Hidden Treasures

Part of my plan to reclaim me was to get to know Indianapolis a little better. After all, I have lived in Indy for about four years and really haven't taken the time to explore.

Here is what I have learned so far...

Indianapolis does art - well. From the Indianapolis Museum of Art to the little galleries on Mass Ave, art is all around Indianapolis. This year a dear friend of mine gave me a membership to the IMA and I have been truly enjoying the perks of being a member. I visited the Warhol exhibit, toured Madeleine Albright's pin collection (twice), took advantage of a Winter Night's movie, and have already planned several more visits for the coming months. I also have been enjoying art by local artists, displayed in restaurants such as the Mass Ave Wine Shoppe, Agio, and Henry's on East. Finally, I visited the Indiana Art Fair and the Indiana State Museum last weekend where I had fun browsing works by local folk artists. Being the daughter of a potter, I couldn't help but buy a fun ceramic sippy cup in vibrant shades of green, orange, and blue.

Indianapolis, it seems, has a burgeoning arts community and I cannot wait to see more!

Ballet? In Indy? Did you know we have a school for ballet? Last week I took advantage of an opportunity planned by Indy Hub and hosted at the Indianapolis School of Ballet. This event was an opportunity for the community to become better acquainted with one of Indianapolis' hidden gems - and to see special performances by many of the school's third and fourth year students. Many of the performances came from Sleeping Beauty - a beautiful ballet - and some were originals. The students are very talented and the artistic director, Victoria Lyras, is incredibly passionate about her students, her school, and her art. The school has a Spring performance of Coppelia at the Scottish Rite Cathedral Theater in May and I am working on keeping my calendar clear so I don't miss it!

You'll never go hungry. I've already mentioned a few great places to eat in Indianapolis - of which there are many - but what I am most excited about discovering this week is Green BEAN Delivery. Fresh, organic produce delivered to your home every week or every other week for a very reasonable price! Top that off with the ability to add groceries from local farms and vendors (like Scholar's Inn Bakehouse, Traders Point Creamery, and Farm to Kitchen Foods) and you can do a week (or two) worth of grocery shopping - with healthy and local foods - without having to drive all over town to find them.

I always suspected Indianapolis had a lot of potential as a little city. I've defended it to friends who want to make it seem like less than it is. Thank you, Indianapolis, for living up to your potential this week.