As always, the September 14th (2007) Fall Broad Ripple Gallery Tour made its mark as an eye-opening art experience. However, this time it opened not only the eyes of tour takers but also their hearts. This tour helped to support the work of VSA of Indiana (formerly Very Special Arts of Indiana), which has led the movement to make arts accessible to people with disabilities and disadvantages. Several shops peddled the 300 limited edition student-made VSA bowls, the proceeds of which along with a contribution from the Gallery Tour Commitee will help support future VSA programs.

The Bungalow featured various styles of six of the teaching artists from VSA. Displayed were works by Joni Goldman, David Kleeman, Chris Tower, Christy Schaffer, Barb Zech and Carrie Claycomb whose oil on wood Bird Series was among my personal favorites.

Gingko...Where Art Dwells, Chelsea's and Artifacts showcased jewelry by Heidi J. Hale, Charissa Brannen and Lydia V. Gerbig-Fast. While all of these locations displayed similar media, each found its neighborhood niche. Hale's simple but elegant adornments are constructed with sterling wire, Greek leather and semi-precious stones making them an anytime addition. Brannen's incorporation of color with unusual silver findings defines her style as eclectic and innovative. Gerbig-Fast's unique Garden of Delights series seemed gathered and gilded straight from nature.

Honeysuckle Home featured the limited edition bowls and other ceramics from Urban Artisans of VSA. President and CEO Jim Nalty was on hand to discuss the many functions of VSA. He said, "Our [inclusionary] program works to turn kids around by showing them that they can be creative and valued." Teaching artists mentor kids who, in turn, mentor other kids, creating an important role for everyone involved. For more information on the program, visit www.vsai.org .

Herron Ceramics Professor Dana Groemminger displayed her figurative sculptures at Ruth D. Stoner Artistry in Clay. Her works translate figures of speech to personified literal interpretation. Her "Housekeeper" piece incorporated household construction supplies like a faucet, bricks and a vice onto the human form.

Laura LaForge installed a new series at the eyeglass store gone gallery-Urbane Optical Village. Her Pinups pieces are classic LaForge style of bright colors and bold lines with sassy new subjects. Unknowingly I went from Urbane to "Urban Introspection," Peter Kitchell's digital collages of Indiana landscapes and architecture on display at Editions Limited. Kitchell's western Massachusetts origin offers insight to our everyday.

At Bead Angel I had an impromptu meet and greet with glass artist Krista Bermeo. Gazing at her pendents I clutched my own heart shaped necklace and thought how similar they looked. She recognized it as one of her own and that she had worked on for me just days before. (Thanks Krista!)

The Indianapolis Art Center topped off the tour with their Faculty and Student exhibitions. Congrats to Faideh Peacock, for Faculty of the Year award and to Kris Mobley, Sadie Howe, Sven Schumacher, Brian Alich and Janet Thomas for Best of the 2007 Student Show. The Art Center was bursting with activity from demonstrations and exhibits to a book signing by Douglas David and the sale of Yat's filled ceramic bowls. The evening closed with an after party featuring hip-hop avant-jazz trio iSwhat?! Thankfully, a map dispersed by the Art Center Paintbrush mascot ensured that I didn't miss a thing.