Art and Culture in Greenfield, Indiana

The rapidly growing city of Greenfield, Indiana, a suburb of Indianapolis, is also home to an active and expanding arts community. Greenfield art is swiftly approaching its peak; below are some examples of the thriving art scene in Greenfield.

The town is the site of the annual Riley Festival, one of the largest festivals of its kind in Indiana that stands tall against any Indianapolis festival. Following a $900,000-plus renovation, the former Village Theatre movie house, now the H.J. Ricks Centre for the Arts, has reopened as a new home for visual, literary and performing arts.

CrazyLake Art House is in The Creative Arts Center, which houses studio space for artists on the second floor and an art gallery on the first floor. In addition to hosting the artist gallery, the Creative Arts Center features classes, workshops, regular featured artist exhibits and special events. CrazyLake also boasts an acting company that sponsors classes and workshops. Many of their productions are held at the new Ricks Center for the Arts in downtown Greenfield.

The Bread Ladies Cafe, a Greenfield restaurant, is the total package for Greenfield art. The restaurant features Greenfield music showcases every Friday night, giving Indianapolis bands and other musicians in Greenfield the chance to shine. Bread Ladies Cafe also exhibits works by Greenfield artists on its walls.

The Riley Festival Opening Ceremonies are held the first weekend in October each year, Thursday through Sunday. Greenfield businesses sponsor exciting musical performances to kick of the festival each year. The City of Greenfield and local business owners sponsor “Entertainment on the Plaza”, bringing a different performance each Friday evening through June, July and August. The Greenfield event is held on the newly constructed Hancock County Courthouse Plaza. “Entertainment on the Plaza” draws over 13,000 people each summer. The concerts are also supported by the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

There is a proud heritage in Greenfield and it shows in most of the historical landmarks and homes in the area. This city celebrates and promotes historic re-use and preservation of historic buildings. Many of them are works of art in their own right.

If a more comprehensive showing of art is what you seek, Greenfield residents are less than 30 minutes away from the world class exhibitions at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. In addition, a variety of cultural experiences, symphony, theater, opera, and various other performing art opportunities are available in the greater Indianapolis area, a short drive from Greenfield.