James Kuester to Speak at The Art Institute of Indianapolis

(INDIANAPOLIS, IN. 2 October 2008) –James Kuester, principal of küster will be speaking to students at The Art Institute of Indianapolis on Thursday, 9 October 2008 as part of their “Pizza with the Pro” series.  The series is aimed at providing Interior Design students at The Art Institute an opportunity to hear first hand about the different directions their degree can take them in their career.  “We like to bring in professionals that are able to open our students’ minds,” says Nicole Stultz, Career Services Advisor for The Art Institute of Indianapolis.  “We order pizza for the students and they get to listen to [a professional’s] presentation,” adds Stultz.

Küster Helps The TechStop Create Interior Branding Message

(INDIANAPOLIS, IN. 9 June 2008) – When The TechStop owner, Steve Zuhlke approached James Kuester, principal of küster about creating an interior branding message for his new venture, the instructions were clear, “Help reinforce our technical image, while creating an approachable and defined identity independent of our partners with whom we share space.”  Each location of The TechStop rests inside a retail location which occupies the front portion of the store.

In the case of the northeast location at 116^th and Olio Road, the partnering business is a Sprint store.  Zuhlke’s instructions were also clear that the new interior branding for this location would be the standard for all future locations.

Pulling the red, white, and black from The TechStop’s existing logo, küster reinforced this color pallet throughout new signage and menu boards.  In order to enhance the company’s motto of, “Stop in… Drop off… Relax!,” küster created an interior reminiscent of a walk up ice cream store, with window awnings and menu boards.  “What is more relaxing that taking a break for an ice cream cone on a hot summer’s day?” asks Kuester.   However, to remind customers that this is a tech company and not ice cream, all of the awnings and menu boards are designed using brushed aluminum.  There is even a matching magnet board for posting community events that customers can peruse while their PC’s are being serviced if it is a quick fix rather than something requiring a drop off.

Morgan Smith Introduces Photography to June’s “Meet the Artist” Party at Hot Shotz

(INDIANAPOLIS, IN. 2 June 2008) – June’s “Meet the Artist” Open House introduces a new art form with the photography of Morgan Ryder Smith.  Morgan has traveled the world and taken breathtaking, compelling shots of places and people he has seen along the way.  “I try to capture empathy and humanity in all my portraits,” says Smith.

Having built his own dark room as a teen, Smith develops all of his own work.  His style—much like his interests—is varied and ranges from minimalistic noir to dramatic, geometric complications.

“The ‘Meet the Artist’ Open House is an energy filled party for all ages,” says Kuester.  “Each month we have great live music, free wine and beer tasting from Hot Shotz’s vast selection of fine wines and craft-brewed beers, and something wonderful to munch on from the appetizer menu.  Additionally, everyone gets to meet the month’s featured artist along with some of Indy’s greatest people that are into the local art and music scene,” says Kuester. 

June’s “Meet the Artist” will be held on Thursday, 26 June from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Hot Shotz Gastropub is located at 4705 E. 96^th Street, Indianapolis. 

Meet Katrina Murray at Hot Shotz as May’s “Meet the Artist”

(INDIANAPOLIS, IN. 5 May 2008) – Katrina Murray brings her emotionally charged paintings to Hot Shotz, a Gastropub for May’s “Meet the Artist”.  “My work and life took a dramatic turn when I lost my son, Robert W. Murray Jr., on April 28, 2005 when a roadside bomb detonated, killing him,” says Murray.  “My paintings and writings are small releases. My body contains the liquid like pain. While I paint, I pour that liquid and scoop it out, a tablespoon, an ounce at a time.” 

Brian Graham, of Hot Shotz Gastropub together with James Kuester, principal of küster bring together lovers of art, music, craft beers, and fine wines for a fun party the fourth Thursday of each month. 

Katrina will be displaying her abstract work she has painted since the death of her son.  “I’m thankful for that miniscule relief from the pressure of my grief,” says Murray.

The May “Meet the Artist” will be held on Thursday, 22 May from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Hot Shotz Gastropub is located at 4705 E. 96^th Street, Indianapolis. 

The “Meet the Artist” Open Houses continues on the fourth Thursday of each month.

ABOUT KATRINA MURRAY:  I’ve been an artist all my life. It’s like breathing—inseparable from me. I explore ways to make my creative and emotional energy tangible. Ink on paper and latex paint on wood or canvas are my materials of choice right now. My paintings can range from the photographic representation to the abstract. The message I try to convey dictates the style and material.

I am influenced by the simplicity of line the artist Matisse uses and the color and stillness of a Hopper painting. I grew up with the influences of the artist community of Nashville in Brown County, Indiana. But my work is a great departure from that genre. I lead a simple life and make a living as a freelance graphic designer and artist.

Welcome Internationally Acclaimed Laura Elgey to April’s “Meet the Artist” at Hot Shotz, a Gastropub

(INDIANAPOLIS, IN. 7 April 2008) – Internationally acclaimed artist Laura Elgey will be the featured artist at April’s “Meet the Artist” soiree at Hot Shotz, a Gastropub.  Brian Graham, of Hot Shotz Gastropub together with James Kuester, principal of küster bring together lovers of art, music, craft beers, and fine wines for a fun party the fourth Thursday of each month.  ”We are thrilled to have an artist with Laura’s reputation as a part of our monthly soiree,” says Kuester.

For April’s show Elgey will be displaying some of her photopaintings where she enhances photos turned into giclées with acrylic to add depth and texture.

The April “Meet the Artist” will be held on Thursday, 24 April from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Hot Shotz Gastropub is located at 4705 E. 96^th Street, Indianapolis. 

The “Meet the Artist” Open Houses continues on the fourth Thursday of each month.

ABOUT LAURA ELGEY:  Laura Elgey is an internationally acclaimed artist, originally from England. Although Laura started painting at a very early age, it wasn’t until she moved to the U.S. in the late 80’s that she had the opportunity to launch her passion for painting full-time.

Laura’s painting started with gentle watercolors heavily influenced from living in England. She has resided in New York City creating intense colorful city scenes.  Living in Bermuda inspired her to paint fun brighter whimsical paintings from the pink beaches, boats bobbing on the ocean and lush tropical flowers.  She is also influenced by the painters Dufy, Matisse and Gaugin with their vibrant use of color.

Jeffery Perry Jones’ Cottage Home Series Débuts at March’s “Meet the Artist” Open House

(INDIANAPOLIS, IN. 10 March 2008) – March’s Open House features the work of Jeffery Perry Jones.  Jones is presenting for the first time, a series of images from his neighborhood in the Cottage Home District of Indianapolis.  These acrylic paintings emphasize a simplification of form and a new development of bold color depth and texture. 

The “Meet the Artist” Open Houses continues on the fourth Thursday of each month.

The Open House will be held on Thursday, 27 March from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Hot Shotz Gastropub is located at 4705 E. 96^th Street, Indianapolis. 

ABOUT JEFFERY PERRY JONES:  Jeffery Perry Jones of Indianapolis is the recipient of numerous awards from juried shows and the T.C. Steele Award at the Annual Great Outdoor Art contest, sponsored by the T.C. Steele Foundation.  In 1999 and again in 2002 his paintings were hung in one-man exhibits at the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce.  His work has been featured in downtown Indianapolis art galleries and is part of many private collections. 

Jones studied acrylics with the German artist, Vera Gilbert.  His work included various types of composition and subjects including still life, portrait and landscapes.   Then, following his growing fascination with watercolors, he studied with Anita Buehning and at the Art League of Indianapolis, with JoAnn Cardwell.  It was Cardwell’s, emphasis on the power of negative spaces in a composition that Jones utilizes to add that distinctive depth to his works.

Coca-Cola Bottling Plant Gets New Look Thanks to Küster and Decorating Details

(INDIANAPOLIS, IN. 25 February 2008) – James Kuester, Principal of küster teamed with Debbie Anderson of Decorating Details to introduce new life into the Coca-Cola bottling plant, 5000 W. 25^th Street, Indianapolis, with an updating of the lobby, conference room, hallways, and restrooms.  Building upon the gold from the caffeine free drinks, the silver of Diet Coke, the black from Coke Zero, Full Throttle, and Rock Star energy drinks, and of course, red from Coca-Cola Classic, a new color palate was devised that would reflect both the rich heritage of the company as well as reflect the new products and energy of the 21^st century.  Additionally, the signature bottle shape and classic wave are seen throughout the new design. 

The project began in the spring of 2007 with a request to update the second floor sales conference room and hallway.  Shortly after presenting a design proposal, however, the focus was redirected to the lobby.  The plant had just received new lobby furniture from a sister plant in Boston, MA, and it was decided that a new look was in order to accompany the new furniture.  “The tables that came from Boston had this wonderful mocha marble in-laid tops,” said Kuester.  “I was able to find marble that matched, so we used this as accents in the new floor and built a new wall behind the receptionist using this material.  Adding the classic, script Coca-Cola in stainless steel on this mocha wall really makes the reception desk come alive!”

The greatest challenge on this project came on 1 February 2008 when Küster received a call asking for assistance in remodeling the first floor restrooms.  While other areas of the plant had been in discussion for renovations, these rooms had not been part of the list.  The plant had received a call from the CEO John Brock announcing a visit on 14 February 2008, and management decided that the restrooms needed a face-lift prior to his visit.  So, in twelve days the men and women’s restrooms were transformed.  Gone were the tired fixtures, poor lighting, and cinder block walls and in their place was a warm and pleasant space utilizing textured wallpaper, epoxy flooring, and solid-surface countertops.

February’s “Meet the Artist” Introduces Janice Smith

February’s Open House features the work of Janice Smith.  "Through color and facial expression, or the simplicity of black and white, I create pieces that express the many moods of what it means to be human.  As we express ourselves through what we surround ourselves with, an original art piece can be another way others can connect with us. The face tells the story," says Smith.

The “Meet the Artist” Open Houses continues on the fourth Thursday of each month.

 The Open House will be held on Thursday, 28 February from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Hot Shotz Gastropub is located at 4705 E. 96^th Street, Indianapolis. 

Monthly “Meet the Artist” Open House Kicks Off!

(INDIANAPOLIS, IN. 14 January 2008) – Brian Graham, owner of Hot Shotz Gastropub together with James Kuester, principal of küster are pleased to announce the launch of their monthly “Meet the Artist” Open House.  Starting on Thursday, 24 January 2008 the Open House will showcase the work of a different local artist each month by converting the gastropub into a gallery for the evening.    “Our goal is to bring together lovers of art and great work by talented local artists in a fun and relaxing setting,” says Kuester.

For the first Open House, the work of Tom Willhoite will be featured.  “In my paintings I want each work to be honest, bold and unpretentious. My modern and abstract art is a melding of expression, creativity and emotion. I strive to create art that you want to live with...something that greets you each time you walk into the room,” says Willhoite. 

The “Meet the Artist” Open Houses will continue on the fourth Thursday of each month.

The Open House will be held on Thursday, 24 January from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Hot Shotz Gastropub is located at 4705 E. 96^th Street, Indianapolis.

New Dental Office Holds Open House

(NOBLESVILLE, IN. 19 November 2007) – Drs. Mike and Sohaila Deldar will open the doors to their new dental office, Advance Cosmetic Dentistry and TMJ for an Open House on Thursday evening, 29 November.  James Kuester, Principal of Küster will be co-hosting the event with the Drs. Deldar.  Küster provided the interior design services for the new practice.

Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry and TMJ, opened for business in July at the corner of Hazel Dell Parkway and 146^th Street.  The Open House will provide friends, patients, and neighbors the opportunity to come in and see the new facilities. 

 “Mike and Sohaila wanted the new office to make patients feel like they were coming to their home rather than to a traditional dental office,” said Kuester. 

The Open House will be held on Thursday, 29 November from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  The new office is located at 14753 Hazel Dell Crossing, Suite 700 in Noblesville.

Küster Brings New Energy to Silouan Green, LLC Office

(INDIANAPOLIS, IN. 3 August 2007) – James Kuester, Principal of küster introduced new energy into the offices of Silouan Green, LLC, 47 S. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, with the re-design of their offices.  Building upon Silouan’s love of music, the new design incorporates guitars from his collection along with rock music focused art.  Additionally, the character sketches of local artist, Janice Smith, along with the vibrant colors enhance the dynamism of the music theme. 

"James has created a vibrant space that really stimulates creativity," said Matt Rouge, Senior Consultant at the firm. "It feels totally fresh but at the same time totally 'us.' In particular, the use of Silouan's guitars and art that was important to him in his office has brought to life what he does for our clients in a very accessible way."

Silouan Green, LLC is a premier web development and branding firm serving the Midwest as well as several national and multinational clients. Fashion-forward but practical in approach, SG creates marketing assets that convey a value proposition in a Clear and Focused™ way.

Küster Creates Warm and Welcoming Design for the Drs Deldar

(INDIANAPOLIS, IN. 1 August 2007) – When Drs. Mike and Sohaila Deldar decided to open a new dental office in Noblesville, they called upon James Kuester, Principal of Küster to create a space that their clients would find warm and welcoming and yet be indicative of the 21^st Century technology that they incorporate in treating their clients. 

The Waiting Room includes a fireplace, wide-screen television, and lounge-style seating to help clients feel more like visiting Mike and Sohaila’s home rather than a dentist’s office.  A separate Consultation Room provides a private space for clients to discuss their treatment options.  This room keeps a light and airy feel by allowing the natural light from the large windows to spill in through a curved glass block wall. 

Their new practice, Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry and TMJ, opened for business last month at the corner of Hazel Dell Parkway and 146^th Street.  Their practice in Castleton remains open.

Local Designer Featured in Indianapolis Woman

(INDIANAPOLIS, IN. 11 July 2007) – James Kuester, Principal of Küster, is showcased in the July issue of Indianapolis Woman magazine for his new landscape bench, “Mae.”  Author Sally Falk Nancrede’s article focuses on how to make one’s landscape and garden unique and memorable.  Her interview of James emphasizes the use of one-of-a-kind benches to add functional art to the garden and uses “Mae” as an example

"Mae" Introduced at St. Margaret’s Guild Decorators Show House

 (INDIANAPOLIS, IN. 27 April 2007) – James Kuester, Principal of Küster, introduces “Mae” his newest addition to his line of limited-edition and custom furniture at the St Margaret’s Guild Decorators Show House. The event, featuring the work of decorators and designers will be held Saturday, 28 April 2007 through Sunday, 13 May, from 11 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, closed Mondays.

James has teamed with A2 Design to create a landscape bench for their creative and unique landscape setting along the north side of the backyard pool.

“Mae” is Küster 's first foray into landscape pieces, combining hand polished aluminum with cast solid surfacing. 

Best known for its annual Decorators' Show House, St Margaret’s Guild provides funds every year to Wishard for a variety of capital improvements and program enhancements. Through the years, funds raised have benefited areas including pediatrics, the Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center at Wishard, radiology, the St. Margaret's Diagnostic Breast Center, newborn and special care nurseries, Midtown Community Mental Health Center, the Wishard Ambulance Service, and mobile mammography services. In all, the Decorators' Show House has raised more than $9 million for Wishard Health Services.

Show Extended!

Overwhelming popular response has prompted the showcase of Küster products at Brenner Design to be extended throughout the month of April.  If you haven't made it by to see "Michael", don't miss this extended opportunity to see him.

Küster Encore at Brenner Design

The unique furniture designs of Küster will once again be showcased at Brenner Design in March.

Brenner Design, an innovative architecture and interior design firm, offers their storefront window display space to all types of vendors in the design industry.  This novel concept showcases new top-quality products to their existing and potential clients and helps introduce available design resources to the public.  Each vendor is given a unique opportunity to display current pieces or collections in the heart of downtown Indianapolis.

Küster displayed works from the collection in 2003 and is happy to return to Brenner's window.  The collection can be seen throughout March at Brenner Design Incorporated, 108 East Market Street, Indianapolis.

James Joins Carmel Rainmakers Advisory Board

Küster Joins Service Magic

The York Model Now Open at The Wentworth at West Clay

The Wentworth Condominiums at The Village of West Clay wanting to attract a more youthful audience for their 2 bedroom/1 bath model, The York, hired küster to decorate their new model with a 25 year old, single, professional female in mind.  Utilizing a vibrant color scheme, The York now reflects a home that is full of energy and designed for guests and fun.  At the same time, the private space offers a restful retreat from an active lifestyle.  The Wentworth Sales Office is open 7 days a week at 12880 University Crescent, Carmel, IN.

Küster Joins FC Tucker's Home-Link

FC Tucker clients now have a new resource when seeking design assistance for their homes.  As a member of FC Tucker's Home-Link network, küster will be working with Home-Link's team of personal service coordinators to guarantee the highest level of service and customer satisfication to FC Tucker's many clients.