One of our favorite parts about exploring Indiana isn’t just discovering amazing places—it’s meeting the talented people behind them. From artists and makers to musicians and entrepreneurs, Indiana is full of creative individuals helping shape the communities we love.
That’s why we’re excited to launch Creators We Like, a new series where we introduce you to some of the incredible creatives making an impact across the state.
Our first featured creator is Savannah Jacob, better known through her business, Sav J. Art, an Indianapolis ceramic artist whose colorful, functional pottery celebrates everyday joy while remaining deeply connected to nature and community.
From Southern Indiana to a Full-Time Ceramic Artist
Savannah grew up in Southern Indiana before moving to Indianapolis in 2017 to attend Herron School of Art & Design, where she studied Drawing, Illustration, and Art History.
It wasn’t until her senior year that she discovered ceramics—a moment that completely changed her creative path.
After graduating, she spent several years refining her craft before taking the leap to become a full-time ceramic artist in 2021.
Looking back, it’s easy to see that discovering clay wasn’t simply another artistic medium—it became the foundation for an entirely new career.
Functional Ceramics That Bring Joy to Everyday Life
When describing her work, Savannah keeps it beautifully simple:
“Functional ceramics with vibrant surface design intended to spark joy in the mundane.”
That philosophy shines through every piece she creates.
Rather than making artwork that simply sits on a shelf, her pottery is designed to become part of everyday routines. Whether it’s your morning coffee mug or your favorite serving bowl, each piece transforms ordinary moments into something a little more colorful and meaningful.
Her work blends functionality with playful patterns, creating ceramics that feel both artistic and approachable.
Finding Inspiration in Nature and Home
Nature has always been at the heart of Savannah’s creative process.
Growing up surrounded by the landscapes of Southern Indiana continues to influence the colors, shapes, and themes found throughout her work today.
Flowers, in particular, have become recurring symbols in her ceramics.
She often incorporates irises—the neighborhood flower where she lives—as well as Indiana’s state flower, the peony. For Savannah, these floral motifs represent more than beauty; they symbolize a sense of place, belonging, and connection to the communities she calls home.
Building Community Through Art
While Savannah has built a successful career creating ceramics, one lesson has shaped her journey more than any other:
Showing up consistently matters.
For years, local art shows helped her grow both financially and personally. Those repeated appearances allowed relationships to develop naturally with customers, fellow artists, and neighbors.
That same spirit of community led to several exciting milestones.
In 2025, she received an Indy Arts Council grant to create the Neighbors Gallery, an outdoor exhibition space along the New Jersey Street Esplanade in Bates-Hendricks. Working alongside designer Paul Williams, she helped build a gallery that now features rotating exhibitions from artists throughout the Bates-Hendricks and Fountain Square neighborhoods.
This year, Savannah also co-founded Hepatica Pottery Collective, alongside fellow ceramic artists Jenni Castoe, Krystal Coronado-Hoffman, and Aspen Grieshaber.
Located inside the newly opened CAMi (Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis) in Garfield Park, Hepatica has quickly become more than just a pottery shop—it’s growing into a welcoming creative space that supports local artists while connecting visitors with handmade work created right here in Indiana.
What’s Next?
As summer continues, Savannah is balancing two major projects.
She’s helping grow Hepatica Pottery Collective into a destination for Indianapolis’ creative community while also preparing for one of her busiest seasons of the year.
That means spending countless hours creating her popular ceramic jack-o’-lanterns ahead of fall art festivals across Indiana.
If you’re hoping to see her work in person, you’ll have several opportunities over the coming months.
Upcoming Events
- Feast of Lanterns — August 22 | Spades Park
- 4th Street Festival — September 4–5 | Bloomington
- Penrod Arts Fair — September 12 | Newfields
- Bates-Hendricks Street Fest — September 12 | Bates-Hendricks
- Art Square — September 19 | Fountain Square
- Garfield Park Art Fest — September 26 | Garfield Park
Why Indiana Matters
One of Savannah’s answers stood out to us more than anything else.
She shared that she and her partner nearly moved to Portland, Oregon, but ultimately stayed because of what Indianapolis’ creative community means to them.
She describes Indiana’s art scene as welcoming, supportive, and refreshingly free of pretension—a place where artists genuinely celebrate each other’s success and where creative careers can thrive.
Perhaps most importantly, she says that almost every local event feels like an opportunity to reconnect with friends who are doing meaningful work throughout the community.
That feeling of belonging is something money can’t buy.
Where to Find Sav J. Art
Website: www.savjart.com
Instagram: @savijjacob
If there’s one word Savannah hopes people experience through her work, it’s simple:
Joy.
After learning more about her story, it’s easy to understand why.
Through every mug, bowl, vase, and sculpture she creates, she’s not only making beautiful ceramics—she’s helping strengthen the creative community that makes Indianapolis such a special place to call home.
Creators We Like is an ongoing WE LIKE INDY series highlighting the artists, makers, musicians, and creative entrepreneurs shaping Indiana’s vibrant creative community. Stay tuned as we continue sharing the stories behind the people making our state a more inspiring place to live, work, and create.
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