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.

Tom Rhea was trained as a painter at Indiana University, where he graduated with a
BFA. After twenty years in the demanding field of medallic arts, his paintings still retain a very sculptural feel, with an emphasis on the unique limestone architecture that distinguishes the IU campus. Besides providing celebrity portraits for publications such as The Wall Street Journal, LA Weekly, and XXL Magazine, he has written extensively on arts topics for local and national publications. He currently teaches drawing and History of Art at Ivy Tech Community College. While most are views of Bloomington, the show also contains two paintings from a recent trip to Italy, including a view of the ancient city of Matera, carved into the limestone cliffs in the southern region of Puglia. These paintings were executed in gouache, an opaque watercolor, over the past five years.

Join us for a free Noon Concert with harpist Shuang Liu. Free lunch will be provided after the performance. Our Noon Concert series is brought to you through a partnership with the Office of International Services.

On Friday, March 25, at 6 p.m., The Venue will host its final Friday Reception for Earth & Sky, John Gould and Lorraine Ferrell at The Venue.
John Gould (1804-1881) is universally recognized as the father of modern aviary art, hence “The Bird Man.” Gould traveled from England, around the world, seeking out subjects for his bird lithographs. He then partnered with prominent artists of the day to produce limited edition, hand-painted masterpieces. The pieces in this show are circular 1850, beautifully matted, framed, and covered with museum glass. These works are rare, stunning, and yet reasonably priced. They have a beauty that has and will continue to stand the test of time.
Lorraine Farrell hopes to reconnect with many of her former customers from the days of Fossil Rain and expose new clientele to her unique jewelry designs. “The metalwork I employ (in my jewelry) is purposely minimal, allowing the inherent beauty of each fossil, gemstone, and mineral to carry the overall design.” Having secured her art education in England and Indiana University, Lorraine brings her vast experience to each piece, capturing beauty while preserving a clear and powerful connection to the Earth.

Originally performed in classical Athens in 411 BC, Lysistrata is a comic account of one woman’s extraordinary mission to end the Peloponnesian War. Lysistrata persuades the women of Greece to withhold sexual privileges from their husbands and lovers as a means of forcing the men to negotiate peace—a strategy, however, that inflames the battle between the sexes.

Lysistrata is notable for being an early exposé of sexual relations in a male-dominated society and for its stance against the idea of perpetual war – themes that still resonate with today’s audience. Our production is based on the 2003 translation by Sarah Ruden, which keeps the spirit of classical theater but uses modern, relatable language that keeps the play as bawdy, naughty and outrageous as Aristophanes intended.

Lysistrata will be performed on March 24, 25, and 26 at Blockhouse Bloomington. Pre-sale tickets will be available on March 16.

George Balanchine was the choreographic genius of the 20th century. “See the music, hear the dance,” he said—and you will in this stunning spring collection!

RAYMONDA VARIATIONS

Balanchine loved Alexander Glazunov’s music for the ballet Raymonda, praising its “grand and generous manner” and its “joy and playfulness.” See that admiration personified in this abstract, highly romantic dazzler.

TARANTELLA

Fascinating rhythms … Neapolitan flair. The master took Louis Moreau Gottschalk’s marvelous music and created a pas de deux to show off the explosive talent of Edward Villella and his incandescent partner, Patricia McBride. Enjoy this virtuosic showstopper!

ELEGIE

Russian soul personified—Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s exquisite “Suite No. 3” and Balanchine’s inspired choreography capture its essence in this dream ballet.

SERENADE

Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic music, here is Balanchine’s first made-in-America ballet. A stunningly beautiful portrait of symmetry that bewitches audiences everywhere.

Exploring the darker truths of sexuality, “The Kink Show” is a glimpse into the provocative world of Kink & BDSM. The illicit, taboo, and sensual desires that whisper in the shadows are brought into the light.

Scenes/acts are presented with a focus on performance geared toward enticing the audience and enthralling the senses.

Featuring: kink/fetish scenes, erotic poetry, seductive performances, games, & other tasty morsels! Dancing will follow after the show.

The audience is encouraged to dress up and/or wear their best kinky/sultry attire to match the vibe of the show.

Doors at: 9 p.m.
Show at: 10 p.m.

March 25, 2016
The Back Door (21+)
$5 Cover