For a wheelchair user, I seem to have a weird fascination with everything in the world that's not…read moreparticularly accessible. Case in point? The Irvington Lodge. I love this building. I would never really recommend the building for wheelchair users, though I've managed to get around it fairly well. The building began development in 1921 and was completed in 1922. Like many Masonic Lodges, the ground floor was intentionally designed to allow for retail spaces as this would help support the Lodge. If you're familiar with the Irvington Lodge, then you know that it bears on it the rather ominous "Lodge #666" marking. It seems fitting to have this be in a neighborhood recognized for its many haunted locations, but there's no denying it even creeps me out a bit. The building was rumored to be the host of Ku Klux Klan meetings in the 1920s - KKK Grand Dragon D.C. Stephenson lived only a few blocks away in a mansion on University Avenue. Until 1950, the Lodge also hosted the Irvington Post Office. The Irvington Lodge continues to be an actively utilized building. Retail spaces are taken by Irvington Vinyl & Books, Hampton Designs Studio & Shop, and LVLUP Gaming Lounge. Additionally, Mosaic Church uses the Lodge's entire 3rd floor. Accessibility is most challenging in the 1st floor retail spots, though I noticed during my recent visit that Irvington Vinyl & Books had installed a bit of a ramp trying to help the situation. It's certainly not ADA, though it is an improvement. You can get into the first floor of the lodge. There is an elevator to the 2nd and 3rd floors. The 2nd floor includes a theatre room, reception room, a fully functioning kitchen, and a buffet area. You can rent these facilities and the rates are pretty market friendly. The Theatre Room has over 2300 square feet and many period touches still in place. It's rather stunning. The Reception Room is right about 1400 square feet. The 3rd floor has a couple of large main rooms. Hardwood floors are in place throughout and there's a stunning balcony that would be great for a wedding (unless you're in a wheelchair - then it would suck). This is one of those buildings I can't help but love. I'd give almost anything to have an office here, though it would inherently be a not particularly wheelchair friendly one. You also have close proximity to the Irving and nearby Irvington area businesses. Renting the facilities requires the usual liability insurance in place and a deposit, though rates are pretty friendly. They don't have preferred vendors - so, it offers flexibility that some venues don't. The Irvington Lodge was acquired, I believe, around late 2017-2018 by longtime Eastside resident Yasha Persson and a team. Given the pandemic was right around the corner, it was a challenging time to acquire such a beautiful building. However, here's hoping it continues to be such a beautiful, vibrant part of Irvington.

3rd floor gallery in the Irvington Lodge is a beautiful space! Great light for the artwork and just…read morea gorgeous venue all around. The pinball room is also amazing and a great way to get the whole family out to experience art and entertainment without breaking the bank! It is also perfect for weddings, parties and pop up markets. A true Irvington and Indianapolis gem!!!

This is such an artsy setting for an art studio! A charming house broken into mini studios makes…read morefor an interesting tour. We came here during a fairy event where you could purchase the supplies and make a fairy wand. Our daughter loved it. They were very patient with her and had great supplies to use.

I want to see Nickel Plate Arts get more love from Yelpers!…read more NPA is an arts campus located just a few steps south of the Hamilton County Courthouse. It's a cluster of old buildings now housing artist studios, gallery spaces and more. On any given day, you can browse artists' studio spaces and connect with them in person to purchase art or commission a piece - I'm in awe of their talents! NPA is active in the local arts community and hosts engaging programming for all ages year-round. Take art classes, attend a First Friday gathering or bring your kids for kid-friendly activities like Superhero Day. Check out "Handmade in Indiana" in December, a gallery show/gift shop where you can browse local handmade goods, some from artists-in-residence at NPA. Shop local during the holiday season!

My friends and I went to the Westfield location, which doesn't have a Yelp page. I would assume…read morethat most locations are similar. It was surprisingly not busy for a Saturday around lunch. This paint your own pottery studio is one of the better ones. They have tons of options to choose from, and they are fairly priced to my opinion. They also do not have a studio fee so what you paint is what you buy. They have tons of paint options and lots of stencils. The areas are nice and clean and staff frequently fills up your water so your paintbrushes remain clean. Staff was nice and friendly. I will definitely be coming again.

I went with my grandchildren and we had a great time! The helper workers were amazing and helped us…read morewith lots of suggestions. There was a lot to select from, and having someone guide my littles to a choice was very helpful. So much variety to choose from. I have gone to similar studios, and they really do not compare. The size of the space and the all inclusive rate was cheaper than most other places. I will definitely be going back.

Like a newborn toddler learning to walk and then talk, it's been fun to watch Big Car grow and…read moredevelop over the last few years. I actually believe my first time to the Center was for the Yelp 500 two or three years ago and since then I've been for art shows, film screenings, meetings or just to marvel at their tremendous parking lot gardens and chickens. There's something so raw and edgy that makes Big Car a perfect fit for its surroundings. Nestled between all of my favorite ethnic eateries and stores, the building and staff is very in tune with what is going on in Lafayette and tapping in to the diverse audience of the area. I would have to say my favorite part about the Service Center is the simple fact that it once served as a car repair shop but is now filled with Sun King beer, a screening room, and a calendar packed with classes and events for all ages. Can't wait to see what comes next for this creative powerhouse.

Big Car? Oh, you mean the place with the chicken coops…read more I've driven past this facility several times and I always wondered about what went on inside. (The last time I visited, it was a tire center, lol) I was pleasantly surprised by what Big Car had done with the place. I had the opportunity to participate in the Digital Disconnect event where you surrender your mobile devices for an evening of good old fashioned fun. Think board games, letter writing, and live music. Of course, I panicked when I realized that I wanted to tweet about the event and my cell phone was nowhere to be found. But, wow. How refreshing to remember life before being connected to EVERYONE 24 hours a day. Kudos to Big Car on a great event and on re-purposing an unused building on the NW side. I'm looking forward to returning soon and often.

We enjoyed a beautiful day at the Talbot Street Art Fair today!…read more There were so many booths. Lots of different types of art and media. Booths did not feel repetitive, which can sometimes happen at art fairs. There was plenty of street parking! We even found a spot in the shade, which was great because it was hot today! I expected it would be very crowded but it was actually not too bad. Lots of people, but never found it crowded or hard to love through booths. The food and music set-ups were planned out very well. There were places to eat in the shade. There was also a great mix of vendors. So happy to be back at this festival this year!

Always worth a visit! I would recommend early as parking is a challenge. Most lots charge at least…read more$10. Also it's either really hot or raining. Welcome to In. This weekend was really hot but it's a shady street if you need out of the sun. I'm always impressed with the creativity of the artists. Photography, pottery, jewelry, paintings and more. There is also live music and plenty of food vendors. I may have purchased a few bracelets and a blueberry lemonade. Makes for a fun day.

This is such a beautiful museum, I always learn something new each time I visit…read more The staff are always open to questions and are always excited to talk about their favorite pieces. The community events they offer are such a treasure, and the rotating exhibits make every visit feel like the first time. I feel so lucky to live close by to have access to this amazing place. Don't forget to check out the staff's exhibit on the first level, everyone who works there is insanely talented!

Newfields is pretty neat. There's a nice little nature trail outside where you can take a brief…read morewalk and there's a small beer garden along the trail. The space is really nice. The staff is very friendly. Admission is $25. Some of the art I dug and some I didn't, but there was a dark room with a video board ceiling that showed a video of the moon and stars on the ceiling that is captivating. I could have sat there for 15 minutes and just gazed at the ceiling. It was beautiful and peaceful.

Went to an art show event tonight! The service for appetizers, small eats and drinks were…read morefantastic! While people grazed throughout the night, the food was readily available. The selection of art was also top tier by various black artists. From abstract pieces to stylistic pieces, every piece had a story to tell and drove alot of conversations around me. My ticket was $15 and the value was worth the fun experience with current friends and the ambience to make new friends!

Art show March 3 5pm to 9 Andy J Mosure Art. A fabulous…read moreevent. See some awesome art and support local artist and business. Andy does such amazing work in many different styles. This show is abstracts. Come one come all. All are welcome. LGBTQ+. His Art and Vicky's will be on display till end of March. Such as nice out of the way gallery.

I took my boyfriend here for his birthday and it was completely amazing! Exceeded my expectations…read more The art is extraordinary and one of a kind. The gallery has such powerful pieces. We took our time throughout to really soak it all in. Jane is incredibly sweet. If you're looking for art in the city, this is the place to go! Phenomenal. Can't wait to go back!

Oh what a Find!!!!! huge space of FAB Art, i heard about it during barbershop talk & went to check…read moreit out!! don't miss their 9/14 opening ............literally hidden between Jimmy Johns & Qdobas on the 2nd floor