Cheetah Exhibit Planned at Indy Zoo

"The Indianapolis Zoo plans to open a cheetah exhibit during Memorial Day weekend in 2010," reports The Indianapolis Star

"Michael Crowther, chief executive officer of the zoo, said work has begun on the linear, one-acre exhibit that will house the big cats, native to Africa and dwindling to a wild population estimated at 7,500."

Prelude Awards Announced

The 2009 Prelude Awards, recognizing arts students in Marion County, were announced Friday (6 February). The winners are:

Collaboration: Jimmy Andrews, Paul Haney, Frank Loftus, David Meyer and Kenneth Quilaton, Roncalli High School, 1st place; Amber Brewer and Jasmine Walker, Broad Ripple High School, 2nd place

Creative Writing: Rebecca Boyle, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, 1st place; Laura Appelt, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, 2nd place

Dance: Gregory Manning, II, Broad Ripple High School, 1st place; Taylor Fengya, Franklin Central High School, 2nd place

Instrumental Music: Cameron Cecil, Park Tudor School, 1st place; Diana Hsieh, Perry Meridian High School, 2nd place

Theater: Allan Washington, Pike High School, 1st place; Emily Krauter, Lawrence Central High School, 2nd place

Video/Film: Brandon Walsh, Perry Meridian High School, 1st place; Ethan Wellin, North Central High School, 2nd place

Visual Arts: Rebecca Hamm, Pike High School, 1st place; Claire Engelhardt, North Central High School, 2nd place

Vocal Music: Ian Williams, North Central High School, 1st place; Emma Cudahy, North Central High School, 2nd place

Now celebrating its 25th year, the Prelude Awards provide youth with opportunities to learn through the arts. Developed in 1984, they are a long-standing collaboration between the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and the Penrod Society.

New Exhibits at the Museum of Miniature Houses

Among the new exhibits at the Museum of Miniature Houses and Other Collections is a complete collection of miniature settings by the Centracchio's. This display includes a roombox depicting Prof. Snapes dressing room (from the Harry Potter Series).

The Museum, 111 East Main Street, Carmel, is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults, and $2 for children under 10.

Solid Waste Services Update

Residential trash collection has returned to its regular schedule, according to the Indianapolis mayor's office.

Any residences that did not receive service last week due to weather conditions will receive a double pickup this week on their regularly scheduled trash collection day.

Poets Read at the Writers' Center

Stephen Roberts and Richard Pflum will read their poems beginning at 7 p.m. 8 February in the Indiana Writers’ Center, 820 East 67th Street, Indianapolis.

Rumor has it that Stephen and Richard “might knock your socks off with their unorthodox collusions with the Muse.”

Airport Terminal Hotel On Hold

Plans for a 250-room hotel connected to the new Indianapolis International Airport terminal are in the deep freeze as the lodging industry contends with vacancies at a 20-year high, reports the Indianapolis Business Journal.

Art & Soul at the Artsgarden

Among the full calendar of events is the 12:15 p.m. performance 4 February of the Crispus Attacks High School Band. They'll play jazz favorites at the Indianapolis Artsgarden, above the intersection of Illinois and Washington streets, as part of Art & Soul.

The annual celebration of African-American art and artists in Indiana features a diverse lineup of music, poetry, storytelling, dance, and visual art.

This signature program of the Arts Council of Indianapolis showcases some of the state's most creative African-American artists during Black History Month in February. All of the Art & Soul performances are free and open to the public.