I've got a couple friends who regularly have exhibits in shows at The Garfield Park Arts Center,…read morehowever, since I live in Lawrence I simply don't get down this way as often. I really should. The Garfield Park Arts Center, like the park itself, falls under Indy Parks. Originally built in 1922 as the "Community House," it was designed to look like a picnic shelter with enclosed walls, high ceilings, and fireplaces at each end. In 1930, a large swimming pool was located in the area that is now the parking lot. At that time, it was primarily used as a locker room and rec center area. In 1990, the pool was removed and replaced by the Aquatic Center that is now located at the Burrello Family Center. In 2006, the "Community House" was remodeled with a $2.7 million grant. It became the Garfield Park Arts Center. The 8,000 square foot facility now houses a multi-use performing arts space, exhibition hall, visual and production arts classrooms, a recording studio, a literary arts library, and a rehearsal room. The GPAC is big enough that it typically has multiple exhibits going. For example, right now there's a modern quilting show, a solo show by Jay Hamm, and a show by Christy Harp. GPAC hosts a variety of workshops and classes including current activities like voice and piano lessons, ceramics, and quite a few visual arts options including those specifically for children. The classes are way affordable - for example, there's a $10 rock painting class for kids. As someone who has a pet rock, I'm all for rock painting. GPAC also hosts summer camps and special events. The calendar is on their website. I'm particularly enchanted by a classic movie night. They've also assisted with some of the public art in Garfield Park. The art center tends to be open limited hours - for example, 1-5pm during the week. It does participate in First Fridays. I'm a big fan of Garfield Park and I'm a big fan of having access to the arts. I find this facility to be quite accessible and even more after their 2006 renovation. It's not perfect (no building of this age is), however, it's quite good. Prices are affordable and the center itself has a nice combination of nostalgia with contemporary comforts. Especially for those with kids who may enjoy the classes, GPAC is a definite winner.

This is a great little arts center that always seems to have something going on. I went for a paint…read morepour class and found the price of $25 to be very reasonable. The class was small to, so you will receive one on one attention if needed. The gallery was also a nice experience before the class.

Fountain Square artists Mab Graves and Larry Endicott transformed an old tavern building into an…read moreawe-inspiring home and gallery, now dubbed as Fountain Square's new 'Lo Brow' gallery. Hosting fabulous exhibits featuring works by Mab herself and Indianapolis artist Justin Cooper, Monster has drawn quite the crowd on a number of 'First Friday' events, my favorites so far being Mab's Pretending to Be Human exhibit over Halloween 2013. The exterior boasts a neon MONSTER sign and a grand door to entice all passersby. Details abound the interior as well, with swoon worthly rest rooms full of character - feauting the likes of Johhny Cash, complete with black toilet paper. Beverages and sweet treats are always on hand to welcome guests and cater to children (both literally and at heart) in attendance. Make a point to stop by and take in the fabulousness that is one of the best examples of the flourishing Fountain Square art scene. Pick up some exclusive original art or perhaps a button, card or print, but you're guaranteed to leave with a smile!

Monster Gallery is the brainchild of the talented husband-wife duo, Mab Graves and Larry Endicott…read more While the majority of First Friday galleries are clustered right downtown, this beautiful brick building on the corner of English and State requires you to go off the beaten path a little. But, it is well-worth the trip. Despite the fact that fire destroyed the entire interior of the building, the exterior shell was all intact. Mab and Larry (with the help of some local friends) have restored this once decrepit tavern into a unique art showing space on the first floor and whimsical living quarters above. The gallery space is small to begin with, but it gets even tighter when the many fans of the artists come out to view their works. You can tell a place (and an artist) is popular by the line extending out of the front door and along the side walk. We didn't wait too long to get in though, so no worries there. The line from the door flows around the room clockwise and takes you past a couple walls of art and ends with a small counter for purchasing prints, gifts, trinkets, and of course any of the pieces you see on the walls. My only qualm with this layout is that the bar area is tucked in the way back and breaks up the flow of the gallery walls. You may have to squeeze past the throngs of art lovers to get to it. Monster Gallery serves beer and wine to the adult guests and there is often candy and treats for any little, aspiring artists who visit. Mab and Larry are both perfect hosts and will gladly have a chat with you about art, love, life, and the likes. There's a very large FREE parking lot just behind the building and there's always an open space.

I absolutely love City Gallery! A small space that packs a punch. Have seen some wonderful shows…read morehere and love the connection usually shown to urban neighborhoods. The staff is super friendly and there are lots of resources here as a first step for those looking to move into the urban core. It is open during the week as well, and it seems I always see students and artists working there. A great connecting neighbor to VSA and Harrison Center for the Arts.

Beth is amazing and Her art is just as great! I love the aesthetic of her studio- it's very classy,…read morebright, and welcoming. If you go during the day yiu get to see her in action as she paints beautiful portraits of flowers and local scenery. She's always happy to talk about her art and her inspirations. Everything is fairly priced and affordable- especially considering she is such a well known artist! Also, on first Fridays she always has an open house with snacks and drinks and it's personally my favorite time to go. My advice: GO CHECK HER OUT NOW!

From the owner: We feature original art by award winning Indiana Artist, Beth Clary Schwier. Beth has been featured…read moreon HGTV as a featured artist for 5 years. She currently is featured artist at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in their permanent collection, the Art of the Game. Come see for yourself, Beth’s vibrant and exciting paintings.

PSA -- FULL CIRCLE NINE IS NOT A BORING STUFFY ART GALLERY!! THIS PLACE IS AN AWESOME ART COOP RUN…read moreBY OUR TALENTED LOCAL ARTISTS!! Apologies for the caps, thought that was an important message. TLDR -- Full Circle Nine is an art coop for est. 2 dozen local artists who display their work here and also made Circle City Industrial Complex a badass art exhibit. The artists support the gallery, and all proceeds from art sales go directly to the artists. Tour the gallery and you'll fine a very diverse collection of art, including collaborations between the artists! The artists are local & best of all, most of the art is affordable. Swing by and get inspired... its also very likely that you'll bring something home, while supporting the local art community!

Communication was not easy and it was very difficult to work with. Our organization will no longer…read moreattempt to collaborate with this organization.

Tops on my list for Indianapolis galleries. This First Friday, had a post it note show, people…read morecould write post its to questions like "how would Jesus dance"? Brilliant!

If you're in Fountain Square for first Friday, chances are you've stopped in iMOCA or walked past,…read morenot realizing it was open. It's located next door to Red Lion Grog House in the Murphy Arts Building, accessible from both the front and back. I've missed many a great exhibit doing just that, specifically The White Album project, featuring artist, Ruther­ford Chang that received rave reviews and kicked myself for not going sooner. Led by Executive Director, Shauta Marsh, this non profit focuses increasing the understanding and appreciation of the significance of artistic contemporary culture in the city of Indianapolis. With Halloween just days away, I was taking a date to their feature: 'A Taste of Jean Rollin', a collection of three 1970′s European sex and horror cinema. http://www.indymoca.org/2013/10/a-taste-of-jean-rollin/. I figured I'd either scare him to death or we'd end the night reenacting scenes together. There was a small group of people in the casual seating screening room. The mood was exciting and playful as we were exposed to racy scenes of nude vampire goddessess through the use of ancient effects and technology, highlighting the skill possessed by the legendary filmmaker. Three films for a $5 suggested donation was a deal for this experience. The band playing next door at Red Lion (or was it upstairs in Joyful Noise?) was a bit distracting, but nothing some sound proof foam on the ceiling can't resolve. The Living Dead Girl, 89 minutes A toxic spill revives a beautiful, dead heiress who, with the help of her childhood friend, must quench her insatiable thirst for blood. The Iron Rose, 80 minutes A young couple out for a walk decide to take a stroll through a large cemetery. As darkness begins to fall they realize they can't find their way out, and soon their fears begin to overtake them. We made it through the first and most of the second feature before the desire to bite one another overtook us. Well played iMOCA!

I like weird shit. And in the case of iMOCA, weird shit is present. Like a hot tub filled with…read morebikini'd folk in the middle of a First Friday open gallery neighbored by a room with neon yarn and a projected 80s film. Indy has plenty of room for more weird. I'll try not to rattle on about the things that other reviews have already covered like the small size, location and fun installations that make for a great stop along the First Friday mosey in Fountain Square. Food for thought: It'd be neat to see more of iMOCA's presence spread onto the sidewalk with guerrilla style art - especially during First Fridays. Aka weird on the streets.

What an inspiration! They encourage so many local artists. My daughter and I did the tour which was…read moreFREE. It was interesting to see actual artists workshops like their "brain". Each month they rotate the various art in there MULTIPLE galleys. It also included a karaoke elevator and bouldering rock climbing wall on the roof. Loved it!

I used to attend First Friday events in Indianapolis, but I've never attend the events at the…read moreHarrison center until now. Oh boy was it an experience! 10/10! There were so many different artist on display and the energy was on point. I attended the event with my 1 year old and she even had a good time. It was kind of crowded in the hallways, so we opted to let her walk around with us instead of bringing the stroller. There are elevators that go to each floor but we found it fun to go up the stairs. Its seemed like every corner was packed with some form of art display. In the gymnasium there was chili buffet along with a live music. I wasn't expecting that, but a pleasant surprise. They were honoring a fallen artist and it was good to see the community come together. The artists were engaging and the staff was super helpful. I def will be coming back again!