Saveur Salutes Hollyhock Hill

There it is, right on the cover of the July 2008 issue of Saveur magazine: Hollyhock Hill's iconic fried chicken -- saluted as a favorite of the American road.

Overlook the reporting errors in the story (Eli Lilly & Co. is not "Eli Lilly pharmaceuticals", and it's not located "nearby" the restaurant -- for example), and indulge a smile at our moment of culinary fame.

Mud Dauber Ethics

"Mud Dauber Ethics" is the title of an exhibition of ceramic sculpture and wall work by Tim Ryan. It'll be open through 22 June at the Indianapolis Art Center, 820 East 67th Street, Indianapolis, where Ryan is a long-time instructor.

UIndy's Campus Sculpure Walk Open Thru August

The 2007-2008 edition of the outdoor Campus Sculpture Walk at the University of Indianapolis, open through August, features 17 pieces by 16 artists from seven states.

The large-scale works are located throughout the 65-acre campus at 1400 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis. (That's Sol y Sombra by Bernie Carreno in the photo.)

A map and further information on the artists and their work are available here or in print at the Department of Art & Design office in the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center on the UIndy campus.

Indy Jazz Fest set for 13-15 June

Weird, but true. the American Pianists Association -- an organization whose mission is to discover, promote and advance the careers of young American jazz and classical pianists -- puts on the Indy Jazz Fest each summer.

This year's 10th annual fest is a three-day event with two stages that feature top regional and national performers in jazz, blues, roots, rhythm and blues and more that serves as a fund raiser for the APA.

Tickets can be purchased at all Central Indiana Kroger stores, online, and at Military Park on the day of the event. Advance sale prices at the Kroger Stores until 13 June are $25 per day and $65 for a three day pass. Cash only sales at the park are $25 Friday, $35 Saturday, $35 Sunday and $65 for a three-day pass.

Call 317:940-9945 for more information.

Artists of All Stripes Put The Indie in Indianapolis

Yesterday's Washington Post had a delightful travel section feature on Indianapolis marred by only one tiny, tiny quibble. The author concludes, "I raced downtown and flew through the doors of the Indianapolis Museum of Art." Which, of course, she couldn't have done -- because it's, ummmm, not downtown.

To read Andrea Sachs' article, go here!

Centennial Fever

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is gearing up for three years' of festivities to celebrate its centennial.

After yesterday's successful 92nd running of the Indianapolis "500", they've begun letting the public know what's in store for 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Construction the track began in 1909, and the first 500-Mile race was held in 1911.

Head to Brownsburg, Race Fans!

Brownsburg Motorsports Network plans a free open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday so race fans in town for Sunday's Indianapolis "500" can get an up-close, hands-on look inside the shops of top drag, Indy Lights, Thunder Roadsters and Formula One teams and racing manufacturers.

In all, 13 businesses will open their doors to the public.

Indy Crowns Its Queen-for-May

Karle Schaefer of Franklin (pictured) was selected the 2008 500 Festival Queen at the annual Breakfast at the Brickyard, held yesterday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

A senior at Franklin College majoring in Elementary Education, Schaefer, 21, is one of 33 women selected for the 2008 500 Festival Princess Program, serving as ambassadors for the 500 Festival and Indianapolis "500".

Princess Corianne Warrick of Linton, a senior at the University of St. Francis majoring in Biology and Chemistry, and Princess Savannah Lien of Greencastle, a 2008 graduate of IUPUI with a degree in Psychology and American History, were chosen as 2008 Princess Court members.

North-of-Downtown Development Continues

The Tower at Stutz Business Center is the name for a proposed 18-story condo/office mixed-use project to be developed by Turner Woodard.

Located at 11th Street and Capitol Avenue, it'll include four floors of parking, two to four floors of offices at 17,200 square feet per floor and 12 floors of residential condos topped with six penthouses. Completion is targeted in 2010.

A new CVS pharmacy is expected to replace the iconic IHOP on the southeast corner of 16th and Meridian streets in the next year. It'll be across the street from a Walgreen's (of course).

Bike To Work Downtown Friday

Friday (16 May) is National Bike to Work day!

Downtown, you can park your bike in one of 23 free BikePorts (46 bikes total) in the Canal & White River State Park district. BikePorts are secure bike lockers located at The National Institute for Fitness and Sport, Indiana Government Center and Merchants Garage.

Before heading downtown, create an account here. You can reserve a locker at home or on site by calling 888:310-7275. Additional BikePorts are being added to Eli Lilly & Co.'s campus and AMPCO/System Parking at the Chase Tower.

"Slinging Doughnuts for the Boys"

Dr. James H. Madison (left), a professor of history at Indiana University Bloomington, will discuss his recent book, Slinging Doughnuts for the Boys: An American Woman in World War II, at noon 21 May in the Indiana History Center, downtown, as part of the "Reading Life" series.

The book focuses on Elizabeth Richardson, a Red Cross Clubmobile worker from Mishawaka, who worked in Europe serving coffee and doughnuts to men going to and returning from combat. Using her diary, letters, paintings, and photographs, Madison shows Richardson's experiences in World War II. Elizabeth was killed in a plane crash over France in July 1945, and is buried at the American Cemetery in Normandy.

Habitat Home & Garden Tour

The Cottage Home Neighborhood Association invites you to attend a twilight reception and home and garden tour spotlighting the creative habitats of Cottage Home, one of Indianapolis's most charming historic areas, next weekend (17-18 May), reports Joan Hostetler.

The weekend begins on Friday (16 May) with an evening reception and tour showcasing the Ruskaup Mansion and adjacent 1870s brick commercial building. The reception features gourmet appetizers created by Indianapolis chef Rebecca Hostetter and music performed by Indianapolis-based trio Tonos Triad and building contractor/harmonica player Joe B. Schwarz.

This year's habitat-themed tour highlights the living spaces of the many inhabitants who live in Cottage Home neighborhood. Tour-goers can view twelve eclectic cottages selected to showcase the creative and diverse decorating styles of our two-legged residents, as well as explore several backyard habitats, our community garden, and new playground. Home and garden enthusiasts will see restorations, completed and in progress, and meet homeowners happy to discuss their home's history and share renovation stories and tips.

Several of the homes have used green building techniques and feature yards certified as Backyard Wildlife Habitats through the National Wildlife Federation. Throughout the weekend visitors can sample fabulous homemade refreshments while listening to live music in the Cottage Home Park.

Tickets for Friday's 6-9 p.m. twilight tour and reception are $35, and include the wine and appetizer reception and a ticket to the weekend tour. Reservations are required by email or telephone, 317:639-2814.

The Home and Garden Tour is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 day-of-tour.

For more information, call Maribeth Bailey (317:752-1816) or contact Joan Hostetler, 317:639-2814.

Regional Dance America Mid-States Festival

Indy's right in the middle of the Regional Dance America Mid-States Festival, concluding tomorrow. The "Circle of Dance", held for the first time in Indianapolis, includes classes, lectures, social events -- and evening performances showcasing the member companies, held in the Pike Performing Arts Center, 6701 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis.

The Central Indiana Dance Ensemble is the hosting organization.

Peterson Becomes Academic

Former Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson has accepted an appointment as a visiting professor of public policy at Ball State University.

According to Ball State, Peterson initially will lead a graduate course in metropolitan problems at the university's Indianapolis Center during the upcoming fall semester. He will also teach a class in community planning on the main campus in spring 2009.

Both courses will be co-listed by the Department of Political Science and the College of Architecture and Planning, include an undergraduate component and be simulcast by closed-circuit videoconference between the two sites.

In addition, Peterson will deliver between two and four public lectures for both campus and community audiences and conduct up to five workshops for community leaders around the state as an outreach effort of the university's Bowen Center for Public Affairs, though the schedule and locations for those sessions are yet to be determined.

Rapid Transit Route Decided?

Central Indiana officials have identified a possible rapid transit route along the northeast side of Indianapolis and will soon begin taking public input, reports Inside INdiana Business.

The rapid transit corridor would run along the State Fair Train route which begins north of Fishers and runs to Union Station in downtown Indianapolis. Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization Manager Mike Dearing says the route is already owned by a public entity, The Hoosier Heritage Port Authority.

Less Than Two Hours Left to Vote

Get thee to thy polling place before 6 p.m.

Don't know where it is?

Go here now!

And, if you've already been to the polls, this should amuse you:
Click here to read our last hurrah on the national political stage. Or, as Hoosier Ron Klain writes, "All Roads Lead to Indiana" (but, then, we all know that!).

And, now (finally) we have some poster kids for the "Supreme Court won't let us vote anymore" ruling:

"About 12 Indiana nuns were turned away Tuesday from a polling place [in South Bend] by a fellow bride of Christ because they didn't have state or federal identification bearing a photograph."

Click here to read the whole sorry mess!

The Meaning of the Word "Hoosier"

Where does the word "Hoosier" originate? Learn some of the possible answers in a presentation by Hanover University professor Jonathan Clark Smith at noon Wednesday (7 May) in the Cole Porter Room of the Indiana History Center in Indianapolis.

Dr. Smith does not profess to know the origin of the word, but his research into when it became popular and its original use helps get us all a little closer to solving the most perplexing mystery in Indiana's history.

It's part of the IHS Speakers Series, and admission is free.

Radical Lace & Subversive Knitting

The practices of knitting, crocheting, and lace-making have experienced a phenomenal rise to prominence in the work of contemporary artists, notes the Indiana State Museum in introducing a show called "Radical Lace & Subversive Knitting" (who knew?)

Their vision uses fiber to explore line and space, marrying traditional methods, such as knitting needles and crochet hooks, with new technologies and materials that include rubber, lead, glass, industrial wire shelving and found objects. (Not to mention the unexpected -- check out the edging of that doily by Hildur Bjarnadóttir in the photo by Richard Goodbody).

Organized and circulated by the Museum of Arts & Design in New York, “Radical Lace & Subversive Knitting” showcases works ranging from obsessive miniatures to architectural interventions, video installations, and performance and participatory pieces.

It'll be on display at the Indiana State Museum, 650 West Washington Street (White River State Park), Indianapolis, through 24 August.

Broad Ripple Art Fair

The 38th annual Broad Ripple Art Fair includes more than 225 artists. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 17 and 18 May across from the Indianapolis Art Center.

Admission is $15 for adults and $2 for ages 3-12.

Shoe Fleur: A Footwear Fantasy

“Reality with a Twist”. That’s how Michel Tcherevkoff sees his mind-bending images, now on display at Dean Johnson Design Gallery.

Shoe Fleur is a jaw-dropping virtual show of shoes, bags, and boots…crafted from fresh flowers (it's also a book -- see photo). Tcherevkoff has a background in advertising and conceptual photography – and this collection was designed with the sole intent of intriguing the artistic and creative eye. Don’t miss this floral fantasy, on display through 26 June at 646 Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis.

Indy's Own Frozen Custard Company Sold to New Yorkers

The family owners of Ritter's Frozen Custard have agreed to sell the popular homegrown chain to New York-based TruFoods LLC for an undisclosed price, according to The Indianapolis Business Journal.

Bob Ritter, CEO of parent RFC Franchising LLC, confirmed the deal in an interview with IBJ this morning (2 May). He said the chain's headquarters and most of its staff will remain in Indianapolis.

Two Indy Landmarks Named to Endangered List

Indiana’s 10 Most Endangered historic places in 2008 includes two in Indy: Bush Stadium and IPS School 97, the James Roberts School, 1401 East Tenth Street.

Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana announced the 2008 list today, launching National Preservation Month in Indiana. Sites remain on the Most Endangered list until they’re declared safe or no longer in immediate danger.