After my latest visit to the Indianapolis Art Center, I decided it was time for me to finally review this hidden gem of Indianapolis.
The Indianapolis Arts Center started in 1934 as a Works Progress Administration program. It now offers hundreds of instructional programs, over 50 exhibits across six galleries, and outreach to underserved communities. Of course, it also serves up the OneAmerica Broad Ripple Art Fair.
It's a non-profit organization - meaning that it's largely donation driven. Indianapolis Art Center moved into its current Broad Ripple location on the banks of White River in 1976. In 2005, Indianapolis architect Michael Graves designed ARTSPARK, the Indianapolis Art Center's 9.5 acre art meets nature "exhibit" that is interactive and extraordinary.
Indianapolis Art Center is one of those places where you don't quite realize all it offers until you actually go there. As your browsing the grounds, you can't help but be a bit in awe of everything it has to offer.
I visited yesterday to check out their new coffee shop, The Library, that serves up coffees/teas and pastries and allows you to linger in the Ruth Lilly Library. While much of what's going on with the Art Center these days is virtual due to the pandemic, there are still activities and still exhibits. Masks are required, social distancing is expected, and floors have been clearly marked. In essence, there's a "route" through exhibits to reduce any possibility of congestion.
While I was there, I checked out the exhibits and loved checking out works by adults and children. The Art Center offers a wide variety of classes including clay, drawing, fibers, glass, jewelry/metals, painting, photo/digital, print/book arts, sculpture, wood, and has an open studio (though the open studio is currently significantly limited due to the pandemic). They rent lockers to students to make things more convenient. Most of the classes are quite affordable and Indianapolis Art Center also offers tuition assistance programs.
You can also rent multiple areas of the Art Center and prices are surprisingly affordable. This includes galleries, the auditorium, the riverfront, the parking lots, and more! I've seen special events here, weddings, and even film festivals. They auditorium, as I recall, seats 247 people. I've heard they can be a little fussy around scheduling and the auditorium, but most people I know who've done it say it has been a good experience.
I've attended multiple events here.
There's plenty of parking. There's ramps at all entrances, though during the pandemic they seem to be limiting entry to the main entrance. There's typically 1-2 people at the main desk (I don't know if these are volunteers or employees, though they are always friendly).
There's accessible parking. The main entry also has automatic doors by push-button, a great option for wheelchair users. While the distance from the parking lot is a bit further than I'd like, it's workable.
Memberships are available ranging from $55-125.
The Indianapolis Art Center is easily a walking distance from most places in Broad Ripple. You can also easily access it off the Monon Trail. There were people actively in the library yesterday - tables were well spaced. It tends to be a more quiet space. People were also actively visiting the galleries yesterday. Some of the art work is for sale (and clearly marked).
If you check out the Indianapolis Art Center website, you'll also see the Art Center Marketplace and be able to explore buying local, regional, or national art for your home. The 83rd Annual Student Show is currently on display and a great way to get out of the house without much risk of encountering other humans! read more