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!

The Indiana Writers Center is another one of Indiana's true non-profit gems. In existence for over…read more40 years, it's an organization that has long been a presence even as I've grown as a writer in Indiana. The Indiana Writers Center, as I recall, used to be located in the Broad Ripple area but is now a part of Circle City Industrial Complex. One of the things I love about Indiana Writers Center is that they're VERY proactive about accessibility and even have a strong, uncompromising accessibility statement on their website including assurances regarding accessibility to their offices, classrooms, and event spaces. Bravo. I've had two strong connections to Indiana Writers Center before - original director Jim Powell and Barbara Shoup, a former instructor of mine who continues to be on the Indiana Writers Center staff. I credit Shoup with being one of the first to identify that my writing is a coping skill. The Indiana Writers Center is a non-profit that focuses on building the writing community in Indiana. They believe everyone has a story to tell and it's their vision to help people tell it. From new writers to professionals (Shoup herself has several books to her name), Indiana Writers Center embraces everyone who is on the journey of being a writer. They recently launched a poetry prize with Christian Theological Seminary and sponsor a Jim Powell Writer-in-Residence program. They offer events, classes, and a variety of programs for beginners, intermediate, and more professional level writers. The Indiana Writers Center website is a great place to learn about the Indiana writers' scene including writing opportunities. I've done both creative writing and professional film journalism and I love the Indiana Writers Center. The Indiana Writers Center is a membership organization with an amazing staff and an amazing board of directors. Sadly, I've never been quite as involved with Indiana Writers Center as I've intended - their former offices weren't particularly accessible and it's exciting to see such a positive transformation in this area. If you're a writer or curious about writing, Indiana Writers Center is a fantastic place to start. You'll find talented, enthusiastic, and encouraging people to help you along your wife and to share their tips, ideas, expertise, and lessons learned.

Let's be honest…read more There are certain non-profits and certain businesses that are simply 5-star organizations. Anything else is unacceptable. It's so true that if you see someone bash the organization, you immediately think to yourself "This is not someone I want to know." It's true. You know it's true. Keep Indianapolis Beautiful is such a non-profit. It's hard to describe everything Keep Indianapolis Beautiful does. Truthfully, I'm probably not even aware of everything Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (also known as KIB) does. I just know that when it comes to keeping Indianapolis a wonderful place to live, KIB seems to always be involved. I first became aware of KIB years ago when longtime friend David Forsell led the organization. If you haven't met David (and his wife Shannon), they are, in my estimation, one of "Indy's Couples." That's an official designation now, I made it up. Okay, back to KIB. KIB has programs in three areas: Clean Neighborhoods - Adopt-a-Block, Great Indy Clean-Up, Plogging, and Busy Roads/Waterways. Trees & Native Habitats - Project Greenspace, Habitat Restoration, and Community Forestry. Engaged Citizens - Urban Naturalists, Tree Tenders, Youth Tree Team, and KIB Ambassadors. It seems like whenever there's a community event, KIB is involved (I'm currently working alongside a KIB staff person jurying a film festival). It seems like if there's a community partnership to be had, somehow KIB is engaged with it. Their events are well-run, well-led, richly beneficial to our community, and remarkably empowering. Their office on Fletcher Avenue In 2009 became the first civic nonprofit in Indiana to have a building LEED Gold Certified by the US Green Building Council! KIB has wind turbines, a cistern to collect stormwater, rain gardens, a pervious pavement parking lot (which lets water filter through), and a sunny atrium filled with native plants. They also have a green roof and are dog friendly! In other words, KIB lives its values. As a non-profit, they have the highest possible ratings from both GuideStar and Charity Navigator. In short, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful is one of those non-profits I consider to be "Indy's Non-Profits." These are organizations that truly make Indy a fantastic place to live (and it is). I love KIB and I love everything they do.

I joined KIB last year during the height of the pandemic, when I needed a healthy outlet to channel…read moreall of the anxiety I was feeling. I would go for walks daily to calm my brain, but I couldn't help but notice litter on the ground. It kind of messed with the calm vibe I was trying to accomplish -- every disposable mask and tissue and empty water bottle I would see on the ground would make me more and more irate. So instead of getting mad about it, I started to bring a trash bag and litter picker with me on my walks. Suddenly, my walks began to feel calming again. Picking up litter gave my walks a purpose. It gave me a feeling of control during a time when so many things felt out of my control (COVID cases spiking, the crumbling of society, etc.) Plus, I felt good knowing that I was helping, in a small way, to make other people feel calm during their walks, too, by removing the litter so they didn't have to see it. Not too long after I started picking up litter on my own, I found out about KIB. I learned that they have an Adopt-a-Block program, where you can "adopt" a portion of your neighborhood and maintain it (pick up litter, plant trees, etc.) I volunteered to be a Block Captain for a portion of the Monon Trail. KIB gave me some free supplies to help me start out (a nifty KIB trash bucket, lots of trash bags, gloves, a trash picker and a t-shirt). I've been an Adopt-a-Block Captain for almost a year now. Since then, I've walked lots of miles and picked up dozens (hundreds?) of buckets of litter. I've made friends with people I see regularly who use the trail where I pick up trash. I've had people come up to me and ask me about KIB (because they see me carrying my KIB trash bucket), and I'm always happy to sing this organization's praises and encourage others to adopt a block in their neighborhood, too. And KIB makes it super easy to do so. They are very inclusive and just want people to get involved in making their communities better places to live and play. I tend to enjoy picking up litter the most when I'm by myself, because it's become a meditative practice for me. But, I've also joined several litter-collecting projects that KIB has organized. These are always very well-thought-out, and they target areas of Indy that are under-cared-for and have a lot of litter lying around. During these events, it's nice to be around other people who love Indy and are as invested in it as much as you are. KIB has lots of projects happening all year, which is great because there is always something to do. I love this organization so much, and it's become a part of me and my lifestyle now. So much so, that one time, when my kids saw a KIB sign when we were out and about, they pointed to it and said, "Hey mom, that's you! That's the thing you do."

How had I never been in the Stutz building before this event?!…read more The car-factory-turned-arts-hub is unique for sure. The hundreds of rooms are rented by local artists and makers who use the space to elaborate on their art and/or host classes for the public. This event allows you to explore the whole plus. Add on the twinkle lights, fun crowd, and wine for an all-in-all great and funky evening. You can buy art, explore the interesting venue, or talk with local makers. Several of the artists also have classes throughout the year which is always interesting to learn more about. If you've never checked out this event, you definitely should to have your eyes opened to an artsy view into Indy!

Ok, how do you get into this place? I had that question for a long time but thanks to some Yelp…read morereviews and maps I finally figured it out. Here's my insight: This is for entering the complex from the south. There are two "alleys" that intersect each other at a right angle. The first alley is off Capitol close to 10th Street. It has an iron gateway which is easily identifiable. The other alley is off 10th Street. This one looks like it just dead ends into a garage door and it does, but that also where it intersects with the first alley. There's a small door next to the garage door which is the entrance. After entering you go through the door on the left to get to the main hallway. Wow that was a long way to explain entering the building, but once you know it's really simple. So... I went to the Holiday open house in December and it was amazing! The artists said the April one is even bigger but this was fantastic in its own right. There's 4 floors of artist, live music, food, and classic cars on display. If you enjoy attending First Friday gallery events this is a must try!

If you've ever read The Polk Street Review, then you've entered the world of the all-volunteer…read morenon-profit organization Community Education Arts, a 501c3 organization based in Noblesville. The Polk Street Review Project was really my introduction to the organization. It's an annual creative placemaking arts project that includes workshops, a podcast/short videos series, and the annual book. Each year, the book has a theme - for 2025, it's "Behind the Veil." Some will remember the organization as Logan Street Sanctuary, though the Logan Street property that formerly served as its home was sold to Noblesville Preservation Alliance in 2019. The mission of the organization is to promote greater awareness and encouragement for Creative Arts in Hamilton County and beyond. The organization provides projects, events, educational workshops, and other opportunities for creative spirits from Hamilton County and beyond. The organization's simple yet effective website contains a remarkable history of its events and is a powerful reminder of the impact that a small non-profit organization can have on promoting the arts in a community. There's much to love about Community Education Arts - from its volunteers to its community-based projects to the wonderful The Polk Street Review. If you're in the Noblesville area, especially, I'd no doubt take the time to check them out and get engaged with them.

This place is just cool. The exhibits are top notch and the whole building has a vibe that I…read moreventure to say Kurt himself would enjoy and approve of. Chris and Jen who work there are incredibly knowledgeable and nice humans.

I went for the 250th anniversary celebration. It was well organized. Staff try to be aware of…read moremobility issues. A tour was given and a lot of insights were gained that aren't just on the exhibits.

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.

I've been a volunteer with Starfish for over 2 years now, and it has been the most rewarding…read morevolunteer experience I've ever had. The program matches college graduates with high school students who are typically going to be first generation college students and whose families' income falls within a range similar to the requirements for the 21st century scholars program. I was matched with a wonderful scholar who needed a rematch in her sophomore year because her previous mentor had to withdraw from the program. We took art classes, visited colleges, explored some parks, museums and ate out at fun restaurants. We also worked on college applications and stressed waiting to hear back...and I'm thrilled to say my scholar just started this summer at IU!! I'm looking forward to exploring Bloomington with her on my upcoming visits! If you're looking for a volunteer experience that will give you the chance to build a relationship and help make a difference for a young person I highly recommend Starfish! Time commitment needs to be regular, at least twice a month face to face with texting and calls in between, but can be anytime and anywhere that works for you and your scholar. I'm signed up to be matched with a new freshman in addition to staying on as a mentor with my now post Starfish college student. I'm hoping some other Yelpers will join me!

Great organization. They have really made some strides and do some great work for high school…read morekids. Plus a beautiful uplifting well decorating facility.