Jennifer Lynn (Complo) McNutt

Jennifer Lynn Complo McNutt— artist, inspired curator, cool Mom, wife, and friend who brought laughter and light to all that knew her; who taught dogs to be good; who loved her own with fierceness and unending loyalty; whose creativity brought so much to the world even though she never seemed to know it; passed away on August 27th 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana where she lived with her husband Richard (Rick) D. McNutt. 

She will be forever cherished by her husband, her son Abraham (Abe) Joseph Moore (who currently resides in Minneapolis, MN) and by her countless friends and colleagues. She also leaves behind four heartbroken dogs: Sophie, Moxie, Misty and Magic, and two cats Jem and Scout. She is preceded in death by her parents Richard Joseph Complo and Marilyn Jane Parsons Complo, her stepfather Robert Dorsey, and her younger brother Joseph (Joe) R. Complo.

Jennifer was born on November 8th, 1957 in Monroe Michigan. She soon moved with her family to Barnesville, Ohio where she grew up and graduated from Barnesville High School. She moved on to obtain a BFA from Indiana University Bloomington in 1985, and an MFA in painting from Tyler School of Art at Temple University in 1987. She then moved to Indianapolis, Indiana in 1988.

During her 30 years at the Eiteljorg Museum as Curator of Contemporary Art, Jennifer touched the lives of countless artists in profound ways. She was instrumental in forming and expanding the space for contemporary indigenous artists in the United States while creating one of the most important collections of contemporary Native American Fine Art in the world. Her uncompromising vision, deep understanding of the nature of artistic expression, and clear-eyed approach to history are forever imprinted on the contemporary art community both locally and across the United States and Canada.

She was also a passionate dog obedience instructor for 8 years at Pawsitive Partners in Beech Grove, Indiana, and she led her own dogs to multiple medals in regional competitive obedience competitions.

Its sad to know that her intelligence, laughter, and conversation are gone. She was a gift to all who knew her.

A Celebration of her life is planned to be held at the Eiteljorg Museum, Indianapolis, IN on October 16, 2021 from 5:30p.m.  In lieu of flowers please make donation to the Jennifer Complo McNutt fund at the Eiteljorg Museum for the acquisition of Native American contemporary fine art in her memory.

Arrangements entrusted to Grinsteiner Funeral Home.

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