Let’s explore indie art spots in Indianapolis
Indianapolis is full of fantastic museums and fun art events for families. But when was the last time you explored someplace new? Join us off the beaten path at one of these unique art spaces and discover all the independent art Indy has to offer.
This near Eastside gallery always has something new to offer (nail art workshop anyone?) and frequently pairs with other Indy organizations for unique art experiences. Follow them on Instagram to find out which upcoming event is for you!
Location: 3328 East 10th St, Suite C
Hours: Vary - see the website or Instagram for upcoming events.
Arts for Lawrence Visual Arts Center and Gallery
This community center includes gallery space and art classes for all ages. In addition to an onsite ceramics studio, they feature classes such as Wine (BYOB) and Paint and kid’s craft sessions.
Location: 8920 Otis Ave. Lawrence, on the Fort Ben Cultural Campus
Hours: Fridays 6-9 pm
Bonus: Fort Ben Cultural Campus
Discover a diverse array of family-friendly activities here including two free outdoor concert series: Fridays at the Fort and Classical Sundays. Don’t miss the permanent installation of Musical Swings, an interactive musical installation (Open from 9 AM - 10 PM, every day).
Location: 8920 Otis Ave. Lawrence
Hours: Vary by event. See website for details.
Stay in the loop with this extensive list covering all things arts and culture by Indy Arts Guide.
Circle City Industrial Complex (CCIC)
There’s plenty to see at CCIC, with almost 200 tenants and over half a million square feet! You’ll want to plan ahead to make the most of your visit. The main gallery (The Schwitzer Gallery) is open weekdays 9am-5pm. Most artist studios are open on First Fridays.
1125 Brookside Ave.
Hours: Vary, plan your visit here.
Bonus: Full Circle Nine Gallery at Circle City Industrial Complex
This gallery was brought to life by local artists inspired to create a home for their art and a home for artists to come together and co-create. With artworks by a diverse group of 2 dozen artists, you’re sure to find something unique while supporting the local art community.
Location: 1125 Brookside Ave. Suite B21 (South Studios)
Hours: Every Friday 6-9 pm, Saturday-Sunday 12-4 pm
As the only art gallery in Broadripple, Gallery 6202 welcomes visitors with a sign out front declaring they are “Not Stuffy.” With offerings to fit every budget, you’ll feel right at home in this Broadripple bungalow. Browse a wide array of art including paintings, sculptures, fused glass, and locally crafted jewelry.
Location: 6202 N. College Ave.
Hours: Thursday-Saturday 1-7 pm, Sunday 1-5 pm, Closed Monday-Wednesday
Gallery 924 is currently showing IMPRINT/IMPRESS-learn about the different techniques of printmaking and see the tools of the trade, including a printing press that’s shorter than a can of soda!
Featured artists:
Lorie Lee Andrews, Marshelle Broadwell, Jody Bruns, Kalleen Chilcote, Rosa María Dies, Katherine Fries, Melissa Nees Hauger, Mallory Hodgkin, Sharla Jean Hoskin, James Hubbard, Sherry Long, Bianca Peña, Josh Phillippe, Jolynn Reigeluth, Betty Scarpino, Aren Straiger, Lisa VanMeter, Liz Wierzbicki, and Carrie Wild
Location: 924 N. Pennsylvania St.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm
A look inside Gallery 924.
This artful offering from Indy Parks features cultural and art exhibitions in its free galleries, a literary arts library, and spaces for art classes and performing arts shows. Kids will love visiting the literary arts room on Saturdays for free Arts for All projects. Peek their website for a steady flow of special events.
Bonus: Fans of British period dramas can boogie like the Bridgerton’s on English Country Dancing nights.
Location: 2432 Conservatory Drive
Summer Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 1-5 pm, closed Sunday-Monday
RELATED READING: Reconnecting with Native art at The Eiteljorg
Visit the Harrison Center downtown where you can take a self-guided tour of their galleries and 65,000-square-foot historic building, for FREE! With an emphasis on providing accessible experiences to the community, there is something for everyone in this unique space. Also, don’t miss Artmix, a nonprofit organization located inside Harrison Center for the Arts. Artmix is transforming the lives of people with disabilities through the creation of art. With six core programs and additional special projects, ArtMix serves more than 7,000 people annually.
Location: 1505 N. Delaware St.
Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm
Bonus: Art Dish at Harrison Center for the Arts
For distinguished palettes (and checkbooks), Art Dish is a monthly dinner series pairing local chefs and artists that combines fine dining with the fine arts. Devour tasty dishes in the gallery while being entertained by lyrical dancers.
Location: 1505 N. Delaware St.
Hours: Held monthly and sells out frequently. Snag tickets before they are all gobbled up here.
Artmix Gallery location in the Harrison Center for the Arts.
Herron School of Art and Design
The Galleries at Herron feature art, sculpture, photography, and more from Herron students, alumni, and staff as well as contemporary artists. Open year-round and always free to the public for viewing. With up to 20 different exhibitions and events planned for the year, there is always something new to experience while supporting art education.
Pro-tip: Park at the Sports Complex Garage adjacent to Eskenazi Hall or on levels 5 and 6 of the Riverwalk Garage. The galleries will validate your parking for free.
2 locations: 735 W. New York St. or 1410 Indiana Ave.
Hours: Vary by location. For more information, visit their exhibitions page.
Indianapolis Arts Center and ARTSPARK
This is a one-stop shop for artists, art lovers, and artist wannabes! With six galleries, extended hours, and free public entry, this is a can’t miss for Hoosiers. In addition to rotating art exhibits, they offer an extensive list of classes including one-day make-and-take classes for all ages to be artists for a day (or a couple of hours). No visit is complete without going out back to ARTSPARK, an outdoor park featuring over 9 acres of interactive art and sculptures. Kids will love exploring, playing, and climbing their way through this unique outdoor space.
Location: 820 E. 67th St.
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-10pm, Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 12-6pm (ARTSPARK open dawn to dusk)
Did you Know? The Indy Arts Council awards grants to central Indiana artists and arts administrators every year. Apply here!
When was the last time you stepped inside the Artsgarden downtown? This gorgeous glass dome hosts over 250 live performances throughout the year as well as monthly rotating exhibitions featuring Hoosier artists, students, and local organizations. Free and open daily-perfect for a quick stop anytime you’re downtown to see what’s new. COMING SOON: Spring Sing (April 11-27) Indiana Central Highschools will be preforming concerts in the first annual Spring Sing
Location: 110 W. Washington St.
Hours: 6:30am-6:30pm; check site for events calendar
There is plenty to discover at Lost Dog Gallery, with changing collections by local Indy artists. Don’t miss this Holy Cross neighborhood stop next time you venture out for First Fridays in Indy.
Location: 1040 E New York St
Hours: Open First and Last Fridays 5 pm-9 pm and by appointment.
Featuring four art galleries with ever-changing exhibits, Tube Factory Artspace is part gallery, part community center, and welcoming to all. This independent nonprofit is run by artists and has plenty of space for kids (and moms) to explore and discover. They offer rotating contemporary art exhibits including interactive art, an onsite reference library, and even free books for kids and teens. Don’t miss their indoor and outdoor gathering spaces for community use.
Location: 1125 S. Cruft St.
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday & Sunday 8am-3pm
Arts for All Fest is a FREE event open to people of ALL ages and abilities. (Image Credit: ArtMix)
Upcoming Indy Art Events:
This free for all ages festival is held by ArtMix, a local nonprofit that ensures access to the arts for people with disabilities. Make your own art to take home at one of their creation stations, groove to good music, and shop to support local artists.
Location: 1505 N. Delaware St.
Date: 2023 Date will be announced soon!
This outdoor market at the Indianapolis Arts Center features local artists, collectors, and creators selling unique offerings monthly through the summer. Bring the kiddos and let them explore the ARTSPARK while you shop in peace!
Hours: 12-5 pm
2023 Summer Season: June 4th, July 9th, & August 6th
Indy’s art scene has so much to offer, we hope you’re inspired to try a new destination the next time you step out for a dose of culture. And don’t forget to tag us when you go - we love to see it!
