Big Car bringing arts events to eight Indianapolis neighborhoods

Big Car, the arts collective in Fountain Square, embarks this month on a series of neighborhood events that include storytelling, drawing and installations.

Dubbed “Made for Each Other,” the program brings professional artists to eight urban neighborhoods, where they and the residents work on unique projects. Six of the events are happening this year on the west side, near-east side, Binford Boulevard area, near-west side, Lafayette Square and Crooked Creek.

“Made for Each Other” culminates with a celebration at the Central Library on Dec. 15. The program is funded by a 2009 grant of $50,000 from the Great Indy Neighborhoods Initiative.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Oct. 9, near-east-side residents show drawings of their homes as part of a grand-opening celebration for street improvements near 10th and Rural streets. The drawings will be incorporated into a neighborhood mural.

• Oct. 16, “Test Fest,” a temporary environmental art installation in the Skiles Test Nature Park. Eleven artists and artist groups from Indianapolis, New York and California will create temporary works from materials gathered in the park.

• Oct. 29, Hootenanny Fiesta, Hawthorne Community Center in Haughville. The west-of-downtown neighborhood festival will showcase works by residents, including drawings and collage art.

• Nov. 13, Saraga Market international grocery store near 34th Street and Lafayette Road will be the scene of a “feast of cultures,” featuring history lessons and food demonstrations.