Founder & Owner: Ella Ashwill

Artist-Centered & Community-Focused Creative Leader
Ella Ashwill is the founder and creative director of theERA, an artist-centered and community-focused studio supporting creatives through strategic partnerships, art curation, and talent management. Her mission is to empower artists to amplify their lived experiences and authentic voices and shape meaningful spaces that reflect their stories beyond traditional job roles.

A Journey Rooted in Diverse Experience
Originally from Indiana, Ella spent over a decade in Los Angeles, where she owned a successful dog training business and worked across event planning, estate management, and creative consulting. Her background also includes nonprofit service through AmeriCorps and over five years of experience in marketing, communications, and public affairs.

What Drives Ella’s Work Today
Since returning to Indianapolis in mid 2020, Ella has been deeply involved in the evolving Midwest arts and culture scene. She specializes in artist support through contract management, strategic partnerships, and project leadership. Recently leading art curation for the Hobbs Station development in Plainfield and serving on the Arts & Culture Committee for Rev.

Personal Passions & Connection
Outside of work, Ella enjoys cooking, gardening, traveling, creating, music, moving her body, and spending quality time with friends and family. She values exploring new spaces and connecting with new faces, bringing warmth and authenticity to all of her creative collaborations.