FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Event Contact: Brooke Klejnot, Executive DirectorBroad Ripple Village Association(317) 251-2782info@brva.org
Broad Ripple Art Walk Features 11 Destinations and an Interactive Mural InstallationFriday, May 12, 5-9 p.m., Free Admission Indianapolis, IN (April 29, 2017) – The Broad Ripple Art Walk has a new name and a new brand. We’re no longer the Broad Ripple Gallery Tour, because our art isn’t just in galleries. Put on your boots and start walkin’ to view art in shops, boutiques and businesses throughout the Village. As an added attraction, this year attendees will have an opportunity to view and participate in the installation of an interactive mural. Murals are an important part of creating a vibrant and distinctive community; they create a sense of place, catalyze investment and interaction, improve the neighborhood experience, and support the artist economy. The Art Walk committee’s goal is to add three works of art to the Village every year. Broad Ripple Art Walk 
11 locations in the Village will be open from 5-9 p.m., each featuring their own unique art exhibit. Locations are scattered throughout the Village, giving event attendees the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful evening experiencing Broad Ripple and supporting the arts community. Village Core Artifacts, 6327 Guilford AveBroad Ripple Village Association/Primary Colours, 6323 Guilford AveThe Bungalow, 924 E Westfield BlvdNeat-O, 724 E Broad Ripple Ave, Suite 2PactSafe, 6338 N College Ave North Village Ashland Gallery & Stu’s Studio, 6537 Carrollton AveHalf Baked Pottery & Gifts 6511 Ferguson StIndianapolis Art Center, 820 E 67th StMarigold Clothing, 6512 N Cornell AvePerk Up Cafe, 6536 N Cornell AveThe Potter’s House, 6503 N Carrollton Ave Broad Ripple Art Walks are Presented by Broad Ripple Magazine and PactSafe with support from Cork and Cracker. Interactive Mural Installation 
The evening of the Art Walk, artists Megan Jefferson and Jamie Locke will be installing the latest version of their Angel Wing mural series on a wall behind The Bungalow. The mural is interactive, once it is completed visitors can take a photo with it and post it to social media using the hashtag #IndyAngelWings. Angel Wings Background In July 2016, Megan Jefferson called friend and fellow artist Jamie Locke. “I just wanted to do something that was interactive in the public forum that represented hope and love,” said Megan, a Broad Ripple-based artist. “I started to think about angel wings. It was on my mind for a while.” Megan and Jamie partnered to create the 400-foot mandala mural at 49th Street along the Monon, and they began creating the first wings at 64th Street on the Monon, across from BRICS ice cream shop. We thought this was the perfect spot because there’s high traffic, especially with kids. We made one made one set of wings at grown-up height and a second one for children. A month later, we added another set – to the tide of Developer Town at 52nd St. and Winthrop Ave, near Bent Rail Brewery. “It’s become a destination,” Jamie said. “Well, people stumble on them, too. It’s been nothing but positive.” We ask people to share photos of themselves on social media in front of the wings, using the hashtag IndyAngelWings. The hashtag on Instagram has nearly 200 shared photos. “It’s really fun to go through that tag as they post photos of them with these,” Megan said. “Their captions are so uplifting and positive. “As an artist, there’s nothing better than to see someone enjoying your work.” You can find Megan online on Instagram: megsj1, Facebook: Jefferson Art Studio and online at www.jeffersonartstudio.com You can find Jamie online on Instagram: jamielocke_art, Facebook: Jamie Locke Art and online at www.jamielockeart.com Megan Bio Megan Jefferson holds a BFA from Miami University. She has been painting and selling her work since 1998. Megan exhibits locally and regionally and is represented by Renditions Gallery. Her current work focuses on large scale, color-based, abstract landscapes. Megan also works as a Grant Director and Community Mural Coordinator for the local arts non-profit organization, The Department of Public Words, where the mission is to spread positivity through art and education. Megan enjoys teaching art to people of all ages and skill levels. She teaches children in the ArtReach program at the Indianapolis Art Center and teaches private art lessons as well. Jamie Bio As a life long artist and maker in many mediums, Jamie discovered a love for creating mandalas in 2007, inspired by the traditional Indian art form of mehndi and mehndi designs. Her work has evolved from creating henna designs on skin and then ink on paper, to carving intricate designs onto wood, metal, glass and stone. What began as an exploration in 2007 has turned into a career that has enabled her artwork to find their place in homes all around the world. It continues to be a work that inspires & thrills her and it brings great joy to see carved mandalas in homes, offices and galleries far and wide. For more information regarding the Art Walk, visit www.broadrippleartwalk.org For more information about the Broad Ripple Village Association (BRVA), visit www.brva.org ###
Who We Are. The BRVA is a not-for-profit community organization serving residents, businesses, and visitors in Broad Ripple. Founded in 1969, the BRVA is the oldest and largest volunteer organization actively working on initiatives that enrich the community, attract investment, amplify public spaces, and improve quality of life in Broad Ripple. The BRVA’s mission is to advance the Village community through engagement and advocacy.
