The Garfield Park Arts Center

I've got a couple friends who regularly have exhibits in shows at The Garfield Park Arts Center, however, since I live in Lawrence I simply don't get down this way as often. I really should. The Garfield Park Arts Center, like the park itself, falls under Indy Parks. Originally built in 1922 as the "Community House," it was designed to look like a picnic shelter with enclosed walls, high ceilings, and fireplaces at each end. In 1930, a large swimming pool was located in the area that is now the parking lot. At that time, it was primarily used as a locker room and rec center area. In 1990, the pool was removed and replaced by the Aquatic Center that is now located at the Burrello Family Center. In 2006, the "Community House" was remodeled with a $2.7 million grant. It became the Garfield Park Arts Center. The 8,000 square foot facility now houses a multi-use performing arts space, exhibition hall, visual and production arts classrooms, a recording studio, a literary arts library, and a rehearsal room. The GPAC is big enough that it typically has multiple exhibits going. For example, right now there's a modern quilting show, a solo show by Jay Hamm, and a show by Christy Harp. GPAC hosts a variety of workshops and classes including current activities like voice and piano lessons, ceramics, and quite a few visual arts options including those specifically for children. The classes are way affordable - for example, there's a $10 rock painting class for kids. As someone who has a pet rock, I'm all for rock painting. GPAC also hosts summer camps and special events. The calendar is on their website. I'm particularly enchanted by a classic movie night. They've also assisted with some of the public art in Garfield Park. The art center tends to be open limited hours - for example, 1-5pm during the week. It does participate in First Fridays. I'm a big fan of Garfield Park and I'm a big fan of having access to the arts. I find this facility to be quite accessible and even more after their 2006 renovation. It's not perfect (no building of this age is), however, it's quite good. Prices are affordable and the center itself has a nice combination of nostalgia with contemporary comforts. Especially for those with kids who may enjoy the classes, GPAC is a definite winner.

This is a great little arts center that always seems to have something going on. I went for a paint pour class and found the price of $25 to be very reasonable. The class was small to, so you will receive one on one attention if needed. The gallery was also a nice experience before the class.

This is a free art gallery located in Garfield Park. It has a very large parking lot. Currently, you must wear a mask inside here while visiting. The entrance leading into here sets the tone and has a wonderful mural on both of the walls on each side. They hosts various classes (​Voice and Piano Lessons with Kathy Kilgo, Flow Painting, Clay Handbuilding Studio...) and special event such as Family Art Night, English Country Dancing, and Valentines Art Night Out, here throughout the year. The Gallery is relatively small, but packed with a lot of different art of all skills and levels.The gallery features local art, performances and music on 2 floors. They has revolving featured artist exhibits. They are located along the walls of the second floor. While I was there the work of Bryan Bromstrup (Ain't That America (Somethin' to See) and Mary Beth Schrock (Painting With Light: A Visionary Art Experience) had exhibits up. Even the bathrooms have painted murals in them in this place. You can purchase some of the art prints in the artists' special exhibit area, which I think is cool.On the third floor you will find a piano and the best art in the gallery. It also has a huge open floor that can be used to host performances and special events. Off to the side of the main Hall is a library. There is local music playing throughout the gallery on the 3rd floor. You can look through the CDs that they play there, but you can't take them. There are stairs or an elevator to get you up and down the stairs, so pick your poison. I just did the stairs because I found it way easier to get around.The building has a lot of history. It was built in 1922 and was called the Community House. There was a pool there in 1930 where the parking lot currently is. Not too many people visit this place outside of special events and field trips, which is sad. I was the only one in the Center during my visit. It was just me and the attendant at the front desk. I had the run of the place. It took me about 45 to 60 minutes or so to get through. This is a nice, free event that is good for the entire family and could be coupled into a visit to Garfield Park. If you are at Garfield Park during the Center's operating hours, you must check it out.

The kids and I came out here for a festival and decided to walk the grounds to check it out. We were surprised to learn there is an art center right here on site and was open and free to the public on a Saturday afternoon. Looks like they hold art classes and camps here for kids. Lots of art lining the walls with a nicely lit exhibition area toward the back. I love finding out about little gems like this in our city.

English line dancing was a BLAST every 2nd Thursday of the month at 630 I will definitely be back! Instructors are there for beginners in jeans and sneakers. Costumes are welcomed for vigilant dancers. There were snacks and refreshments AND it Was ONLY 1$!! Live music was lovely as well.I recommend this event and location fully.Easy drive up parking.

WE love Garfield Park!!! My honey & I take our dogs to Garfield almost every weekend (even in the winter) and have breakfast - we take our linens and breakfast & some extra just in case we find someone that is hungry too. We set up shop at our favorite shelter and enjoy the beautiful scenery!! We call Garfield 'our park', I know it sounds a little possessive but we are just amazed at how far the park has come and how comfortable we feel when we are there! Be sure and visit the park soon - stay awhile, get comfy and soon you will want to call it your park as well!!One last thing - the Arts Center Conservatory Family Center has some great 'happenings' for the kids as well as fun stuff for us big kids, check it out!Enjoy!

Haven't come here for an event, just visited the loo a couple of times while I was at the park! But it is a pretty cool area that emphasizes the performing and visual arts. There is a lot of artwork in the building and all of it is open to the public and free. They also promote dance classes and things like that if you look at the posters they post while you are going in.I'm not entirely sure on the hours so check online first before you go, but it is a spot worth to check out if you're visiting Garfield.

A great little place on the southside for group meetings, sculptors, painters, sketching and contemporary dance. Every month the Arts Center has an art exhibition. The exhibitions are free and offer up some very good local arts and artists. It's too bad the hours aren't better, but with budget cuts, they do the best they can. Enjoy your visit.

Love this place. The staff. The instructors. The friends I've made since coming. It's truly something more should come be a part of. You won't find more reasonably priced classes taught by experienced instructors who are here to help you grow in your creativity.

Awesome community resource for the arts with tons of classes for all ages. Good meeting spaces too.