Despite the gloom of the weather on Friday September 12, it did not keep away the crowd of art admirers out and about in Broad Ripple Village for the Fall Gallery Tour. With more than eighteen art galleries, artist studios and specialty shops to visit, five hours still does not seem like a long enough time to take everything in, from the intimate artist studio's tucked away off the beaten path to the more well-known venues like the Indianapolis Art Center. This year the Indianapolis Art Center was proudly showing their annual faculty show, with over 82 works of art, something for everyone to enjoy in this show, and with several pieces being purchased that evening proving that this was the place to be in Broad Ripple, with Music, Food, Wine and some great art from the teachers and faculty of the Art Center. There were also several demonstrations going on by a few of the teachers, everything from Ceramics to Photography were entertaining the crowd. After being a part of all this stimulation, it was nice to kick back and enjoy the smaller crowds in places like Editions Limited, Artifacts and Der Glass Works where artists were available on this evening to present and discuss their work with the crowd. The Fall Gallery Tour brought out more then just the usual admirers and gallery tour enthusiasts, it served as a gathering place where singles, couples or even groups of people could find a spot to feel welcome and enjoy the evening.

As the winds blew and the rain fell, I was glad that the featured wines at Der Glass Werks were in a box. I knew if I dropped the compact box that holds 4 bottles...there would be no 'breakage". Would probably bounce or just go THUD. Anyway - I delivered the wine without dropping, so the damage was left to tasters. And the only moans of displeasure that night was for empty bottles. And boxes.

Artists and Glass Crafters Mary Anne and Kerry Byrne create custom pieces made from some of the most breathtakingly beautiful pieces of glass-- they meet with a client, get the feel, then find the right look/color for the purpose. And of course Maryanne is an amazing sketch artist/painter. Don't miss her 4 legged collection on display at the studio. And yes, they do work for EVERY budget. Don't be afraid to venture off the usual Broad Ripple path for art. DER GLASS WERKS 58th/College.

And by the way, they are true wine lovers. No care for the price or label, just interested in the true, bold, flavor of the grape. The wines served at their studio reflects that passion.

CUVEE DE LA PENA, Languedoc, France-Spirited blend of spicy syrah, savvy grenache and round mouvedre. Rich, bright, dry red. AMAZING value and great wine for food on the grill. Get a box for your next block party. 27.99 for a box that equals 4 bottles. You do the math!

ARCO IRIS TEMPRANILLO, Spain-1.5 liter bottle equals one and a third regular bottles. That means MORE chances to enjoy this rich, rustic, round, dry red wine with earthy nose and bold red fruit flavors. Chewy well blended fruit tannins makes this a standout wine anytime but even more so when you have dozens of glasses to fill. 11.99-- YEP that IS the price.

Enjoy fine dining at discount prices at the Culinary Expressions Cafe every Wednesday and Thursday evening. Students in the Hospitality and Culinary Arts program will prepare and serve a varied menu guaranteed to delight the most discerning palate! Reservations will be accepted for seating between 6 and 7:30 p.m.; payment by cash only please.

Your patronage will enrich the learning experience of every student. Please visit the cafe at Ivy Tech Vocational College in room NMC 407 to show your support and enjoy a wonderful dinner. Ivy Tech is located on Fall Creek Parkway between Meridian and Illinois.

For reservations, please contact Chef Lauri Griffin, lgriffin@ivytech.edu or phone 317-921-4913.