Dear Indy,
Hi, it’s Jennifer Delgadillo. Ryan comes back tomorrow.
We’re starting the week with a little bit of controversy. The neighborhood of Irvington is known for its history, a thriving arts community and a famed Halloween festival. Lately, something else has been haunting the eastside historic district: Graffiti.
Arts and culture reporter Breanna Cooper spent time talking to Irvington business owners, residents and artists to try to find out who is spray-painting red and blue faces on public and private spaces.
Here’s how the article begins:
On April 3, Irvington-based artist Dave Combs — known professionally as DaveToo — stood on one side of a bathroom stall, in an eastside location he declined to disclose, and spoke to a mysterious graffiti artist.
The artist, who had been tagging Irvington businesses, bike trails and dumpsters with blue and red faces, usually signed their work with “Pig” or “Mao.” They used a voice disguiser to distort their voice.
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In other news
- Inside the Oaks Academy Middle School in Martindale Brightwood, the Paul Laurence Dunbar Library — originally founded in 1922 and the first Indianapolis library built to serve the Black community — underwent a “Harlem Renaissance”-inspired renovation. “This space represented a jewel for the Black community,” librarian Maurice Broaddus said. The renowned afrofuturist writer was part of the renovation effort.
- The class of 2024 is the last group of students who will graduate from IUPUI, as the school prepares to split into IU Indianapolis and Purdue in Indianapolis. Because some high schools canceled their graduations during the pandemic, this was the first year some graduates had a graduation ceremony. Some students also used commencement as an opportunity to express their opposition to IU’s financial investments in Israel.
- The nonprofit Urban Legacy Lands Initiative has announced that it is changing its name to Blacklight and expanding to work into more historically Black Indianapolis neighborhoods. Read more here.
What’s going on around the city
- Wednesday, May 15: Storytellers will take the stage at 7 p.m. at the Aristocrat Pub and Restaurant, 5212 N. College Ave., for the monthly Indy Story Slam. Participants will share stories related to the theme “Broken Bones or Hearts.” Free.
- Friday, May 17: Local punk staples Pat and the Pissers join nine bands at the HI-FI, 1043 Virginia Ave., at 5 p.m. for a night of live music. Wet Denim, Brother O’ Brother, Isaac Rudd & The Revolvers and Kara Cole are also part of the lineup. $10.
- Friday, May 17: Who said Beatlemania is over? At 7 p.m. at The Corner Bar, 5506 S. Meridian St., you can go back in time with The Beatless, a local Beatles tribute band. From “Revolver” to “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” you’ll hear hits from the British Invasion, and maybe some songs from other artists of years past. Free.
— Breanna Cooper, arts and culture reporter
Looking for other things to do? Check out Mirror Indy’s events calendar.
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What else we’re reading today
- Capital B: Community journalism director Ariana Beedie is reading about efforts to save and maintain Roosevelt High School in Gary, which is now considered an endangered historic place. The school was built to serve the Black community during times of segregation and its famous alumni include actor Avery Brooks, NBA star Glenn Robinson, and members of The Jackson 5.
- The Washington Post: Mirror Indy government reporter Peter Blanchard is reading about how a half tablespoon of olive oil every day might be associated with a lower risk of dying from dementia.
- Indiana Authors Awards: Novelist Michael Martone reviewed award-winning author Laird Hunt’s new short story collection, “Float Up, Sing Down.” The new book consists of connected stories that take place in Indiana.
Notes from our Documenters
This week, we have six meetings on our schedule.
Today, we’re covering the Indianapolis City-County Council and the Citizens’ Police Complaint Board.
Tomorrow, we’re covering the Indianapolis Housing Authority board.
Wednesday, we’re covering the Warren Township school board and the City-County Council’s Municipal Corporations Committee.
Thursday, we’re covering the Marion County Election Board.
What other meetings should we cover? Let me know.
— Ariana Beedie, community journalism director
Interested in being a Documenter? Here’s how.
Reflections
It’s been a pleasure sharing Mirror Indy’s stories with you the past few days.
If you love Mirror Indy’s arts and culture coverage, stay tuned. We have a weekly arts and culture newsletter in the works. But until that happens, please reach out with any story ideas or tips.
Hasta pronto,
Jennifer
P.S. If you liked something about today’s newsletter, or didn’t, let Ryan know at ryan.martin@mirrorindy.org. It helps us serve you better.
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