On September 12th, 2008, the galleries and shops of Broad Ripple hosted the annual Fall Gallery Tour. From North to South the free shuttle took tourers around the Ripple. From the top, the Indianapolis Art Center held faculty demonstrations and exhibited faculty and student art. The works included "A Cup in Time" series by Ellie Siskind whose home studio is also an addition to the Tour. The Art Center's Open House also offered food from Yat's and a steel drum band welcoming tour takers.

Continuing to the south, The Thompson Collection presented black and white impressionism by Sean Van Sheppard and modern art designs from Silver Crow Studios and David Studley. Hoosier Salon Gallery held their "Not So Plein Janes" exhibit; showing the pastel and oil works of Plein Aire Artists Mary Ann Davis, Corrine Hull, Jeanne McLeish and Donna Shortt. With these women artists in the foreground, it brought new meaning to Shortt's "Chick House" on display behind the brood.

Also in this area, The Potter's House - a ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph, displayed functional clay vessels for everyday use. The houses featured in the September 27th Broad Ripple Historic Home Tour will be marked with plaques created in this space. Editions Limited showed "Autumn Energy," works by Cincinnati artist Susan Schuler as well as my favorite finds, a series of brightly colored "Flower Tops" by Parrott.

McMurray Fine Art, a gallery and studio space for proprietor Kathleen McMurray, featured the familiar foliage of Holliday Park painted by Steve Mannheimer. Just down the street, Urban Optiks presented unique works by Greg Seagrave inspired by this artists' moving music: the "Omen" soundtrack and "The Warrior." As always, Seagrave's style of cross-hatching color, line and movement abounded.

From the north end galleries to the shops in the center there's a shuttle stop for every style. The Bungalow hung Susan Hodgin's "Color Studies"- a series of small abstract oil paintings on canvas. Studying perfectly placed colors, Hodgin's set reminisced elements of instruction and enumeration. gingko...where design dwells, featured Sugarboo Designs, a favorite from tours past. These hand-painted photoboxes are up again and available in many colors and numerous quotes. Chelsea's set up shop with familiar face Kathleen (Kat) Barrett. Barrettt's item of interest for this tour were her beautiful blown-glass globe earrings.

Artifacts arranged the architectural art of Lynda LaRoche. LaRoche's "Perspectives: Unfamiliar Landmarks" mixed elements of structure and nature in this art vs. architecture arena. Marigold Contemporary Clothing presented Myra Perrin's sterling silver wearable art. Even in this direction change for Perrin, she has an incredible eye for it. Back to the gallery division of the tour, Sigman's Gallery showed the works of Robert Eberle and other area artists. Eberle's "Rainy Day at St. Mark's Square" depicted a realistic rainbow of umbrellas and directions on a rainy day. It's cheery changing of a dreary day made want to jump in the puddles.

Near the south end of the tour Nativa Art offered artifacts, paintings, prints and tribal goods. Building-buddy, Der Glass Werks exhibited stained glass, paintings, and pet portraiture. (And of course wine from their friends at Mass Ave Wine Shop.) Upstairs neighbor Mayapple Studios showed fine art prints and portraits from Jennifer Duba. Furthermore on the SoBro side near College and Kessler, Fine Estate Art and Rugs presented the fall collection of vintage Indiana artwork by William Forsyth, Randolph Coats, Clifton Wheeler, John Zwara, Paul Randall, George Jo Mess, Glen Cooper Henshaw.

The Broad Ripple Fall Gallery Tour again partnered with VSA arts of Indiana to raise funds and awareness for this very special arts organization. VSA strives to make the arts accessible for thousands of disabled persons. The Urban Artisans are VSA students who produce and market their works through the various programs. For the 2008 Fall Tour they created Japanese-inspired candle holders with imprinted haiku and fall-themed graphics. Proceeds of the sales go to support the ongoing programs of VSA. The candle holders were featured at Artifacts, The Bungalow, Chelsea's, Editions Ltd., Fine Estate Art & Rugs, gingko, Hoosier Salon, McMurray Fine Art, and Marigold. Check with individual stores for continued availability.

If you missed the bus for this evening of art be sure to get onboard for the annual Spring Gallery Tour. Also up and coming is the Holiday Preview Party on November 14th, 2008, with wowing wares and extended hours for Broad Ripple retailers.