• Congrats to the four films honored by Heartland Film in 2024 that won six Oscars! Both Opening and Closing Night films of the 33rd Heartland International Film Festival (HIFF) received Academy Awards The HIFF Opening Night film and Humor & Humanity Award Winner, A Real Pain from Searchlight Pictures, received two nominations and took home the Oscar for Supporting Actor, Kieran Culkin. The HIFF Closing Night film, Emilia Pérez from Netflix, received the most Oscar nominations at 13, and won for both Actress in a Supporting Role, Zoe Saladana, and Original Song, “El Mal.” Animated Feature Film Flow played as a special presentation in the 2024 lineup, and won best animated feature. It was also the first Latvian film to win a Golden Globe and Oscar. Wicked was honored by Heartland with a Truly Moving Picture award. The film received Oscars for Costume Design and Production design.
• Irvington Counseling will hold a Peace Pole Planting on the Equinox, March 20 at 6:30 p.m. along the Pennsy Trail at their office at 203 Goode Ave. Businesses and individuals are encouraged to craft and contribute your own peace pole to the garden. If you have any questions, contact them at lauren@irvingtoncounseling.org
• The only recycling drop box on the east side at Washington Square Mall has been removed by the City as of Tuesday, March 4. The closest recycling to the east side is the Kroger at Franklin and Southport, Garfield Park, at 2345 Pagoda Dr., or downtown at Center Township Trustee Office, 300 E. Fall Creek Parkway N. Drive. Please report illegal dumping in the neighborhood by calling the Mayor’s Action Center at 317-327-4622 or online at RequestIndy.
• First Friday will be held throughout the city, as galleries and art studios open to the public. ArtMix, an organization that provides art education to individuals with special needs, has published a book, Better Together. Thirty-five participating artists, art, photos, and behind the scene images from their studios are in the book. For only $35 you can purchase it at First Friday at the Harrison Center, 1505 N. Delaware between 6-9 p.m. On the east side, check out the many cool spaces, including the third floor of the Lodge, 6767 E. Washington St. and Hampton Designs right next door. The Factory Arts District will also have many studios open at 1125 Brookside on the near eastside. Also Irvingtonian Justin Vining will have an open studio from 5-9 p.m. with 125+ new works for sale. His studio is at 2620 E. 10th (down from the Tick Tock closer to Rural).
• Fine Estate Art will host a showing of William Forsyth’s prints and drawings spanning his career on Friday, March 7 beginning at 5 p.m. The gallery is located at 2158 Talbott St.
• The IRT has announced the winners of the 2025 statewide youth playwriting competition, Young Playwrights in Process. The first place winners were Kelley Trowbridge from University High School, and Maira Martin from Columbus Central Middle School. Congratulations!