Medium: Abstract Painting

The elfin blonde pounding nails in the wall at Gallery 116 is Tracy Gritter. She greets customers with a friendly “hey sissy” and a genuine giggle.

Tracy co-owns the funky shop in downtown Fishers that sells handmade gifts and home decor. Although she’s not afraid to wield a hammer, sander or drill–most days Tracy prefers a paint brush.

“I love working on big canvases with acrylic paint. A few years ago, I got into metallic paints & spray reactors. Now I can add rust and verdigris effects to my work.”

An abstract painter, Tracy often pairs her brush strokes with collage, plaster and stamping techniques. Bold stripes, fluer de lis and paisley motifs are predominant. She also creates ‘functional art boards’ by transforming wood panels into personalized art pieces. “Functional art boards look great in family rooms. I often customize them for clients and use colors to match their decor. People add their own family photos. It’s fun and functional art!”

A native of Wabash Indiana, Tracy studied art at Indiana University and sold cosmetics and fragrances before opening Gallery 116 in 2002. A busy mother to daughter Anna, wife, business woman and artist, Tracy appreciates her family’s support. In addition to painting, Tracy is a home decor consultant and jewelry designer. Tracy’s artwork can be found in many central Indiana homes and can be purchased at Gallery 116, 8597 E. 116th Street, Fishers, Indiana.

“I love to create and express myself through art. It’s great to do what you love. Luckily my husband, Dave, likes to cook!”