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 was in Northeast Indy for a work conference and needed a gym. This place had great reviews. The…read moreequipment was amazing and the facility was clean. I was able to use my own Y membership as you can visit all facilities across the nation. So it's a great value. The staff were very helpful in giving me a quick tour!

I really like this Y location. My only ding is the lack of a sauna and/or whirlpool. Otherwise,…read morethey have it all. Great selection of equipment, lots of room between machines, two nice pools, and friendly staff. I usually come early on week day mornings and it's not too busy (but far from empty. Nice locker rooms too! They also have a large kids area and a few meeting/community rooms. They do a great job keeping the place clean.

Our foodie group went to Mud Creek Players one Saturday afternoon after brunch to see the play "I…read morelove you, you're perfect . . .now change." This was my first time coming here to see a play, so I was looking forward to the performance. It has been a long time since I have seen a play at a local community theater, so this was a treat for me. The play did not disappoint me at all. The actors did a wonderful job with the performance. The play is based on a Broadway musical, and it had a little bit of everything from singing to acting with different skits throughout the play. I was laughing and even crying a little bit throughout the play. Mud Creek Players is a great venue in Indianapolis that offers community theater plays and sketches for entertainment. The interior is definitely like an old style stage and theater with a concession stand in the front. All proceeds from the concession stand sales go towards a foundation for the theater. It is a very nice venue and the staff are wonderful and friendly. The play was excellent and entertaining like I said earlier, and it was worth the ticket price of $20. I'm glad I was able to see a play here at Mud Creek Players, and will definitely come back here again to see a play because it was great entertainment for a Saturday afternoon. So glad Indy has culture available to us!

Enjoyable outdoor version of Alice in Wonderland. The large cast did an awesome job considering…read morethe limitations of having to move/remove props themselves as the action progresses. The audience was seated either at tables or were free to sit on the grass. Several groups brought blankets to spread out with some bringing food to eat while they watched the performance. It was a great low key performance. Although tickets were free they did need to be reserved in advance. And donations are accepted which I didn't realize until a friend noticed a small sign and basket on the way out. So if you go and enjoy the performance I'm sure donations are most welcome.

I'm truly surprised with our experience at this center. I toured several centers before finally…read moreselecting one. Tara was amazing, quick in answering questions and understood my time is valuable. Valarie is always friendly in the morning and I cannot say enough about the teachers in the Octo room, Ms. Taylor & Ms. Stephanie. Don't let the big name scare you away, this center is more like a family.

Our family has been with the Goddard school in Geist for years now. Sending both boys has been…read morenothing but the best . Ms, Valerie, Ms. Tara are the phenomenal core to this establishment. The communication and genuine compassion they have for each child is commendable and inspirational. Ms. Liz has been beyond amazing to our youngest three year old who was the pivotal moment in our short potty training journey. Less than a week. I must say I feel very thankful to put my boys through such a safe and educational program.

The staff is warm, inviting friendly. And has been very accommodating. My child comes home from…read moreschool most days, and shares what he has learned. Kiddie Academy is always doing new and exciting activities that involve the children. I feel that my child is loved and safe. I am a mother of several children, and I am highly satisfied with the curriculum at Kiddie Academy. I truly believe that this is a great program to start your child off to be ready for elementary school. I have witnessed many of the teachers in different classrooms interact with the children. I am pleased with what I have seen. I highly recommend taking your child here to not only learn and grow, but to be cared for as well.

I am in love with this daycare! We were at a different daycare about 10 minutes away from this…read morelocation.....and moving to this place was the best decision I've made! We are In the infant room and the ladies in there are amazing! Our first day, when we walked in they said "This must be Ella!"...this was a huge difference from the first day at the other daycare where no one was there to let me in the building. They are accurate with bottle feeding times and amount, diaper changes, and nap times. They send you a daily report about the activities she did and also how these activities help with her development. We also get a photo each day around lunch time! When I drop her off they are welcoming and she smiles so big. They also tell me every morning to have a great day at work! It's the little things. Great place and I would recommend it to everyone!

We just hosted my daughter's 7th birthday party at Code Ninjas Fishers, and I cannot say enough…read moregood things about the experience! From the very beginning, Jerica and her amazing team went above and beyond to create something truly special. My daughter has some very unique interests (robots, Star Wars, and Wicked), and Jerica worked with me to design a one-of-a-kind theme: "Sparkle Side vs. The Dark Side: The Birthday Battle Begins." The kids had an absolute blast building and coding dancing robots with LEGO Spike technology, then hopped into Minecraft to create either a lightsaber or Glinda wand. It was creative, engaging, and so much fun to watch! The staff were unbelievably kind, patient, and knowledgeable--helping kids of all ages and coding experience levels feel included. They even set up separate tablets and toys so my 4-year-old son could participate. The facility itself is spotless, modern, and welcoming, and the party package was a great value. It included pizza, party favor bags, and more. The best part? Kids were either crying because they didn't want to leave or begging to come back tomorrow. That's how you know it was a hit! Thank you to Jerica and the entire Code Ninjas Fishers team for making this such a memorable and joyful celebration. We'll definitely be back!