May 9th's Gallery Tour guide enumerated both the old faithful art spaces and the new kids on the gallery block. The newbies at 6055 College Ave enjoyed an evening of southern exposure. There you'll find Der Glass Werks Art Glass Studio, Mayapple Studios, and Nativa Art - Gallery and Studio, all under one roof. Located on the south end of the tour this fully inhabited space drew attention by the dozens. I'm sure it didn't hurt that the Gazette's own Jill Ditmire was serving wine from her Mass Ave Wine Shop.

Also representing the SoBro side was Fine Estate Art and Rugs at 5914 College. Fine Estate presented its spring collection of vintage Indiana artwork. They were one of nine stops that sold the VSA (Very Special Artists) ikebana vases. Also carrying the vases were Artifacts, The Bungalow, Chelsea's, Editions Limited, gingko, Honeysuckle Home, McMurray Fine Art, and Marigold. Check with individual locations for their current availability.

VSA arts of Indiana is a leader in the movement to make arts experiences accessible for thousands of disabled persons of all ages. Urban Artisans are VSA students who learn to produce and market ceramics, textiles, and other arts products through various programs. Ikebana is the Japanese art of arranging cut flowers. Unlike traditional floral arrangements, these use the fewest plants possible to highlight the beauty of the individual flowers and leaves. The proceeds and a contribution from the Gallery Tour will go to support programs of VSA. At just $10 dollars a piece I couldn't pass it up. In addition to their beautiful design, these pieces each had a unique stamping of haiku atop their platforms. Mine, glazed in a flat blue and turquoise finish, says, "Alone at last I wonder where everyone is." I love it.

A quick hop aboard the shuttle led gallery goers to Broad Ripple Ave at the center of the Village. Here we found Sigman's Gallery showcasing new work from their well-known local and national artists. Just down the way was Honeysuckle Home exhibiting the landscapes and abstract photographs by Jason A. Miller of Silvertree Photographics.

Up the street on Guilford Ave is Marigold Contemporary Clothing. True to it's name, Marigold goes green. They featured artists who use recycled materials to create unusual clothing and accessories. Marigold even gave out a smart eco-friendly tote with a qualifying purchase. Sharing a sidewalk and eco-ideas, Artifacts exhibited Reclaim, Reuse, Re-imagine. Here, artists both local and national showed their works created with re-purposed materials. The shiny souvenir tin robots were among my favorites. They made me rethink some of the things I unimaginatively discard.

'Round the corner, tour takers found the trifecta best of Westfield Blvd. First was Chelsea's with local artist Kathleen Barett. She creates kaleidoscopes, scarves, and beaded jewelry. Among her signature designs are the Crystals for Cancer bracelets, benefitting cancer research. Next was gingko...where art dwells. Dwelling here for the tour was Northern Indiana jewelry artist Jen Holmes showing her Jewels in Bloom series. Last down this line was The Bungalow where Peru, Indiana artist Susan Kline put up pop-esque paintings titled "The Joyful Nest of Life," celebrating the theme of home.

Another boarding of the art express took the tour to the near north on 64th. Urban Optiks (formerly Urbane Optical) presented the fairytale art of the eccentric Emma Overman. From here it's a short walk or ride over to the culture cluster near 65th and Carrollton. McMurray Fine Art showed works by both Martha Sando and artist-owner oil painter Kathleen McMurray. Editions Limited displayed large abstracts, traditional landscapes, and 3-d wall sculptures from around the states all by six new artists discovered during Edition journeys.

The Potter's House, a ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph, molds "simply functional, simply beautiful, clay vessels for everyday use and enjoyment." Also creating in clay were the artists at Hoosier Salon Gallery with their anticipated second annual "Teapots" show as well as art from the "First Brush of Spring" plein-air paint out. Then The Thompson Collection calls art enthusiasts to it's traditional art gathered here by a discerning collector and dealer.

One last leap on the shuttle line took tourists to the north end at the Indianapolis Art Center. The Studio Shop is selling works by autistic ceramicist and Art Center student, Sean Gray. Additionally, appearing here are poignant portraits by Kathleen Dugan showing struggles faced by children with autism. This exhibit remains on display until June 22nd, 2008.

If you were unable to take the tour this time be sure to get onboard for Fall. "It is always an evening of fun, meeting old friends and making new ones, and taking part in supporting this precious resource, the creative people in our community."