Meet the Maker: Andie Arana Gomez

• After becoming a Hoosier, Arana Gomez embarked on a journey of artistic discovery at Ball State where they studied studio art and French with a concentration in drawing, painting and printmaking processes.
• Their senior thesis show, "Try Reaping the Corn from My Body," explored themes of cultural heritage, immigration and assimilation through a re-imagination of the Mayan creation myth.

​Zoom in: Arana Gomez graduated from Indy's Latino Artist Mentorship Program in December, and has had their work featured throughout the city at spots like Newfields, Eiteljorg Museum, the Indianapolis Liberation Center and Gallery 924.

Between the lines: Supporting young artists is a big part of Arana Gomez's work.

• They explain that creators of color don't often get to learn from mentors who look like them and programs specifically designed to fill that gap can be game-changers.

What they're saying: "I know for me it would have made a world of difference to be able to have an art teacher or mentor that had an insight of my particular struggles and identity and just (my) overall experience," they said.

• "Even if they don't end up becoming artists, you still give them the chance to learn about themselves and the creative process in ways that they could continue to use outside of art."

What's next: Arana Gomez will host a coffee conversation for Eiteljorg members on July 29 to discuss their work as curatorial advisor for the Latino-American print exhibition Consejo Grafico Nacional on display at the museum through May 29.

Check them out: On their website or Instagram.