Discover Indianapolis' unique galleries

Downtown is fortunate to have a collaborative group, The Indianapolis Downtown Artists and Dealers Association (IDADA), which is comprised of visual artists, art galleries and art-related businesses. It encompasses five of the cultural districts and is the sponsor of the "First Friday Art Tour". The "First Friday" event makes it easy to visit a variety of Downtown galleries and studios from 5 - 9 p.m. every first Friday of the month. For more information and a map of participating galleries, go to www.idada.org.

Broad Ripple Village
More than 14 galleries are located in Broad Ripple Village. Galleries such as Artistic Runway, the Hoosier Salon Gallery and Sigman's Gallery feature original works of art to admire and purchase.

Artifacts and the Bungalow both offer unique gifts and crafts. Artifacts features an extensive selection of superior design by American artists in a wide range of media. Its contemporary fine jewelry was voted "coolest" jewelry by Indianapolis Monthly Magazine readers. The Bungalow features furniture, art and decorative accessories for the home "for the past, present and future."

One of the best places to create, learn about and purchase art in Broad Ripple Village is at the Indianapolis Art Center. The Michael Graves-designed facility sits on 12 acres. With the addition of the outdoor ARTSPARK in 2005, art and nature have come together, allowing people to experience both in exciting ways. Indoor exhibits change throughout the year such as Glass in the Flame: A Contemporary Exploration of Venetian Design by Steven Sizelove, Inside/Outside: Paintings by Tim Kennedy and more.

For a complete directory, visit www.DiscoverBroadRippleVillage.com.

The Canal & White River State Park and Indiana Avenue
Two districts share a few outstanding galleries Downtown. The Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art (iMOCA) brings contemporary exhibitions and programs to stimulate minds, inspire new discoveries and demonstrate the vital connections between visual culture and life. Past exhibitions have included Peripheral View: New Installations by Jamie Pawlus and Ryan Wolfe, transforming both man-made and natural landscapes causing the viewer to become more aware of their everyday surroundings; Untitled Projects: Auto Economies, an exhibition of original handmade artworks by Conrad Bakker and many others.

The Herron School of Art and Design & Herron Galleries IUPUI offers coursework for art students and lovely creations for art seekers. The campus is located on the west side of Downtown with original sculptures located on the grounds and within the new 2005 building.

Also within the Indiana Avenue district, the Stutz Art Gallery is a haven for art lovers. Former home of the Stutz Automotive Factory, the building was converted into studio and office space and has promoted artists and their works since 2003. Exhibits rotate on a monthly basis.

For a complete directory visit www.DiscoverCanal.com and www.DiscoverIndianaAvenue.com.

Fountain Square
Fountain Square has an abundance of visual arts. The touted Murphy Art Center houses 23 artist studios, five galleries, offices, a cafe and an art supply store. It's a must see for art aficionados including Big Car Media and Big Car Gallery, Collective Art Gallery, Flux and Galerie Penumbra.

Since 2001, the Wheeler Arts Community has hosted a wide range of cultural events and educational programs. In addition, 36 live/work lofts for artists along with arts program space for the University of Indianapolis can be found here.

For a complete directory, visit www.DiscoverFountainSquare.com.

Mass Ave
Known as the arts and entertainment district, Mass Ave includes eight galleries which offer a variety of art media. From contemporary and fine art works to fascinating photography, something unique can be found here. Most galleries can be found in the 600 - 900 blocks on Massachusetts Avenue including 4 Star Gallery, Dean Johnson Design and Gallery, Franklin Berry Gallery and The Frame Shop, Kuaba Fine Art Gallery, LAMP Fine Art Gallery, Loudermilk Photography and Gallery and McFee Gallery of Modern Art. Additionally, the Artistic Spirit Gallery and Ruschman Art Gallery are just off the avenue.

For a complete directory, visit www.DiscoverMassAve.com.

Wholesale District
While this district doesn't house specific galleries, art is abundant. The Indianapolis Artsgarden is an attraction in itself. This unique $12 million glass-domed structure rises seven stories above street level and offers free performances and exhibits yearlong.

The district is proud of its architecture. It includes the city's largest surviving collection of 19th- and early 20th-century commercial buildings. Add to that the 1916 Hilbert Circle Theatre and 1928 Indiana Repertory Theatre and the history pours through the city's center. The 284-foot Soldiers and Sailors Monument is Indianapolis' icon commemorating Indiana's heroes who served in the Civil War.

For a complete directory, visit www.DiscoverWholesaleDistrict.com.