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.

Whenever I am out and about for First Fridays, I always seemed to make it to Gallery 924. The…read moregallery is located in the same building as the Indy Arts Council and The Cabaret. They tend to have the most variety of artworks whenever they have exhibitions, and they are very good about showcasing artists from different backgrounds. Their most popular show is probably their holiday exhibition called Tiny. As the name suggests, the artworks are smaller in scale and are for sale at approachable price points. They make for good stocking stuffers during the holiday season.

I had the opportunity to check out Gallery 924 yesterday while at the adjacent venue The Cabaret…read more Established in 2010, Gallery 924 is a non-profit art gallery sharing space with The Cabaret and the Arts Council of Indianapolis. Gallery 924 provides a mixture of programming highlighting contemporary Central Indiana artists in curated solo and group shows. The current exhibition is Dehaan Artist of Distinction Group Exhibition that is running from Sept. 3 - October 29, 2021. Included artists are painter Mason Archie, photographer Eric Lubrick, multidisciplinary artist Samuel Levi Jones, and papel picado inspired artist Beatriz Vazquez. This is a relatively small but inviting space that's open 10am-4pm from Tuesday-Friday and by appointment. They are following CDC guidelines and recommendations. The gallery offers free parking across the street in the Lucille Raines parking lot. There's also metered parking along Pennsylvania. Occasionally, you can get lucky and find free spots along 9th Street. The gallery is also on an IndyGo route and it's adjacent to Indy's Cultural Trail. On a budget of less than $2,000 annually, Gallery 924 puts on 10 exhibitions annually empowering mid-career and established artists. The gallery is a participant in the Indianapolis Downtown Artists and Dealer's Association First Friday Art Tour. Even when the gallery doors are closed, Gallery 924 is working to promote Central Indiana's artists. I honestly loved this little space. It's not the fanciest gallery you'll find, but the energy is positive and the love for artists is obvious. I look forward to returning.

The pictures tell it all. I know I have reviewed this before but for some reason the pictures fell…read moreoff so I wanted to add them back. I would have to say that service is the number 1 one thing you can expect from this place besides location and the jaw dropping beauty of it. All the brides I have talked to for referrals say: Bill will find a way to make your wedding dreams come true.

High end gallery some very interesting pieces. If you want to look around or are looking for…read moresomething for you our a gift. Art is of course very subjective ... what one person loves .. another might dislike but I saw a lot here that I thought was interesting.

Loved this haunted house! So many theatrics! Tons of machines and lots of hard working actors. You…read morecan tell they really put a lot into this production. Lots of air puffs, ppl jumping at you, machines jumping at you. The machines tend to jump out a little close so that made it scarier. There was only one time it was pitch dark and one time you had to squeeze thru which was not good for my claustrophobia. Just when you think you're done, you're not! One more haunt at the end. There's a little drink stop with beebs and photo ops. They make you wait before starting to make sure there is ample space between groups. At first I was skeptical because you couldn't hear much and didn't see many ppl but it was def a blast and lasted a while

Wow! What an experience. I love the props, make up, jump scares and theme. I've been here every…read moreyear and everytime its and better experience! So exciting I could go back multiple times a year!... if you love haunted house or just the excitement you definitely have to add this to your must visit!!! Not allowed to take pics inside but they do have a test area in middle where you can take some awesome selfie and get a drink or snack.. love it!!

You probably know about the big hulabaloo that is INDIEana Handicraft Exchange in June - a giant…read moreindoor/outdoor shopping fair. But did you know they host a smaller version in December, which just so happens to (smartly) fall on First Friday? The one in June can be very hot and very crowded, so I preferred the wintertime version, although there were not as many vendors. The crowd favorites were still there, like Newfangled Confections, Homespun, Crimson Tate, Farizula Designs, Silver Linings Jewelry, Hoosier Proud, USI, Revival Food Co...the list goes on. Don't forget to check out vendors down in the basement and explore the open studio spaces! I love this bi-annual celebration of all things local and will put it on my calendar for 2016!

I'm not one to dilly dally in flea markets or call myself a "shopper" but boy, oh boy, do I light…read moreup when there's an event that specifically celebrates local and creative businesses. Everything from up cycled jewelry and nostalgic candy to local meads and Hoosier themed apparel. It's essentially a one stop shop for all that is quirky and cool. And because I'm always down for some tasty eats, I have to add that you'll find some of the best at the Handicraft Exchange such as Duos, Scratchtruck, LICK ice cream, New Day Meadery, Sun King and more. Parking can get on the crazy side with the Talbott Art Fair going on just up the street. Give yourself time and have fun!

I've been here a couple of times but this time a friend is promoting their popcorn company! It was…read morenice to support a self made company! The popcorn is delicious! La Margarita is below, defiantly worth a visit!

First Fridays are very cool. Ecclectic crowd, unique collection of artists, styles &…read moreinterpretations. The Murphy Art Center itself combines vintage setting with a diverse array of digital , modern, alternative arts & expression. Even areas for vendors and a thrift shop with a DJ.

I went with my besties to the Indiana Flower & Patio Show this week. Two of my friends are Master…read moreGardeners. On Wednesday, the show was not crowded. Parking and getting in was easy. We found two building of garden and non-garden related vendors peddling everything from flowers and patio stone to bag clips and jewelry cleaner. The vendors were friendly. It was refreshing to see so many lovely flowers. My favorite exhibit was McNamara Florist, who engineered a fabulous display of exotic flowers. McNamara also had great prices on annuals and house plants. My friends bought annuals and bag clips. I bought seeds for heirloom vegetables that are hard to find. I did appreciate the DNR display on invasive species. Little lectures are available throughout the day, but we did not attend. It took us about two hours to walk through and look at everything. I would have preferred if the organizers had "weeded out" the none patio and garden vendors. Parking is $10 and individual tickets are $14. Food vendors are scattered throughout the building. Even cocktails are served at one concession. Restrooms are available in each building.

We visited here on Wednesday and got some great ideas for doing our yard this spring. It always…read moreseems to put us in the mood for planting and spring. What is least interesting are all the side aisles for selling hot tubs, knives, cookwear etc. The maps they give you when you enter the show makes it easier to find the items you want to look at and helps you skip those you don't. Most of the floral and patio displays are down the center aisle of each building. It's definitely worth the time.

I haven't had the pleasure of attending their flea market yet, but I drive through here often and…read morejust love this neighborhood. If I ever win the lottery, I would love to buy a house here. The divided streets lined with mature trees. The statues and fountains in the median. The great yesteryear houses, smelling of old grandeur. Yeah, I would love to live here. But of course only if I have enough money to hire folks for the upkeep of house and yard. A girl can dream

I look forward to the Woodruff Place Flea Market every year. I love looking at the beautiful homes…read moreand browsing through what's for sale. Residents and businesses participate in the Flea Market, selling their wares. There are also food and beer trucks. It makes for a fun day! This year, there didn't seem to be as many residents participating. And some of our favorite vendors from past years weren't there.