Drink Culture: Indy Urban Hardwood (Copy)

“If you have eaten charcuterie at Bluebeard or watched a show at the Hi-Fi, you have encountered Brian Presnell's creative solution for the midwestern ash tree epidemic. Indy Urban Hardwood is turning the infected trees from inside the 465 Loop into furniture and art pieces featured in places like King Dough, Sun King Brewery, Ukiyo, The Garden Table, IMA, and more. Presnell grew up with teachers and mentors who recognized his artistic abilities and encouraged him to pursue them, which led him to the Herron School of Art and Design. After graduation, he worked for Design Industries creating displays for shopping mall stores. Anxious about getting a chisel back in his hand, Presnell moved to the IMA's Design Department. When the IMA cut down trees for a parking lot, he recognized that Indianapolis did not have an urban wood business. Now, Presnell's goal is to make urban wood one of the first choices for materials in Indianapolis. Tune in to learn about what happens to excess wood in Indianapolis, about Presenell's creative process, and what happens when a booger ends up on a Rothko painting.

Drink deep of the culture that surrounds you this week with Brian Presnell from Indy Urban Hardwood.”