do you love, support, and want to shout from the rooftops?

Scoop Shack - Yum! Local business here on the NE side of Indy.

CCA Gallery - The longest running co-op art gallery in our state! It's been around since 1978 and I joined this co-op of 40 artists last October. It's a wonderful group of people and the gallery displays a fantastic variety of both 2D and 3D artwork. Located in the Arts and Design District in Carmel.

Arc Document Solutions - This printing place is right by my house and has been a delight to work with. Lori is amazing and has helped with so many of my printing needs.

Who are a few Indianapolis women who inspire you?

Annie Sinchai - Woodworker

Carol Eakin - Baker/Manager at The Flying Cupcake

Angie Lemon Perry - She's a neighbor who does really interesting vintage salvaging.

Heather Ward Miles - Artist

Jessica, thank you so much for showing us a peek into your space and your process. And now a moment for those teeny tiny paintings that brought so much creative spark to one of my all-time favorite projects.

We encourage you to check out our most recent Signature Series posts with Jona Wells, Kristin Patrick and Megan Mioduski here.

The Baer Minimalist helps busy families create ORGANIZED + STYLIZED spaces throughout Indianapolis. To keep up to date with all of the tips, tricks and inspiration doled out, subscribe to our newsletter, The Minimal-List, here.

Indy Women Creating Space // Meet Jessica Green