Indy offers artistic endeavors

Still in Bloomington this summer and wondering what to do with your full tank of gas? Indianapolis, the nation's 12th largest city, is a little over an hour away and is packed with things to do. In fact, the early summer is the best time to visit Indy. \nThe Indianapolis 500, which happens this year on Sunday, puts the city on the map. This year marks the 87th running of the annual race, and tickets are available for as little as $20. While the race lasts for only one day, qualifications and practices take place nearly every day and are open to the public for a minimal fee. \nIndianapolis also boasts several sports teams that have summer seasons. The WNBA team, the Indiana Fever, and the men's soccer team, the Indiana Blast, have games until the end of August. \nIf sports are not your style, Indy offers several art and cultural opportunities. The city is home to many art galleries, such as the G.C. Luca Gallery, 4930 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis Art Center, 820 E. 67th St., and the Kuaba Gallery, 876 Massachusetts Ave., most of which have no admission fee. For a small price, art and history fans can also visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Rd., which offers an abundance of art from different cultures, periods and movements. \nHistoric artifacts also can be found in the nation's largest children's museum, the Indianapolis Children's Museum, 3000 N. Meridian St. The Children's Museum is home to dinosaur fossils, a mummy, numerous collections and the Cinedome, similar to an IMAX theatre. Indianapolis also boasts having a large collection of Native American art and artifacts in the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, 500 W. Washington St. \nThe newest addition to museums in Indy is the Indiana State Museum, which was relocated to 650 W. Washington St. The building facade features art that highlights each Hoosier county, an Indiana history exhibit and an IMAX theatre. Coming to the IMAX theatre in June is the underwater exploration film, "Coral Reef Adventure."\nIndianapolis has no shortage of theatres; one can always find a show in production. \nThe American Cabaret Theatre, 401 E. Michigan St., currently is doing a run of the original musical revue "May Madness." The only year-round equity theatre in Indianapolis, Beef & Boards, 9301 N. Michigan Rd., is just ending its run of "MAME," and "Peter Pan" will open May 29. The Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington St., is showcasing "The Immigrant" until Sunday before it shuts down for the summer. \nThe Indianapolis Civic Theatre, adjacent to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, presents its last show of the summer, the musical "Lend Me a Tenor," until Saturday. \nIndy is also home to contemporary theatres such as the Phoenix Theatre, 749 N. Park Ave., and Theatre on the Square, 627 Massachusetts Ave. Phoenix is offering performances of "The Home Team" until Sunday and "La Sangre Llama" until June 1. TOTS is putting on the musical "When Pigs Fly" until June 14.\nWhile many opportunities in Indianapolis are inexpensive, free activities might be what you're looking for. The best free activity offered in Indy is the Canal Walk located by White River Gardens. The Canal is lined with jogging trails, fountains and murals depicting Indiana history and life. If you do have a few dollars, bicycles and paddleboats are available for hourly and half-hourly rent. \nWhite River Gardens is home to the Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St.; however, it does charge $9.75 admission. The zoo houses many species of animals and features dolphin and walrus shows, a new baby elephant and an upcoming rhino exhibit. \nRegardless of your interests and budget, Indianapolis is a great resource for activities less than a tank of gas away. \nAdditional information on these attractions and other establishments and festivals can be found by visiting www.indy.org.