Did you know that in the Indiana Avenue Cultural District we have a beautiful historic building that is located in the heart of Indianapolis and symbolizes creativity and community? The Madame Walker Theatre, 617 Indiana Avenue, is the primary destination of African-American arts performances in central Indiana and is a great location to see the Philadelphia Dance Co which will be gracing the stage on October 17th at 7pm. Tickets are $20-25 for more information www.walkertheatre.com . The Madame Walker Theatre also offers a platform each year for local, regional and national visual artists to showcase their work. Next time you are enjoying a performance be sure to check out the art on the walls.

AV Framing Gallery, 1139 Shelby Street in the Fountain Square Cultural District, is showing landscapes by Adam Hayward this month. Hayward's work is new to the Indianapolis area and something you don't normally see at the AVF Gallery. "Serenity" is one of the many peaceful words that are used to describe this Ohio-based artist. After seeing these paintings in person my first impression was something that has been inspired by a Japanese porcelain vase and transformed into calm exquisite colors. Although I didn't feel the much desired depth in the painting that would keep me gazing onward at the surface, they do have a pleasant appeal and worth checking out.

In our own Broad Ripple District, the Indianapolis Art Center (IAC) has opened a new exhibit. In conjunction with the Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) the IAC has selected a group of paintings by Hoosier artists from a collection of more than 900 works at IPS. I had a sneak peak of this show and the paintings are simply classic to gaze upon. This show will run 'till November 7th in the Hurt and Clowes Galleries at the IAC.

The children from Guatemala still have several paintings for sale at the new art space down at the Athenaeum, 401 E. Michigan Street. This extraordinary show of photos and paintings will exhibit through October 31st and all proceeds from the artwork will go to support the art education in the small village of Magdalena.

If you are around Monument Circle on Friday, October 16, visit the 3rd Annual Zup's BBQ for kids, benefitting the Children's Bureau. From 11am-1:30pm visitors will be able to enjoy events with the Colts Cheerleaders, the Motion Traveling Museum and love music by "Jester King's". For only $10, fans will be able to fill their bellies with delicious BBQ.