African Dance with Uzuri
2023-05-17 19:30 - 21:00, 2023-05-31 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis (CAMi), 1125 Cruft St., Indianapolis, IN, 46203, United States
Join Uzuri Asad, artist in Big Car’s Public Life Residency, for a dose of culture, self-care, and community as we explore rhythms from West Africa and other parts of the Diaspora. Give your body and soul a moment to reflect and progress all at once, meet Asad on the floor!
$10

Lunch at Lockerbie featuring Live Performance by Kristen Bales
2023-05-18 11:30 - 13:30 | Lockerbie Marketplace, 320 N New Jersey St, Indianapolis, IN, United States
Join us on Thursday at Lockerbie Marketplace — a lovely downtown greenspace next to Needler’s Fresh Market. Ping pong, foosball, and giant Jenga are always available for additional entertainment.
This week enjoy live music by Kristen Bales, Numerology readings by Ellen Robinson, and wood-fired cuts of meat, poultry, seafood & vegetables by Guacho Fire.

About Kristen Bales
Kristen Bales is an indie-alternative/rock artist out of Indianapolis, Indiana. With a voice that at times appears relaxed and pristine, like the sweet crooning of Norah Jones, but at times crashes against the heavy, soul-filled tones of Janis Joplin, Kristen turns to roots of jazz to exemplify genres of blues, rock, and soul.
About Ellen Robinson
I am an Indiana native and started painting in 2007 when my business coach at the time handed me canvas, paints and brush and said: PAINT. I initially resisted, saying to my coach: I DON’T PAINT. After a few minutes I realized I was not getting off the hook and so I begrudgingly began to paint. I felt a feeling that was unfamiliar at the time … the feeling I know now to be FREE. I’ve been painting ever since.
I believe we are all uniquely wired to live our true expression in the world. Me for me and you for you. And that THIS is the greatest act of service. I do not paint a specific thing or have a specific technique. I paint when I have something to say. Sometimes this is literally with words and sometimes not. All of it is me expressing my lifeforce energy on canvas.
Each piece I paint is for someone, whether I know who that is at the time I paint it, or not. I love when people ask me to paint something just for them and I also love it when someone sees as piece of mine online or at a show and feel so drawn to it, that they know they must have it. I think this is the best way to buy anything, including art, if it feels good in your bones, it’s for YOU.

All events are free at 320 N New Jersey Street in the greenspace right off the Cultural Trail.

Jay Elliot-Lunch Break Live Tuesdays presented by Lake City Bank
2023-05-30 11:00 - 13:00 | 1 Monument Circle, South Facing Steps, United States
Join us for the soft return of SPARK Monument Circle with live music from Jay Elliot! Food trucks, Gauchos Fire and Wild Boar BBQ, will be onsite starting at 11am. Music performance 12-1pm.

Since fronting acclaimed Indianapolis-based rock outfit Stereo Deluxe, J. Elliott has become known for his riveting and dynamic solo live performances, both with just acoustic guitar and full band. With the release of his new single, “How To Be A Man”, he is again revealing to the world his ability to deftly create smart, insightful songs about his life and observations… while growing a devoted audience that is fully aware of how special and unique his voice and songs truly are.

We at Big Car are teaming up with Downtown Indy and the City of Indianapolis — with support from the Capital Improvement Board and the Indiana War Memorials Commission— to spark Monument Circle with human-scale activities like games, live music, artmaking, and socializing in a comfortable place. We’re based in the southwest quadrant.

Boo! A knitting/graffiti project with Mary Jo Bayliss
2023-06-03 13:00 - 15:00 | Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis (CAMi), 1125 Cruft St., Indianapolis, IN, 46203, United States
A free gathering where knitting and graffiti collide! Simultaneously inspired by traditional knitting and graffiti, this ever-evolving piece combines fiber adjacent activities, coloring sheets derived from graffiti and knitting motifs, and opportunities for participants to share their creative path stories.
You are invited to come join the fun, because without YOU, Boo, this project can’t happen.
About the artist
Mary Jo Bayliss specializes in creating environments that help people feel at ease using space, light and color to achieve these goals.

Emma Hall-Lunch Break Live Tuesdays presented by Lake City Bank
2023-06-06 11:30 - 13:30 | 1 Monument Circle, South Facing Steps, United States
Singer-songwriter Emma Hall pairs introspective lyrics and winding chord progressions with heartrending melodies, making something equal parts wistful and beautiful.”

Music performance 12-1pm in the SW Quad of Monument Circle.
Food Truck-Treats By Fee

We at Big Car are teaming up with Downtown Indy and the City of Indianapolis — with support from the Capital Improvement Board and the Indiana War Memorials Commission— to spark Monument Circle with human-scale activities like games, live music, artmaking, and socializing in a comfortable place. We’re based in the southwest quadrant.

Artist-led activities & Lunch at Lockerbie Place
2023-06-08 11:30 - 13:30 | Lockerbie Marketplace, 320 N New Jersey St, Indianapolis, IN, United States
Join us at Lockerbie Marketplace on Thursday, May 11 from 11:30 am – 1 pm in the downtown greenspace next to Needler’s Fresh Market for artist-led activities like our Post Card Project, WQRT DJ mix, authentic Filipino comfort food by Taste of Manilla, and games like Ping pong, foosball, and giant Jenga.

All events are free at 320 N New Jersey Street in the greenspace right off the Cultural Trail.

Keith Beatty-Lunch Break Live Tuesdays presented by Lake City Bank
2023-06-20 11:30 - 13:30 | 1 Monument Circle, South Facing Steps, United States
Hands down…Keith Beatty was born to sing. Growing up in Indianapolis and moving on to sing in the Indiana University Choral Ensemble, the crooner made his mark on teachers and students and was known as the man with the melodic voice.
Unleashing the music deep down, Beatty writes music for life, not hype. He sings with passion, emphasis, and with a way that will warm the coldest heart. He speaks truth to his listeners giving them a dose of reality a la his life experiences.
As a true talent that can draw you in with one stroke of his guitar, Beatty strongly believes music is life recorded, and those who love R&B and Soul will hear sweet sounds out of lips that only bring what’s real. Like the songs sang by Aretha Franklin and the Temptations, Keith Beatty’s songs will be added to the history books as songs from an artist with true talent.

Food Truck: Taste of Manila

We at Big Car are teaming up with Downtown Indy and the City of Indianapolis — with support from the Capital Improvement Board and the Indiana War Memorials Commission— to spark Monument Circle with human-scale activities like games, live music, artmaking, and socializing in a comfortable place. We’re based in the southwest quadrant.

Peyton Womok- Lunch Break Live Tuesdays presented by Lake City Bank
2023-06-27 11:30 - 13:30 | 1 Monument Circle, South Facing Steps, United States
Known for his skills as a saxophonist, Peyton Womak’s music incorporates his sax playing to innovatively allow him to cross over multiple genres from Smooth Jazz, Funk, R&B, Hip-Hop/Rap, to Pop. He is known for performing popular covers loved and cherished by many while also performing original pieces of his own.
“I have created a public brand and image that expresses my passion, energy, and personal story through my art,” says Womak.
Through his artistic journey, he has worked alongside artists such as Lil Nas X, Bootsy Collins, Babyface, Take A Day Trip, members of Kanye West’s team, After 7, and other Emmy/Grammy award-winning artists.

His music performance will start after the National Anthem plays at noon.

We at Big Car are teaming up with Downtown Indy and the City of Indianapolis — with support from the Capital Improvement Board and the Indiana War Memorials Commission— to spark Monument Circle with human-scale activities like games, live music, artmaking, and socializing in a comfortable place. We’re based in the southwest quadrant.

Bashiri Asad- Lunch Break Live Tuesdays presented by Lake City Bank
2023-07-11 11:00 - 13:00 | 1 Monument Circle, South Facing Steps, United States
Join us for the soft return of SPARK Monument Circle with live music from Bashiri Asad! Food trucks, Bearded Bagel and Tijuana Flats, will be onsite starting at 11am. Music performance 12-1pm.

“He laughs. He cries. He loves. He dreams. Just like you, everyday. He feels deeply, and turns his feelings into music. Soul music. Music that says exactly how you feel, everyday. Bashiri Asad is the “Everyday Soul Singer,” and he will remind you that feeling what you feel, in your soul, is just fine. IndySoul is his passion, and he exudes this with every song!

We at Big Car are teaming up with Downtown Indy and the City of Indianapolis — with support from the Capital Improvement Board and the Indiana War Memorials Commission— to spark Monument Circle with human-scale activities like games, live music, artmaking, and socializing in a comfortable place. We’re based in the southwest quadrant

Mina Keohane- Lunch Break Live Tuesdays presented by Lake City Bank
2023-07-11 11:00 - 13:00 | 1 Monument Circle, South Facing Steps, United States
Join us for SPARK on the Circle with live music from Mina Keohane! Food trucks, will be onsite starting at 11am. Music performance 12-1pm.

“…full of surprises. She possesses a songbird’s voice, a wisdom beyond her years and a delightfully smooth way of gliding across the piano keys. Everything from mournful sonic sculptures to crisp, lightweight ballads carried the day — always in celebration of the moment, whether it be the memory of something long gone or the freshness of something new.” –Nuvo Newsweekly
Mina Keohane is an Indianapolis based composer/performer. Her music is a piano-driven cross-pollination of singer-songwriter, indie rock and a hint of jazz using lush chords and impulsive lines to create a distinctive sound. Her songs have been described as “if Joni Mitchell and Aimee Mann had a baby with Charles Mingus.” She spends most of her time writing music for commercials and short films, as well as playing keyboards and accordion with Public Universal Friend, Sarah Grain & the Billions of Stars, Nashville-based recording artist Brandon Whyde, The Dopacetics, Teresa Reynolds and the Slicktones, and her own band Mina & the Wondrous Flying Machine. She has had the opportunity and privilege of opening for many wonderful artists including Becca Stevens, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Nightsweats, Blues Traveler, Dwight Yoakam, Esme Patterson & Robby Krieger.

We at Big Car are teaming up with Downtown Indy and the City of Indianapolis — with support from the Capital Improvement Board and the Indiana War Memorials Commission— to spark Monument Circle with human-scale activities like games, live music, artmaking, and socializing in a comfortable place. We’re based in the southwest quadrant.

Cyanotype Workshop with Asli Narin
2023-07-14 11:00 - 16:00 | 1 Monument Circle, South Facing Steps, United States
Cyanotype is a camera-less photography made out in the sun, rather than in a darkroom. You place objects — such as plants — on top of a piece of photo-treated paper, and then use the sun to expose the paper. The result is an image that is an exact outline of the object. It’s a fun and magical way to engage photography! Although it may be new to modern people, cyanotype has been around since photography was invented in the 1800s.

Come explore the creative possibilities of this fascinating process with Indianapolis-based artist Asli Narin. Narin often incorporates cyanotype into her artistic practice. She will give a short talk about cyanotype at the beginning of each hour, and then you will make your own cyanotypes with Narin’s assistance.

We will have some objects on hand to experiment with, but feel free to bring your own objects. Flat items usually work best, and cyanotype can be messy, so precious things like family heirlooms should probably stay at home. All other necessary materials will be provided free at the workshop.

This activity is best suited for artists 7+ years old; minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Asli Narin (1985, Istanbul) is a visual artist and an educator based in Indianapolis, US. Narin’s artistic practice is based on photography as well as video, installation, and performance, inspired by nature and the cities. Taking inspiration from walking and wandering, she explores the human experience through forms and abstractions. Her subjects are often the thresholds and dualities of life.

Image: Anna Atkins is famous for these cyanotypes she made of British algae in the 1840s. A book she made out of her cyanotypes is considered to be the first photobook ever made.

In partnership with Aurora PhotoCenter for SPARK on the Circle .

Artist led activities & Lunch at Lockerbie
2023-07-20 11:30 - 13:30 | Needler’s Market, 320 N New Jersey, Indianapolis, IN, 46204, United States
Join us at Lockerbie Marketplace on Thursday, July 20 from 11:30 am – 1 pm in the downtown greenspace next to Needler’s Fresh Market for artist-led activities like our Post Card Project, WQRT DJ mix, Mexican street-style food by Latin Flavor, and games like Ping pong, foosball, and giant Jenga.
All events are free at 320 N New Jersey Street in the greenspace right off the Cultural Trail.

Live music, food & artist-led activities at Lockerbie Place
2023-07-27 11:30 - 13:30 | Needler’s Market, 320 N New Jersey, Indianapolis, IN, 46204, United States
Join us for live music by Adam Graahs (singer/songwriter). American comfort dishes by Box Burger. Games like foosball, ping pong, chess & checkers, and giant Jenga are also available for additional entertainment.
About the artist
Adam Graahs is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from Indianapolis. He writes music for his own bands, S.M. Wolf and Amo Joy, and has played with several other local acts including Vess Ruhtenberg, Louie Louie and Raw McCartney. Graahs has released more than a dozen albums of his own material and has toured the US, Europe and Japan. While he typically writes fuzzed-out rock songs for his bands, during the downtime of the pandemic he honed his acoustic finger-picking skills giving his new solo material a more downtempo, reflective vibe.
All events are free at 320 N New Jersey Street in the greenspace right off the Cultural Trail.

The Sound Healing with Hoai-Huong Nguyen
2023-08-15 08:00 - 17:00 | 1 Monument Circle, South Facing Steps, United States
“Immerse yourself in the soothing tones of Sound bathing. Join Christ Church Cathedral on their front lawn for a meditative time of Rest and Renewal.
Please bring a blanket, yoga mat or pillow with you. Chairs will be provided for those that need it.

The Cathedral will also be unveiling their chalk art installation on the sidewalk next to the church.”

Who? SPARK on the Circle is an ongoing partnership between Big Car Collaborative, Downtown Indy, City of Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development, the Capital Improvement Board, and the Indiana War Memorials Commission.

What? SPARK brings a free, fun, playful, welcoming, and art-filled park to the heart of Indianapolis. Here on Monument Circle, you’ll find comfortable places to sit in the shade, free games to play like ping pong and chess, a cafe serving food and drink, art experiences, and special offerings like live, local music. Big Car Collaborative approaches its aspects of SPARK on the Circle as a site and community specific public art project.

When? Visitors can enjoy SPARK on the Circle from 11 a.m. until dusk each day until November 3.

Where? New for 2023, the SPARK park utilizes the brick streets between the monument and the sidewalk on the southwest quadrant between Market Street on the west side of the monument and South Meridian. The southwest is in front of Emmis and next to South Bend Chocolate Company.

Cut Paper Art with Christina Hollering
2023-08-16 16:00 - 18:00 | 1 Monument Circle, South Facing Steps, United States
Join artist Christina Hollering in an all-ages cut paper collage workshop celebrating the creative possibilities of paper. Learn how to intuitively create compelling compositions using the principles of design. All materials are provided; just come prepared to cut, paste, and play!

Christina Hollering is a cut paper artist and associate professor at Herron School of Art and Design. Her artwork centers around themes of biology, the environment, and the interplay between art and science, inspiring viewers to contemplate their relationship with nature.

SPARK on the Circle is an ongoing partnership between Big Car Collaborative, Downtown Indy, City of Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development, the Capital Improvement Board, and the Indiana War Memorials Commission.
What? SPARK brings a free, fun, playful, welcoming, and art-filled park to the heart of Indianapolis. Here on Monument Circle, you’ll find comfortable places to sit in the shade, free games to play like ping pong and chess, a cafe serving food and drink, art experiences, and special offerings like live, local music. Big Car Collaborative approaches its aspects of SPARK on the Circle as a site and community specific public art project. Read more about Big Car Collaborative’s approach to placemaking and socially engaged art.
When? Visitors can enjoy SPARK on the Circle from 11 a.m. until dusk each day until November 3.

FreeTown Village: The Rev. Samuel P. Strong
2023-08-17 16:00 - 18:00 | 1 Monument Circle, South Facing Steps, United States
In the “Day in the Life of Rev. Samuel P. Strong”, you’ll listen to the moving story of Rev. Strong’s kidnapping into slavery and his daring escape to freedom on the Underground Railroad. Share his encounters with legendary abolitionist Harriet Tubman.

Freetown Village is a living history museum with the mission to educate the public about African American lives, arts, and culture in Indiana through living history, exhibits, allied programs, and the collection and preservation of artifacts.

Who? SPARK on the Circle is an ongoing partnership between Big Car Collaborative, Downtown Indy, City of Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development, the Capital Improvement Board, and the Indiana War Memorials Commission.

What? SPARK brings a free, fun, playful, welcoming, and art-filled park to the heart of Indianapolis. Here on Monument Circle, you’ll find comfortable places to sit in the shade, free games to play like ping pong and chess, a cafe serving food and drink, art experiences, and special offerings like live, local music. Big Car Collaborative approaches its aspects of SPARK on the Circle as a site and community specific public art project.

When? Visitors can enjoy SPARK on the Circle from 11 a.m. until dusk each day until November 3.

Where? New for 2023, the SPARK park utilizes the brick streets between the monument and the sidewalk on the southwest quadrant between Market Street on the west side of the monument and South Meridian. The southwest is in front of Emmis and next to South Bend Chocolate Company.

Chreece on the Circle -Harry Otaku
2023-08-24 18:00 - 19:00 | 1 Monument Circle, South Facing Steps, United States
1994, Megaman X was ripe out the box with detailed graphics and progressive sounds. This perfect audio and visual harmony would provide core inspiration to a budding otaku–who would take the namesake to a whole new level. Harry Otaku makes a unique soundscape utilizing influences from: Hip-Hop, Soul, anime, film, and video games. Everything Harry Otaku makes, he puts a personal spin on, making each creation a vivid, prismatic reflection from the heart. He continues to explore all the genres of music, but is currently focused on: learning the ones and twos of DJing and finding the truest path of self/self-expression.

Chreece hip hop festival returns to Indianapolis Saturday August 26th. The full-day festival will feature more than 80+ Indianapolis-area artists, DJs and producers, as well as national acts 9th Wonder, redveil, Kari Faux, Jordan Ward and Pink Siifu at the top of the bill. Eight Fountain Square venues will host the performances, most of which will be open to all ages. Vendors, Art Instilations, Pro Wrestling and More.

What’s Spark On The Circle? SPARK on the Circle is an ongoing partnership between Big Car Collaborative, Downtown Indy, City of Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development, the Capital Improvement Board, and the Indiana War Memorials Commission.

What? SPARK brings a free, fun, playful, welcoming, and art-filled park to the heart of Indianapolis. Here on Monument Circle, you’ll find comfortable places to sit in the shade, free games to play like ping pong and chess, a cafe serving food and drink, art experiences, and special offerings like live, local music. Big Car Collaborative approaches its aspects of SPARK on the Circle as a site and community specific public art project. Read more about Big Car Collaborative’s approach to placemaking and socially engaged art.

When? Visitors can enjoy SPARK on the Circle from 11 a.m. until dusk each day until November 3.

Lockerbie Night Market – Performance by Bashiri Asad, Artisan Vendors, Beer Garden, and more…
2023-08-24 18:00 - 21:00 | Needler’s Market, 320 N New Jersey, Indianapolis, IN, 46204, United States
Join us at Lockerbie Marketplace — a lovely greenspace next to Needler’s Fresh Market. Purchase goods from local artisans, enjoy local food by Herts BBQ and live music by Bashiri Asad. Music from 7-8 pm. Sun King beer and chilled wine are also available for purchase at the pop-up beer garden located right off the Cultural Trail on Alabama Street.

All events are free at 320 N New Jersey Street in the greenspace right off the Cultural Trail.

Lunch Break Live with Scrapper & Skeleton presented by Lake City Bank
2023-09-05 12:00 - 13:00 | 1 Monument Circle, South Facing Steps, United States
Join us for one of Indianapolis’s finest blues acoustic duos, made possible by Lake City Bank!

SPARK is a partnership with Downtown Indy, the City of Indianapolis, and the Indiana War Memorials Commission — and funded by the Capital Improvements Board. It is a continuation of our work last year and in 2015 on the Circle.

At Big Car, we approach our work at the Circle as a site- and community-specific socially engaged art and creative placemaking project. The SPARK on the Circle pop-up park was collaboratively designed with Indianapolis-based Merritt Chase to be a restorative public place where people of all walks of life can relax, play, socialize, and engage with art and artists in the heart of our city.
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Freetown Village: The Madam Walker Story
2023-09-07 16:00 - 18:00 | 1 Monument Circle, South Facing Steps, United States
In honor of Madam CJ Walker’s great achievements and contributions, Freetown Village Inc. brings you this one-woman show of her story through “different” eyes.
Join us for the amazing story of America’s first woman self-made millionaire. Learn about the rich legacy she created for women, African Americans, and Indianapolis!
Freetown Village is a living history museum with the mission to educate the public about African American lives, arts, and culture in Indiana through living history, exhibits, allied programs, and the collection and preservation of artifacts.
SPARK is a partnership with Downtown Indy, the City of Indianapolis, and the Indiana War Memorials Commission — and funded by the Capital Improvements Board. It is a continuation of our work last year and in 2015 on the Circle. Check our website for more.
At Big Car, we approach our work at the Circle as a site- and community-specific socially engaged art and creative placemaking project. The SPARK on the Circle pop-up park was collaboratively designed with Indianapolis-based Merritt Chase to be a restorative public place where people of all walks of life can relax, play, socialize, and engage with art and artists in the heart of our city.

Music Instrument building with Rob Funkhouser
2023-09-13 16:00 - 18:00 | 1 Monument Circle, South Facing Steps, United States
Join composer and sound artist Rob Funkhouser for a workshop exploring the hidden sounds of everyday objects. Funkhouser will guide audiences through strategies for using amplification to reimagine the world of tiny sounds happening around them through the use of musical instruments, household items, and contact microphones. Participants will get the chance to explore a set of instruments and objects, and will also be guided on a short walk to find new sounds hidden in the environment around Monument Circle. No previous skills are required. Family friendly.

About:
Rob Funkhouser is a composer, performer, and instrument builder who can never quite sit still. His work is concerned with ideas of place, memory, and pattern and he is interested in interrogating the interstitial spaces between established genres. He holds an M.M. from Butler University in Music Composition, and most recently completed Peace of Mind, Speed of Thought for Classical Music Indy. He has released projects through various labels in three different countries, but finds his home turf on Auris Apothecary and Medium Sound. His current projects include an ongoing series of recordings and writing under the title Walking Music, building a new set of instruments in collaboration with artist Justin Cooper, and ongoing work on new performance tools for music and installations. In 2020, he began a long-term living residency with Big Car as part of their APLR program. He also serves as Education Manager for the Rhythm Discovery Center, where he runs public programming for schools and community members. He has collaborated with diverse groups including Forward Motion, Los Angeles Percussion Quartet, So Percussion, No Exit Theater, and Chicago-based director Ryan Gleason.

SPARK is a partnership with Downtown Indy, the City of Indianapolis, and the Indiana War Memorials Commission — and funded by the Capital Improvements Board. It is a continuation of our work last year and in 2015 on the Circle. Check our website for more.
At Big Car, we approach our work at the Circle as a site- and community-specific socially engaged art and creative placemaking project. The SPARK on the Circle pop-up park was collaboratively designed with Indianapolis-based Merritt Chase to be a restorative public place where people of all walks of life can relax, play, socialize, and engage with art and artists in the heart of our city.

Lunch Break Live with Mandog
2023-10-03 12:00 - 13:00 | 1 Monument Circle, South Facing Steps, United States
A producer/visual artist from Indianapolis, IN, Mandog combines elements from everywhere and anywhere and cooks them down into a nice Mandog soup. Hip-hop is his specialty, but you might find him boppin’ around in other genres as well.
Mandog was the Champion of the 6th Annual Jay Brookinz Beat Battle at The Vogue Theater (2014) and had another first place finish at a Jay Brookinz Battle League round at the Hi-Fi (2015).

SPARK is a partnership with Downtown Indy, the City of Indianapolis, and the Indiana War Memorials Commission — and funded by the Capital Improvements Board. It is a continuation of our work last year and in 2015 on the Circle.
At Big Car, we approach our work at the Circle as a site- and community-specific socially engaged art and creative placemaking project. The SPARK on the Circle pop-up park was collaboratively designed with Indianapolis-based Merritt Chase to be a restorative public place where people of all walks of life can relax, play, socialize, and engage with art and artists in the heart of our city.

Scavenger Hunt with Brittany Fukushima
2023-10-07 12:00 - 14:00 | 1 Monument Circle, South Facing Steps, United States
Join us to kick off an on-going scavenger hunt, find all the little art sculptures and more around the Circle.
About the artist: Brittany Fukushima is an Indianapolis-based painter and teaching artist who uses their practice to interpret their environment. Drawing and painting become a means to investigate the natural world, express the intangible, and to present alternate ways of seeing. Recently, they have experimented with paint making using foraged pigments. Teaching is an integral part of their process as it keeps them in community and provides fresh perspectives. Brittany currently teaches at the Indianapolis Art Center and is a graduate of Herron School of Art and Design. They have exhibited throughout Indianapolis and Chicago and their work has been featured by Butter, WFYI and Pattern Magazine.
SPARK is a partnership with Downtown Indy, the City of Indianapolis, and the Indiana War Memorials Commission — and funded by the Capital Improvements Board. It is a continuation of our work last year and in 2015 on the Circle.
At Big Car, we approach our work at the Circle as a site- and community-specific socially engaged art and creative placemaking project. The SPARK on the Circle pop-up park was collaboratively designed with Indianapolis-based Merritt Chase to be a restorative public place where people of all walks of life can relax, play, socialize, and engage with art and artists in the heart of our city.

Found Art with Giselle Trujillo
2023-10-11 16:00 - 18:00 | 1 Monument Circle, South Facing Steps, United States
Join Giselle Trujillo in creating a found art piece! Visitors will work in a variety of mediums to help create something unique!
SPARK is a partnership with Downtown Indy, the City of Indianapolis, and the Indiana War Memorials Commission — and funded by the Capital Improvements Board. It is a continuation of our work last year and in 2015 on the Circle.
At Big Car, we approach our work at the Circle as a site- and community-specific socially engaged art and creative placemaking project. The SPARK on the Circle pop-up park was collaboratively designed with Indianapolis-based Merritt Chase to be a restorative public place where people of all walks of life can relax, play, socialize, and engage with art and artists in the heart of our city.

Circle Side Chats with Deedee Davis
2023-10-12 12:00 - 13:00 | 1 Monument Circle, South Facing Steps, United States
The Magic Circle
In October of 1900, the Fall Festivities Society of Indianapolis promoted a week-long carnival with its central focus being the Magic Circle. Monument Circle was transformed with a dizzying array of attractions, parades, performers and animals all in the glow of “electric illuminations.” Yet, despite all the enchantment, the Magic Circle Carnival was a one-time marvel in Indianapolis’ history.
Bio: Deedee Davis is a Herron-Morton resident with an interest in Indianapolis history, specifically historic residential architecture and Greenlawn Cemetery. She oversees digital collections for the Herron School of Art Library at IUPUI.
Circle Side Chats is in partnership with Indiana Humanities. Indiana Humanities is a statewide nonprofit that infuses the humanities into our daily lives. We do this by providing grants, convening discussions, uplifting humanities scholars, spotlighting humanities organizations and activities, and creating our own programs that help Hoosiers think, read and talk.
SPARK is a partnership with Downtown Indy, the City of Indianapolis, and the Indiana War Memorials Commission — and funded by the Capital Improvements Board. It is a continuation of our work last year and in 2015 on the Circle.
At Big Car, we approach our work at the Circle as a site- and community-specific socially engaged art and creative placemaking project. The SPARK on the Circle pop-up park was collaboratively designed with Indianapolis-based Merritt Chase to be a restorative public place where people of all walks of life can relax, play, socialize, and engage with art and artists in the heart of our city.

Ink Workshop with Brittany Fukushima
2023-10-14 12:00 - 14:00 | 1 Monument Circle, South Facing Steps, United States
Join SPARK artist in residence Brittany Fukushima for an all-levels ink painting workshop. In this workshop, you’ll learn basic ink techniques and how to paint intuitively using colors handmade by the artist. See the raw materials that go into ink-making and leave inspired to create your own. All materials are provided!
SPARK is a partnership with Downtown Indy, the City of Indianapolis, and the Indiana War Memorials Commission — and funded by the Capital Improvements Board. It is a continuation of our work last year and in 2015 on the Circle.
At Big Car, we approach our work at the Circle as a site- and community-specific socially engaged art and creative placemaking project. The SPARK on the Circle pop-up park was collaboratively designed with Indianapolis-based Merritt Chase to be a restorative public place where people of all walks of life can relax, play, socialize, and engage with art and artists in the heart of our city.

Sofar Sounds at SPARK
2023-10-14 20:00 - 22:00 | 1 Monument Circle, South Facing Steps, United States
WHAT’S A SOFAR SOUNDS SHOW?
Sofar transforms everyday spaces – like a rooftop or art gallery – and turns them into captivating, intimate venues for secret, live music performances, creating an immersive experience that brings guests and artists closer together. Each Sofar is small, and typically features three diverse acts, with no headliner.

SPARK is a partnership with Downtown Indy, the City of Indianapolis, and the Indiana War Memorials Commission — and funded by the Capital Improvements Board. It is a continuation of our work last year and in 2015 on the Circle.
At Big Car, we approach our work at the Circle as a site- and community-specific socially engaged art and creative placemaking project. The SPARK on the Circle pop-up park was collaboratively designed with Indianapolis-based Merritt Chase to be a restorative public place where people of all walks of life can relax, play, socialize, and engage with art and artists in the heart of our city.

Graffiti Knitting with Mary Jo Bayliss
2023-10-25 16:00 - 18:00 | IN
A gathering where knitting and graffiti collide! Simultaneously inspired by traditional knitting and graffiti, this ever-evolving piece combines fiber adjacent activities, coloring sheets derived from graffiti and knitting motifs, and opportunities for participants to share their creative path stories.
You are invited to come join the fun, because without YOU, Boo, this project can’t happen.
About the artist:
Mary Jo Bayliss specializes in creating environments that help people feel at ease using space, light and color to achieve these goals.
SPARK is a partnership with Downtown Indy, the City of Indianapolis, and the Indiana War Memorials Commission — and funded by the Capital Improvements Board. It is a continuation of our work last year and in 2015 on the Circle.
At Big Car, we approach our work at the Circle as a site- and community-specific socially engaged art and creative placemaking project. The SPARK on the Circle pop-up park was collaboratively designed with Indianapolis-based Merritt Chase to be a restorative public place where people of all walks of life can relax, play, socialize, and engage with art and artists in the heart of our city.

Circle SPARK Fest
2023-10-29 11:00 - 18:00 | 1 Monument Circle, South Facing Steps, United States
Have yourself a Pumpkin carving, pottery making, face painting, UBE Fest loving good time at Circle SPARK Fest!
This two-day fall festival features live music by an amazing array of local musicians, delicious food, artisan vendors, and hands-on creative activities led by Indianapolis artists. The festival, which runs from 11 am until 6 pm each day, is free to attend. And it takes place at the pop-up park on the southwest quadrant of Monument Circle that has been closed to traffic this summer.
Music Line-Up
Tennah Host MC
10/29 Sun
11-11:45 – Fred Miller
12-12:45 – Tinikling Cultural Dance
1-2 – The Roundups
2:15-3:15 -Tubbles the Band
3:30-4:30 – Forgotten Tribe
5-6 – Exceso Rock Band
10/29 Sun
12-5pm Henna with Pam
12-5pm Face Painting with Stephanie Zki
11-6pm Derek Tudor Selfie 360 and Mini VanGo
11-6pm Ceramics with Stephanie Williams
11-6pm Pumpkin Carving
New this year: SPARK Fest’s organizers at Big Car Collaborative and Downtown Indy are teaming up with UbeFest — an event that’s all about the tasty purple yam often used in desserts in Filipino cuisine called ube. UbeFest brings more than 30 food, artist, and unique retail vendors to the Circle for the festival. Many will showcase, among their offerings, a variety of tasty ube-based treats.
