From the builders of some of America’s earliest railroads and farms to Civil Rights pioneers to digital technology entrepreneurs, Indian Americans have long been an inextricable part of American life. “Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation” explores the Indian American experience and the community’s vital political, professional, and cultural contributions to American life and history. The exhibition moves past pop-culture stereotypes of Indian Americans to explore the heritage, daily experience, and diverse contributions of Indian immigrants and their descendants in the United States. Weaving together stories of individual achievement and collective struggle, “Beyond Bollywood” uses photography, narrative, multimedia, and interactive stations to tell a uniquely American story, while conveying the texture, vibrancy, and vitality of Indian American communities.

“Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation” was created by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. The Mathers Museum’s presentation of the exhibit has been generously funded by Indiana University alumnus Robert N. Johnson, the Madhusudan and Kiran C. Dhar India Studies Program, the Asian American Studies Program, and the Department of American Studies. Gallery is open 9am-4:30 pm Tues-Fri and 1pm-4:30pm Sat/Sun.

Free visitor parking is available by the Indiana Avenue lobby entrance. Metered parking is available at the McCalla School parking lot on the corner of Ninth Street and Indiana Avenue. The parking lot also has spaces designated for Indiana University C and ST permits. During the weekends free parking is available on the surrounding streets.An access ramp is located at the Fess Avenue entrance, on the corner of Ninth Street and Fess Avenue. Reserved parking spaces are available on Ninth Street, between Fess Avenue and Indiana Avenue. If you have a disability and need assistance, special arrangements can be made to accommodate most needs. Please call 812-855-6873.

Continuing to bring you the best in local acoustic music, the Venue is pleased to host a performance, on Tuesday, February 2nd, at 5:30pm, by Bloomington’s own, UpFolk.
Travis Puntarelli has come home to Bloomington to join Aaron Comforty and Marc Haggerty, and some other musical friends, a/k/a UpFolk. They will perform a range of original music, from compositions influenced by medieval Irish Sea Shanties, to rap. Just as UpFolk is multi-generational, their appeal also spans age groups. Join us to greet Travis, and experience his talent once again.
Admission is free, so come early to get a good seat. If you do, you will be able to say “I knew them when”.
You can visit the following link for free parking options near The Venue: http://bloomington.in.gov/

Candlelight Owl Hike
Tuesday, February 2 at 6:30 p.m.

• Sign up at http://bit.ly/candleowl2016
• Register by January 31.
• Limited to 20 people.
• Location: Fairfax SRA

Today is the traditional start of the spring season. And although it probably doesn’t feel like spring to you, quite a few wild animals would disagree. Believe it or not, it’s the middle of courting and mating season for our local owls! The naturalist will attempt to “call in” one or more of these owls during an evening walk along a luminary-lighted wooded trail. 60 minutes

This last Channeling of the series is entitled Consummation. We’re completing a 3 month phase of choices and manifestation. Find out more, and what’s next. Please RSVP directly to Cinda at [email protected] Cinda Crull MS, MDiv, MFT, is the owner of JourneyWork and is a Channel and Psychotherapist Channeling her Master Teachers.

Bloomington Songwriter Showcase – Super Housewarming event with YOUR favorites – singing songs about starting over, or their NEW song – it’s all about NEW beginnings in our NEW venue – Bears Place – 1316 East 3rd St., in Bloomington. Bear’s will be offering drink specials on Tuesday evenings to enjoy as you listen to songs written by the people who wrote ‘em! NO COVER – MUST be at least 21 years to enter Bear’s back room. CYA – Feb. 2, 2016 – Show starts at 7:30 p.m. – doors open at 6:30!!