"A Barefoot Boy" is a timeless poem by James Whitcomb Riley that captures the essence of childhood…read morein the Midwest. The mural by California artist, Andrew Hem, shows a boy splashing in a creek, barefoot. I couldn't help but smile seeing the determination of a child having pure fun. The mural was completed in 2018 and is part of a series of murals in Greenfield to shine the light on local history, the arts and promote tourism. There is a plaque not too far from the mural that describes the artist's inspiration for the mural. This is one of several works of art to commemorate James Whitcomb Riley, whose childhood home is nearby the mural. There is easy free parking near the mural which is in historic downtown Greenfield. I enjoyed my tour of the art with this mural, my favorite.

My late buddy Ken N. (RIP) explains the history of this mural better than I ever could. So if you…read morewant to know actual information about the Fortville Indiana Mural, read his review. As for my review: I think this is a great mural! It's big. It looks like a sepia photograph. My opinion about the Fortville mural is simple and based purely on aesthetics. I tend to turn off my brain with art (murals and public art and otherwise), and just let the artwork wash over me. This mural is painted on the side of a building that houses a local gem: 305 Wine Garage. You should definitely check out that place! But even if you don't, you should check out this mural. I love that Fortville felt that it was necessary to paint this mural on this wall, when they so easily could have not. Art in public spaces is some of my favorite art, and I love that this exists here.

To celebrate Indiana's Bicentennial, the state and a number of towns/cities added public art to…read morecommemorate the occasion. Fortville was one of the places that celebrated by adding this mural by local artist Mike McEvers in 2016. With help from local students, McEvers created this north facing mural that shows the train and trolley history of the area. The mural is done is muted colors to create a sepia toned effect. In the middle of the mural is a portrait of Cephas Fort who was the original property owner when the railroad came through in 1849. The railroad named the station Fortville in his honor. Above the mural, "Fortville Indiana" is stylishly written with "Founded 1849" and "Statehood 1816" painted between the title and mural. The mural is 14' high by 24' across. Review #1366

One of the rising stars in the metro Indy public art scene is Nekoda (Koda) Witsken who is from the…read morearea and has returned home after extensive travel and education to brighten the lives of people in the area, exposing them to art without the confines of having to visit a museum by placing her murals inside restaurants and other businesses as well as on the side of a building or on the supports of an underpass. Her murals seem to have a vibrant color to them and sometimes have larger than life images. Sometimes they seem abstract and other times, timeless landscapes or portraits, but what ever she paints, it is a pleasant surprise to enjoy. This mural located inside the El Lago Mexican Restaurant dining room covers the entire east wall (over 25 feet!) There are two parts to the mural which you can check out in the photos attached to this review. If you want to take time to enjoy looking at the mural, just order a fine meal and sit and look at the mural while you dine. Do yourself a favor and check out this mural the next time you are in the Geist area! Review #3879

If it's related to the arts in Lawrence, there's a pretty good chance that Arts for Lawrence has a…read morehand in it. Started as a non-profit in 2006, Arts for Lawrence is the largest non-profit arts organization in Lawrence and Indy's northeast quadrant. The organization serves as the steward for the historic Theater at the Fort and offers a remarkably diverse array of affordable arts programs at Theater at the Fort, Fort Ben Cultural Campus, and the Visual Arts Campus. VERY often, these activities are provided at no charge to the community. This was the case for this past weekend's Shakespeare at the Fort: A Midsummer Night's Dream directed by longtime Indy radio personality Matthew Socey. At one point, I was contemplating placing a memorial for children lost to violence in the Fort Ben area - It was Arts for Lawrence that responded and had some dialogue about the idea. Essentially, I've found the organization pretty amazingly responsive when it comes to exploring ideas for creatively improving the lives of Lawrence residents. The musical chairs at Fort Ben? Arts for Lawrence is behind this wonderful, family-friendly installation operating daily from 9am-10pm. (I do agree with some who've observed it would have been ideal to include at least one accessible swing). The Fort Ben Cultural Campus as launched in 2021 with the former Fort Harrison Communications Building moved to the campus and re-established as a Visual Arts Center with monthly exhibitions, a ceramics studio offering classes for all ages and abilities, and upstairs area offering additional classes. Programs include festivals, theater performances, outdoor concert series, art classes, art exhibitions, poetry readings, and more. Food trucks often appear at outdoor events. Being right by Lawrence's City Hall, this area seems to have become a central locale for many of the City's sponsored community activities. Arts for Lawrence also has a strong equity statement on their website indicating a desire to ensure that arts programming is accessible to all. The Visual Arts Center is now open from 6-9pm daily and during festivals. Additional features include the Sterrett Center, Marching Sidewalk, Lawrence's public art, the amphitheater, and an app offering AR/VR experiences. Arts for Lawrence only assumed stewardship of Theater at the Fort in 2016. They began a vigorous upgrading of the 1929 theater and while it's certainly not perfectly accessible (what 1929 building is?), it's dramatically improved and there's an attitude of access. As a city, Lawrence fairly recently established a commission on disability. It took me quite a while to realize that many of the activities I attend here in the Fort Ben area fall under the umbrella of Arts for Lawrence. I'd imagine it will only improve once the currently under construction Fort Ben branch of the Indianapolis Public Library is completed. There's so much to love here and Arts for Lawrence is behind much of it and they've become a guiding player in the growing Lawrence arts scene. With friendly people, great events, and opportunities for all, I'm definitely a fan of Arts for Lawrence.

I love coming to support local artists here! I have been a few times now for Crossroads Dance Indy…read moreperformances and I love it every time. The venue feels small, but still fits an audience of 100+. The staff are always so friendly and do a good job of guiding you where to go. The restrooms are always clean as well. The parking situation isn't super great, however. I usually park in the lot across the street, but there isn't a ton of room on show nights. You'd have to find street parking if it were a busy night. Plan extra time just in case!

I love the castle-like courthouse in Greenfield. The combination of Romanesque and French Gothic…read morestyles was the mastermind of Fort Wayne architects, Wing and Mahurin, in 1896. Geake and Henry constructed the building. The limestone Courthouse sits on a prominent plaza on Main Street in Greenfield, the county seat. In front, stands a beautiful statue of the town's favorite poet, James Whitcomb Riley. Several towers and a prominent center clock tower are exterior focal points. Inside, the deputy staff is friendly and welcoming. They directed me to several cases of historical information and told me I could take photos anywhere except courtrooms, which were in session. This is a fully operational Courthouse. The original treasurer's safe sits in the marble lined lobby. The floor is marble mosaic tiled. The building is mostly original and remodeled in 1990's. Gargoyles peer down periodically. The ceilings have beautiful gilded trim. There are several murals of Revolutionary war scenes and a prominent mural of James Whitcomb Riley surrounded by a group of children. Two sets of fabulous ornate wrought iron stairways lead up two flights. An elevator was added at some point and other updates were evident in several offices. The third floor sits under a beautiful stained glass dome. Arched stain glass windows surround the magnificent dome. The courtrooms sit in the third floor. I really wanted to see the courtrooms, but I didn't want to go to jail. This 130 year old structure is remarkable and a must visit if you are in Greenfield. In fact, this is a destination worthy visit for history and architecture buffs. Free street parking surrounds the building. The building is accessible.

I'm so lucky that this store is only 15 minutes from where I live because it's such a fun way to…read morespend time with friends or relaxing. The owners have over 10,000 molds to make items out of clay--anything ranging from light switch covers to mugs to Christmas decorations to flower pots. You select whatever you want to paint, then pay for the item as well as a minimal $3 studio fee if you want to stay and use their paint. You get to choose if you want to glaze the item or paint with acrylics. If you glaze it, there is a $5 firing fee, but all in all, with the item, energy cost, and supply cost included, it's a very inexpensive way to spend some time and you then end with a really cool product. The owners are incredibly friendly and are always in the shop. The shop is clean and has other works for your inspiration if you're trying to figure out how to paint something!

From the owner: Reasonably priced ceramics you paint yourself to make a special gift or keepsake for yourself. read more

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!

After visiting the phenomenal Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. years ago, I was excited…read moreto have the opportunity to visit this traveling 3/4 replicia in Greenfield yesterday. "The Wall That Heals" was on display at Stillinger Family Funeral Home on Main Street from Thursday, 7/11 until Sunday, 7/14/2019 and open 24/7. It was free for anyone who wanted to stop by and honor fallen Vietnam War Veterans. The number of names on the wall is staggering and overwhelming with over 58,000 Americans dying in the Vietnam War. It was a very emotional experience with many people searching for their family or friend's name. So many memories and stories were being told regardless of where we were standing. Numerous people had brought personal pictures, personal items, even a bikers' vest in remembrance of their loved one. The volunteers were amazing! They answered so many questions, listened to personal memories and personally were assisting folks find their loved ones name on the wall. For name rubbing, they requested you only use the pencils and name rubbing forms they provided to any and all needed. The volunteers offered so much information, provided a cooling tent, comforted numerous folks plus shared and listened to countless stories. The amount of time devoted to this amazing traveling replica must be astonishing and very rewarding. The wall was spectacular, well lite for night viewing, details, and photos, were displayed on the new statues devoted to the Vietnam Veterans and lastly, a large map of the war zones. Also on-site was a Navy Strike Assault Boat and two jeeps used during the war for those interested. I'm so happy we had the opportunity to visit this stunning wall and honor these brave fallen veterans. If you would like to learn more about the VVMF's program or how you can help go to www.vvmf.org.

Billed as Indiana's largest four day festival, the Riley Days Festival has been going on for a long…read moretime (I remember going in the late '80's when I lived in New Pal.) I had forgotten how large this event had become. They close down the National Road (US 40) and State Road 9 the first weekend of October each year. So, you can imagine that this event, which covers multiple blocks is one you need to be willing to walk a fair distance to get to. (Note: A shuttle does run from the County Fairgrounds for those who can't walk as far.) I found some street parking several blocks from one corner of the event. Tents line each side of the streets. Some house small business items. Some promote churches or politicians. Other vendors forego the tents and set up State Fair type food wagons of just about any type of food that can be eaten without a knife and fork (or plate). And the place is packed. You can't hurry through to get a quick view of what is here. The crowd meanders and stops unexpectedly, so even if you know where a particular vendor is, you have to allow time to get there. And when you do, there will most likely be a line. Seriously, if you can't make a sale here, you probably should just close your business. People were stopping at just about every tent. I am not sure what activities and entertainment they have since I wasn't planning on staying for any of those. If you like browsing through a huge number of tents to look for something unique or interesting, then you will probably like attending this festival. Just make sure you bring your best walking shoes. Review #3130

The Riley Festival is a big event every year for the town of Greenfield. The town itself has grown…read moreover the years. They have some very nice restaurants, car dealerships, bowling, a theater, and a Movie Theater. Look for the special chocolate shop and antique store. Now, back to the festival. I am a music lover since I have played piano and guitar for 59yrs. I also sing. What I was getting to is that I saw 4 different platforms where there was live entertainment. Some was rock and roll and some was very mellow. Something for everyone. There was food trucks and booths all around the square. The smells wafting through the air and our nostrils drove us crazy. As we walked through the crowd and twisted lines we tried to decide which place we would settle on. Tony set his mind on a BBQ place and got Potato Salad for a side. That was $10.00. It was also a joke. There was about three tablespoons of pulled pork on...wait for it...on a hot dog bun!! He also had about 4 small spoons of potato salad. I decided on a plate of Fried Veggies for $8.00. They were ok, but not the best I've had and super greasy. We walked around some more, ran into friends, bought some Christmas gifts, finished shopping. Decided we wanted the Apple Dumplings with Ice Cream. Well, those were the best thing we had!! I definitely have to learn to make them. Next time I will skip the food and go straight to the apple dumpling booth. There's only one so you can't miss it. The Cakehole is here with many flavors of cupcakes. Don't miss out on the best cupcakes ever!!