Students paint in the Holy Cross neighborhood of Indianapolis.

By Darla McCammon

Indianapolis, just a stone’s throw away for most of my readers, is a mecca for art exhibits. We will cover some easy trips you can take to enjoy a variety of four to five museums and galleries in Indianapolis that are specifically geared to exhibit and collect art for your enjoyment. Some of them specialize, like the Eiteljorg, while others are broader in scope. It is an easy one-day round trip to visit any of the following galleries and museums.

The Art Center Galleries

The WPA administration founded the Indianapolis Art Center in 1934. Today it is located in a beautiful building on the banks of the White River in Indianapolis. This organization is amazing in that it provides art education, supports artists and also gives the community an opportunity to visit many different art exhibitions in several galleries all year long. As a huge benefit to visitors to these galleries, admission is always free.

Note this is an academic facility with students attending, thus they close at 6 p.m. during the short period between semesters. Otherwise you can visit from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. You will be privileged to see a variety of excellent work by visiting artists as well as student art that is truly original. The Indianapolis Art Center, Marilyn K. Glick School of Art, is located at 820 E. 67th St., Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art

iMOCA has just received a new building. They have announced the new dedicated museum home as part of the redevelopment of the historic Ford Assembly Plant on the Near Eastside of Indianapolis at 1315 E. Washington St. I can’t wait to see the final design and exhibit space based on the enormity and excellent design of the old building. Set to open in mid-2019, this space will feature multiple gallery spaces under one roof, with regular and expanded hours, larger exhibitions, and additional on-site space for education and events.

At the new museum, iMOCA will curate a main gallery, a window gallery, and a video gallery. iMOCA continues to offer exhibitions and programming during the current developmental stage. To visit these exhibits just travel to the CityWay Gallery curated by iMOCA; public art projects in the Holy Cross neighborhood; and exhibitions and program at partner locations including Cat Head Press, Indiana Landmarks, and the Hoosier Salon.

In the meantime, you can visit the contemporary art exhibits located at The Alexander/CityWay, 216 E. South St. One of their public art projects is pictured in the Holy Cross neighborhood and was designed and painted by 8th-grade students. It is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, unless a private event is scheduled. Admission is free.

Upcoming and Current Events

• The Don Sheline exhibit at Warsaw City Hall Art Gallery is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, until Aug. 3. A free original painting is being given away every Friday. You need to go sign up and see this wonderful work. He will also be there in person each Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. to meet and greet you.
• The July LAA exhibit for Timothy Tyree is currently at the LAA gallery, located at 302 E. Winona Ave., Warsaw.