Aug 27, 2026 - News
Meet the Maker: Julie Xiao
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Photos: Courtesy of Julie Xiao
Meet Julie Xiao, an Indianapolis-based visual artist who turns imagination into new worlds.
The inspo: Xiao tells Axios she has loved drawing since childhood, when comics and animation first hooked her.
- Disney and Hayao Miyazaki's films remain major influences, and some of those inspirations can be seen in the forests, trees and fantastical worlds throughout her work.
- Xiao also highlights contemporary artist James Jean as an important figure in her artistic development.
Zoom in: Xiao studied animation at Ball State University before earning a master's degree in visual art from the Herron School of Art and Design.
- Graduate school was when she began creating the large-scale scrolls that became a signature of her work, and when she began deepening her involvement in Indianapolis' arts community.
- She works primarily in ink and acrylic, including large mixed-media paper scrolls and acrylic paintings on canvas.
- Her colorful, narrative-driven work is increasingly part of Indy's public spaces, including at the Indianapolis International Airport.
What she's making now: Xiao is preparing to join the more than 1,000 artists who will share their latest creations during the 59th annual Penrod Arts Fair at Newfields on Sept. 12.
- Her goal is to "show beauty and positivity" during the show with a selection of bold pieces inspired by nature. She'll also have prints of some of her ink work available for purchase.