The City of Fishers is proud to recognize Laura Villanyi, a long-time Fishers resident and artist, as this year’s City of Fishers Apparel Design contest winner. The Apparel Design contest took place in late 2021, where residents were invited to submit their designs to be included on apparel sold in the City’s online store. This was the second year for the contest.
Laura moved to Fishers from Indianapolis in 1978, where she has resided ever since. “At the time, I felt like a pioneer of Fishers,” she said. Laura is a Hamilton Southeastern High School graduate, and during her time as a Royal, she had a terrific art teacher who helped propel her into her current career as an artist. “He really encouraged me as an artist,” she said.
After graduating from HSE, she went on to Purdue University where she earned a bachelor’s in art history with a minor in graphic arts. Laura’s talents have carried her into many different artistic jobs throughout her ongoing career. “I have been an illustrator, photographer, a ceramicist, flame worker, and a calligrapher,” she explained.
For 15 years, Laura worked selling glass beads, which she handmade and turned into jewelry. However, now she is focused on calligraphy and illustrations. Her background in calligraphy is what helped inspire her to create her design for the Apparel Contest.
Along with her projects, she also serves as the president of the Fishers Art Council. It is through her role that she discovered this contest. “I was in City Hall and I happened to see a post card sitting out about this t-shirt contest, and so I thought ‘Oh wow, I can do that’!”
Along with her design being featured on apparel, Laura also won a $250, which she plans to pour right back into her art by purchasing art supplies for her upcoming endeavors.
As of now, she is developing an intricate alphabet coloring book that she hopes to publish in the future, as well as other similar projects.
Check out the City of Fishers Apparel Store to purchase Laura’s design on a t-shirt as well as other unique Fishers swag.
NEIGHBORHOOD: East Fishers
FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT: Sunrise Cafe
FAVORITE FISHERS PARK: Heritage Park
FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A SATURDAY: Biking
Laura Masoni is a previous Public Relations Intern for the City of Fishers. She moved to Fishers from Greenwood in 2010. Her favorite activities include traveling, rowing at Eagle Creek, and going to concerts in Downtown Indy. In her free time, she loves to hang out with her friends and listen to podcasts & music.