While I've talked a lot about my recent journeys through Hendricks and Putnam counties, I've not…read moregiven as much time to my frequent trips through Speedway on the way to my parents' home following my father's death. I'd seen the Speedway Artist Collective multiple times as I pass 16th and Lynhurst just about every time I make my way to US 36 (Rockville Road). The Speedway Artist Collective is a permanent program coming out of the Mars Hill Arts Center. MHAC has the mission of encouraging, supporting, and promoting local artists by giving them a place to sell their works. The founders of MHAC are from the Speedway area and have been committed to really promoting Indy's west side. Located in the end spot of a small strip center, Speedway Artist Collective is open limited hours. It's a non-profit shop featuring art from local artists. Speedway is obviously a racing-centered community, however, you can find much more here than racing themed items. The art has a diverse price range and you can easily find affordable art that also supports local artists. There are also classes here and I kind of fell in love with the "Free Little Art Gallery" out front (think "free library" but with art!). I might be exaggerating a bit to go 5-stars here, however, I don't think I am. I love the art work. I love the vibe. I love the community. I love the fact that you can introduce yourself to local artists and snag some art for the home. The sidewalks have curb cuts here. there's street parking alongside the building. You can enter through a single glass door that's level to the ground. Yes, there's a lot inside, however, I found it immensely workable and worth the effort. Given the limited hours, I'd be sure to check that they're open (hours may vary with special events). However, once I was finally able to stop in I fell in love with this little gem in Speedway.

Nonprofit shop full of affordable artist creations, including t-shirts, pillows, paintings, etc…read more Owner is very welcoming and knowledgeable about Speedway history and lore. My sister loved some coasters, but there were only 3 left. The owner called the artist and arranged to have more made to my sister's specifications. Above and beyond!

Mosaic art studio did not disappoint me! I had an amazing time! I went by myself & all the women…read morewere so sweet & comforting! Highly recommend if you love artistic things to do!

Attended my first mosaic workshop here with a few friends and was amazed at the results…read more First off this is located at the Stutz building, on the third floor, quite near the elevator, so it's not that hard to find. There are plenty of paid parking lots and street parking available around the area. Keep in mind that street parking is free on Sundays. Communication is outstanding, with reminder e-mails, detailed maps on how to find the studio, where to park and after your class instrutions on applying the grout. But let's get to the classes. Currently this location "only" offers Turkish Mosaic Lamp workshops. However, you can choose your type of lamp, or just a globe or candleholder. Entirely up to you and your budget. It is not cheap, but neither are the materials needed. You will be seated at a tablel with seemingly endless mosaic glass options in so many great colors, it's going to be tough to choose a color combination. There are a few suggestions on their website as far as color combinations go. And of course you will need to decide what type of pattern you will be creating. Another tough decision. You will get a two-sided sheet with various patterns you could follow, or you can feel free to create your own. Our instructor was Kurt, a most patient man, as I dragged about a dozen of folks with me as usual and there were a couple of other folks besides our group and with that every last seat was taken. He answered question after question and refilled bead and glass shapes continuously. Showed us how to glue things in place, made suggestions, helped here and there with project gone awry and somehow still managed to share a bit about his home country of Turkey. There are little lit platforms where you can check what your lamp will look like when completed, and also an actual lamp you can hold your masterpiece to and get a better idea. Once you are done with your pattern, you get to create your own mix of tiny glass beads and apply those in all the 'free' spaces. then you are done with studio time. You are given grout and instructed on how to apply this once your project has reasted at least 12 hours. (you will also get an e-mail the next day, reminding you and a link for the instructions again). You will also get your lamp part , if you chose to make a lamp, and the bulb to go with it. All is neatly in a nice sturdy bag so you can add your globe and your grout to it also and have it all together in one place. Highly recommend this experience and I am hoping that they will add some of the different workshops that are offered at other locations. Fingers crossed.

As someone with a disability who is also a creative, there's no question I resonate with ArtMix's…read moremission to transform the lives of people with and without disabilities through the creation of art. ArtMix is an Indianapolis-based non-profit organization that has been in existence since I was a kid in school, though it began life as Very Special Arts. They have four core programs, a variety of special projects, and quite a few opportunities to support them ranging from visiting their art gallery to joining them for First Fridays and others. As they note on their website, in the early days of public education for those with disabilities it was uncommon for us to be integrated into regular classrooms. An organization like this was used to fill in that gap. While I was often discouraged from creativity, this was an organization that encouraged it. The fact that I'm now a published writer, film critic, producer, and occasional actor is proof positive of how positive their influence can be. It should be noted that shopping in their gallery is by appointment only. Like a lot of non-profits, they have a small staff. The core programs for ArtMix include urban artisans, entrepreneur artisans, community classes, and artists-in-residence. In terms of accessibility, despite being in a challenging building they do well with ramps at the back entrance (and free parking in the back lot). The building itself is locked - there's a call box that you'll use (again, they request appointments). First Friday events are cool, the gallery is wonderful (and does support artists with disabilities. Yay.). I'm very pleased with this organization. It's only gotten better over the years. While I'm no longer that student sitting in a classroom, ArtMix reaches out even more these days and is truly a community organization. If you've never checked them out, I definitely recommend it.

Interested in supporting local artists, giving back, and purchase beautiful art? Art mix is the…read moreperfect place for this! I went for the second year to their holiday open house to do my yearly ornament shopping for family and friends. There are beautiful, one-of-a-kind ornaments, plates, bowls, and other ceramic pieces. All of the pieces are carefully made by the artists, fired on-site, and then made available in their gallery. I have been thrilled by the items I've purchased and the recipients love them!

Every time my mom from out of town visits, I try to find something unique and fun to do. A coworker…read morerecently told me about this place and I thought it would be perfect! We signed up for the beginners night class from 7-9PM. It was $45 a person which included 2 of 3 pieces you make. I'm not gonna lie, we were both pretty nervous. Neither of us had ever taken a pottery class and we knew we were going to be bad at it. Turns out, we were pretty good!! And all 3 pots were suitable for glazing. The first 45 minutes to an hour is a guided instruction, then the last hour we are free to throw our other 2 balls of clay with the help of the instructor whenever we needed her. I believe her name was Katie and she was great! Funny, nice, and always willing to help. This is such a fun way to spend an evening. Makes for a good date night or I could see a bachelorette party too. Highly recommend this unique experience.

I had a great experience. I was greeted when I walked in. This was my first time doing this as an…read moreadult. I remember taking a pottery class in middle and high school. It was definitely different than 25 years ago. I decided to try a new hobby every month in 2026. I'm so glad that I tried it. I was getting stressed because I couldn't get my bowl just right but the instructor was so helpful and got me together. The studio tour was also nice. Make sure to check them out if you're in the Fountain Square area. I can't wait to see the final product. I went solo but there were couples there. I didn't feel awkward going by myself. Everyone was super friendly. The 3rd bowl was an extra $5.

With so many creatives in my life, it was just a matter of time before I learned of some of the…read moreactivities that take place here. Art With a Heart is a non-profit with a mission to provide hands-on visual arts experience to educate and inspire at-risk children. My experience began when I signed my daughter up for Re-Generation Indy, a group of local artists that lead affordable art workshops and host Youth Art Shows around Indianapolis, using this space. For only $5, your child can spend a couple of hours getting creative and expanding their mind through with others. A Youth Art Show is scheduled on March 4th to highlight work done by participants in the program. I'm excited to see all of the wonderful ideas and jumped in myself to draw with the rest of the class. Donations accepted! More info on their website: http://www.regenerationindy.com/

It was around 2004-2005. My oldest daughter was 4 and had just completed summer camp at Holy Angels…read moreCatholic school. We were roaming around the school thanking the teachers, learning about what the students accomplished during the summer and looking at art work when we were approached by a man. He asked if Gylani (my little 4 year old at that time) would like to continue her art program and that the art class she had during camp actually offered honors Saturday classes. I looked at her dad...we shrugged and signed her up...that was 2004-2005.... Gylani is now 14 and a starting freshman at North Central...and she is also a honors student at Art With a Heart. The knowledgeable caring teachers, the ability to work with different mediums of art, field trips and the family atmosphere has kept our family in the Art with a Heart Program. This not very well known program, this gem, deserves your support and if you know a child, especially one from a low-income household that loves art but doesn't have the resources to attend expensive costly classes, this is the organization for that child. The child will grow, be nurtured, be inspired and be taught how to be confident in their skills.

This is an adorable spot that I had no idea existed until a friend asked me to attend a wine and…read morecardology class here. Such a sweet space with several designated parking spaces right in front. I arrived a few minutes early to our class and was able to look around at the great selection of gift and home products at the front of the space. For our class, snacks and drinks were included in the price and we had a lovely time laughing and learning more. I look at their schedule of upcoming events and they host so many fun events! Perfect for girls night out.

Create Art Studio is an amazing place for any art enthusiasts or people that just want to explore…read moretheir creativity! I've been to 2 workshops and both have been incredible. The founders Chrissy and Alissa are so nice and welcoming every time! The instructors are also so warm and the vibe of the place is just perfect, of course I have to mention the refreshments are on point too :) 100% recommend taking a class and they have parking!

We were looking for a new place for our office outing and Kickasso was perfect! So many options,…read morevery friendly and helpful staff, and even the non-artists in our group turned out awesome designs! Alone or with a group, Kickasso was a great time. Thank you!

My friend and I had the best time designing our own custom sneakers. The vibe was relaxed,…read moreinspiring, and perfect for getting creative without feeling rushed. There were tons of paint colors and supplies to choose from, and the staff was super encouraging and helpful if you needed ideas or guidance. I went with a cartoon-style design on mine, with a sketch outline, bold details, and a hand-drawn look. I LOVE how they turned out. They look like wearable art! My friend went in a totally different direction, which made it even more fun seeing how unique each pair became. It's such a cool concept for a girls' night, date night, birthday, or just something different to do. You walk out with something you actually get to wear and show off. Highly recommend if you're looking for a creative experience that's both fun and memorable!

Last spring I took a watercolor class here with some friends. It was fun. Today, I was at Indy Art…read moreCenter for an event. We did Pilates, yoga and breath work in the library. How cool is that? It's a beautiful campus. Lots of fun stuff to look at and create. I like the location a lot. It's surrounded by trees and near the Monon Trail. Support the Arts whenever possible! AI is just not the same.

Attended a sold out showing of the Radiance Film Festival featuring film shorts by Ball State…read moreUniversity students in the Frank Basile Theatre, with new seating. The building also has several small galleries with interesting artwork on display. Parking is scarce for an event of this size, so arrive early!

We had 7 in our group & it was a neat experience! The guy that taught us was very nice &…read moreknowledgeable. It was easy to understand everything & our pumpkins look great, can't wait to pick them up tomorrow. I highly recommend this place - bring your friends and make something! Perfect for ladies night or even a date. The price was well worth the experience!

I came through for the Prodigious Glass Pumpkin Patch sale and WOW - so many beautiful glass…read morepumpkins to select from colors to shapes and sizes!! There were quite a few other glass art items that I fell in love with too but stuck with the pumpkins this time. Everyone working was so friendly and helpful. Not pictured is the back room with studio which had so many beautiful items! I'm definitely coming back to see about a glass blowing class and possibly purchase some other items!

I attended an Indy Rainbow Chamber After Hours event at Gallery Forty-Two. The building dates to…read more1830 and has been loving restored. There are new owners who are just getting into the art and event space business, their passion for the building and potential for the space shone through when we were talking to them. Bill gave us a tour of all 4 floors, explaining some of the art on display and detailing his plans for the spaces not yet finished. Gallery Forty-Two is going to be the perfect venue for weddings, its so close to Monument Circle it provides the perfect backdrop for weddings pictures downtown. There are lots of details and textures such as exposed brick and original doors that make for amazing photo ops inside also. The staff were all friendly and welcoming. This makes me want to renew my vows so I have a reason to book an event here. They do events on 2nd Fridays (instead of 1st Fridays to avoid competing with so many other downtown events) from 6-9pm. Go check out this stunning piece of downtown history, and enjoy the art at the same time!

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.