Spirit & Place, IU Indianapolis

Voices of the Living Earth: Exploring Nature’s Song Resonating within Us
2025-11-08 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis) | Indianapolis Art Center, 820 E. 67th St., Indianapollis, 46220, United States
From tree roots to rivers to vocal cords, all life vibrates. Explore the elemental aspects of Nature within us through focused listening, voice, and movement. Guided by choral artists and soundscape ecologists, participants will create a living soundscape that echoes the vibrational song of Nature and spirit.
Experience the sounds of nature and the human voice in a participatory choral exploration. Guided by singers, participants will co–create vocal and bodily sounds inspired by earth, air, water, and fire, culminating in a collective chorus. Reflections and insights from soundscape ecology invite attendees to consider the spiritual, cultural, and ecological dimensions of sound. This immersive event encourages deep listening, improvisation, and quiet contemplation, fostering personal and communal connections to nature’s vast symphony. All are welcome, no previous singing experience needed.
*Weather permitting, this event will begin outdoors and then move inside.
Questions? Contact 317-940-9057 and info@indychoir.org.
Event Organizers: A partnership between Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, Indianapolis Women’s Chorus, Center for Global Soundscapes, and Quiet Parks International.
Registration: Click here to register.

Plant Parenthood: Music by Plants, for Plants - 3 performance times!
2025-11-09 11:00 - 16:30 | Garfield Park Conservatory, 2505 Conservatory Dr., Indianapolis, 46203, United States
Three performance times! (11AM, 1PM, & 3PM) Registration strongly encouraged.
Enjoy a relaxing, multi-sensory concert at Garfield Park Conservatory featuring original music based on plant growth patterns. Wander the gardens, hear each plant’s story in song, and savor snacks inspired by the flora. A celebration for and with plants!
Step into the lush Garfield Park Conservatory for Plant Parenthood, a free ambient jazz concert inspired by the secret rhythms of nature. Each piece in this original suite is based on real patterns of plant growth, turning data into sound and inviting listeners to hear the hidden stories of plants. Surrounded by greenery, guests can stroll, reflect, or simply relax as music, science, and art intertwine. Tasting treats made from featured plants and taking home a zine with stories and scores, audiences will discover new ways to connect with the living world around them.
Questions? Contact 317-345-0176 or clockworkmakesmusic@gmail.com.
Event Organizers: A partnership between Clockwork Music and Garfield Park Conservatory.
Registration:
11AM Performance – click here to register
1PM Performance – click here to register
3PM Performance – click here to register

Earth Pigment: The Alchemy of Soil
2025-11-09 13:00 - 16:00 | Wilson Art Lab/The Rose Building, 642 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN, 46205, United States
Limited capacity. Registration required.
This workshop is offered twice: Nov. 7 & Nov. 9.
This hands-on, earth-honoring workshop invites you to gather, process, and transform local soil into natural pigment. Through ritual, slowness, and creativity, you will reconnect with land, craft handmade paint, and explore soil as story, archive, and art.
Questions? Contact 317-274-2462 or sw@shamirawilson.com.
Event Organizers: A partnership between Wilson Art Lab and Growing Places Indy.
Registration: Click here to register.

Intro to Mindful Birding: Put Down a Field Guide, Pick Up Your Feel Guide
2025-11-09 13:30 - 16:00 | Crown Hill Cemetery – Waiting Station, 3402 Boulevard Pl., Indianapolis, IN, 46208, United States
Limited capacity. Registration required.
Mindful birding is a practice combining mindfulness with the joy of birding. Connect with the natural world and the birds that inhabit it, letting go of the need to identify (field guide), to focus on what we notice, feel, and wonder (feel guide).
Mindful Birding invites participants to slow down and connect with the natural world through attentive observation of birds and their habitats. Guided by experienced forest therapy practitioners, attendees will practice mindfulness techniques to enhance awareness, engage all senses, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the rhythms, sounds, and beauty of local birdlife. This experience fosters calm, curiosity, and connection to both nature and community.
Questions? Contact 303-408-9158 or michmorton14@gmail.com.
Event Organizers: A partnership between Michelle Morton Forest Therapy, Witness Nature Indy, and Crown Hill Foundation.
Registration: Click here to register.

A Walk in the Park: Fiber Arts Exhibition
2025-11-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Eagle Creek Earth Discovery Center, 5901 Delong Rd., Indianapolis, IN, 46254, United States
Free with admission into the park, $6
Exhibit Run: Nov. 8 – 30 | Closed Mon. Tues. – Sat., 10AM – 5PM. Sun., 1 – 5PM
Enjoy a nature inspired fiber art exhibit by INfiber members at Eagle Creek Park and on November 9 interact with the artists to learn what this year’s NATURE theme means to them.
INfiber is a regional collective of Central Indiana artists who work with cloth and fiber as their medium. The group meets regularly to share, exhibit, and inspire one another, and their works have been featured in galleries and museums across Indiana.
Questions? Contact 317-327-7148 or Dawn.VanDeman@indy.gov.
Event Organizers: A partnership between INFiber, Eagle Creek Earth Discovery Center, and Eagle Creek Park Foundation.
Registration: Click here to register.

Sunset in the Woods by Leigh Layton

Youth Rising for Nature: Getting Community in Action through Service & Advocacy
2025-11-09 14:00 - 17:00 | Frederick Douglass Park Family Center, 1616 E. 25th St., Indianapolis, 46218, United States
Community Forum & River Clean Up. Attend one or both gatherings.
Join Sea Scope’s youth Eco-Warriors for a two-part event exploring environmental justice, community dialogue, and a Fall Creek cleanup. Facilitated by local experts and inspired by Laudato Si, this experience blends spiritual reflection and action. Connect with neighbors of Martindale-Brightwood and our living earth—come for one or both days!
This two-part experience (attending both Saturdays is optional) connects storytelling, faith, Martindale-Brightwood neighbors, and environmental action. The first session features an expert and youth-led community forum exploring local ecological challenges and reflections inspired by Laudato Si’ – a 2015 papal encyclical focused on environmental stewardship, climate change, and ecological responsibility, emphasizing the moral and spiritual dimensions of caring for the Earth. A week later, participants engage in a hands-on cleanup along Fall Creek restoring natural spaces in disinvested communities while learning how local actions connect to global environmental issues. Through dialogue, reflection, and collective action, attendees will deepen their understanding of stewardship, equity, and the sacred responsibility to care for our shared planet.
Questions? Contact 317-203-9397 or seascopeincindy@gmail.com.
Event Organizers: A partnership between Sea Scope Inc., Earth Charter Indiana, Indiana Conservation Voters, The Garden Community Church, and Indy Parks and Recreation.
Registration: Click here to register for the Nov. 9 community forum.
Community Forum Details (Nov. 9): Doors open at 2PM for fellowship and the forum starting at 2:45PM. All are welcome, especially Martindale-Brightwood neighbors wanting to exercise their neighborhood voice and power!
River Clean Up Details (Nov. 16): See Nov. 16 event listing.

Little Seeds: Interfaith Understanding Through the Art of Children’s Literature
2025-11-10 17:00 - 19:00 | Franklin College Student Center, 101 Branigan Blvd., Franklin, 46131, United States
ASL Interpretation provided by IU Indianapolis’s American Sign Language/English Interpreting Program students
Explore nature, spirit, and storytelling at this joyful family-friendly event! Enjoy hands-on activities, kid-friendly snacks, story time with special readers, and a keynote by author Kaitlin Curtice. Designed for families and grownups who still cherish a good picture book.
Explore spirituality and nature through the art of storytelling! Participants will engage with interactive stations hosted by community partners, enjoy story time with special readers, and hear a short keynote from author and storyteller Kaitlin Curtice. Activities include contributing to a collective story, creating artwork, and reflecting on favorite books, all designed to spark curiosity, imagination, and connection across generations. The event concludes with a book signing, ensuring a shared experience for both children and adults.
About Kaitlin Curtice: Kaitlin Curtice is an award-winning author, poet-storyteller, and public speaker. As an enrolled citizen of the Potawatomi nation, Kaitlin writes on the intersections of spirituality and identity and how that shifts throughout our lives. Her children’s books include Spring’s Miracles, Summer’s Magic, and Winter’s Gifts.
Questions? Contact 317-738-8054 or bschmidt@franklincollege.edu.
Event Organizers: A partnership between Franklin College, Johnson County Public Library, and Imagination Library of Johnson County.
Registration: Click here to register.

Nature Journaling
2025-11-11 10:00 - 13:00 | Broad Ripple Park, 1426 Broad Ripple Ave., Indianapolis, 46220, United States
Outdoor Experience – 3 opportunities at 3 unique venues!
Registration required.
Slow down, observe, and reconnect with nature, yourself, and others. In this guided exercise, you’ll explore the outdoors with a journal in hand, using words, pictures, and numbers to capture your experience and reflect on the wonders of the natural world.
Anyone can journal! Nature journaling is a powerful way to deepen your connection with the natural world. It blends art, science, and mindfulness by encouraging you to observe closely and record what you see, hear, and feel using words, pictures, and numbers. Whether you’re an artist, a writer, or simply someone who loves spending time outdoors, this workshop will help you see nature through a more attentive and reflective lens. We’ll begin with a 30-minute indoor* introduction to the practice of nature journaling, including simple drawing techniques and writing prompts designed to spark curiosity and insight. Then, participants will head outside to explore and journal in a nearby natural space for approximately 90 minutes. The workshop will close with time to share reflections and pages from our journals with one another.
Ideal for adults and families with older children and teens. No previous art or writing experience is necessary.
*NOTES:
The Broad Ripple Family Center will be closed in observance of Veteran’s Day. The Nov. 11 journaling session will be entirely outdoors.
There is a $7 vehicle admission fee to Mounds State Park
Questions? Contact 317-372-3936 or jettodd1@me.com.
Event Organizers: A partnership between certified nature journaling instructor James Todd, Broad Ripple Park Family Center, Holliday Park, and Mounds State Park.
Registration: Click here to register.
Event Details:
NOV. 11 — The Family Center (and its restrooms) will be closed in observance of Veterans Day. Meet at the park shelter #1.
NOV. 12 — Meet at the Mounds State Park Nature Center. Park admission is $7/per vehicle.
NOV. 13 — Meet at the Holliday Park Nature Center.

Indiana's Wetland Wonders: Connecting Communities & Nature
2025-11-11 15:00 - 18:30 | Marian University Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab, 3200 Cold Spring Rd., Indianapolis, 46222, United States
Wetland Tour & Presentation — Choose one or both!
Registration strongly encouraged.
Discover how wetlands sustain communities by cleaning water, protecting them from floods, sheltering rare species, and more. Through an (optional) wetland tour, breathtaking photo exhibit, and three community-expert presentations, learn about ongoing wetland conservation efforts.
Indiana’s Wetland Wonders shines a spotlight on the hidden beauty and essential role of wetlands in our state. Discover how wetlands sustain biodiversity, protect water quality, and nurture both human and natural communities. This event invites you to see wetlands not just as landscapes, but as vital ecosystems worth cherishing and protecting.
Questions? Contact 219-310-9390 or miturbide@hecweb.org.
Event Organizers; A partnership between Hoosier Environmental Council, Marian University Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab, and Wetlands not Warehouses of Franklin Township. 219-310-9390 or miturbide@hecweb.org.
Event Details:
Arrival & Parking for the Optional EcoLab Tour
The optional guided walking tour of Marian University’s full-scale restored wetland begins at 3 PM, rain or shine. Be sure to wear warm clothing and shoes that can get wet, as it may be snowy or muddy. For those with limited mobility, please note that this tour will have dirt trails with a wide clearance. We recommend parking at location 19 in the part of the lot closest to Cold Spring Road, where your tour guide will be waiting. Please see the map for more detail.
Arrival & Parking for the Panel Discussion and Photos
The panel discussion and photo exhibition begins at 4 PM at the Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine at Marian University — Building #21 on the map.
Registration: Click here to register.

Inner and Outer Space: Celestial Visions and Vibrations - 3 performance times!
2025-11-11 17:30 - 20:30 | The Indianapolis Propylaeum – Carriage House, 1410 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis, 46202, United States
Immersive Art & Sound Installation – multiple sessions!
Timed experience. Registration strongly encouraged.
Enter an immersive installation where art and sound evoke the vastness of the universe. Set to a cosmic backdrop of large-scale oil paintings, experience the sounds of space through live gong and theremin performance. Reflect on your inner cosmos in this meditative journey through silence, vibration, and awe.
An intentionally contemplative event, Inner & Outer Space has been designed to limit distractions. Attendees should observe total silence as they expand beyond the earthly experience into the universe itself.
Questions? Contact 317-274-2462 or HariDattiKaur@gmail.com.
Event Organizers: A partnership between Diane Hancock Gong Meditations, Esther Hale Art, Randy Schwartz, and The Indianapolis Propylaeum.
Registration: Click here to register.
Event Details:
Tuesday, Nov. 11 — 5:30, 7:00, & 8:30PM
Wednesday, Nov. 12 — 3:30 (daylight show), 6:30, & 8PM
Inner & Outer Space is a timed experience offered 3 times daily, with an early show on Wednesday. Walk-ins may be accommodated as space and timing allows. Advance registration is strongly encouraged to ensure the best possible experience as space is limited.
Arrival Window: Please arrive no later than 10 minutes past your registered start time. Early arrivals may wait in an anteroom where they can interact with the artist.
Silent Reflection: Upon entering the gallery/performance space, feel free to wander among the artwork or choose a seat to quietly reflect and take in the recorded cosmic soundscape. Chairs will be provided. No yoga mats, please. Silence cell phones to preserve the contemplative atmosphere.
Live Performance: The gong and theremin experience begins promptly at 15 minutes past the hour. No late entry will be permitted once the performance begins.
Post-Performance: Guests are welcome to remain in the space for an additional 10–15 minutes of silent reflection after the performance concludes.
The event creators would like to thank The Indianapolis Propylaeum, Heartland Mindfulness Collective, Indy Dream Events, and CITYOGA School of Yoga and Health for their support.

Storytelling is in our Nature
2025-11-11 18:30 - 20:30 | Eugene and Marily Glick Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis, 46202, United States
ASL Interpretation provided by IU Indianapolis’s American Sign Language/English Interpreting Program students
Gather around a (fake!) campfire to hear true tales rooted in family, place, and culture. Hear stories from Lithuania, El Salvador, Ukraine, Greece, the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, and more! Then, join a guided conversation exploring how storytelling shapes identity, preserves memory, and connects us across generations and traditions.
Step into the warmth of community as we gather to explore the power of storytelling. In this intimate setting, you’ll hear short tales drawn from diverse cultural traditions—stories of Indigenous family members adapting to life in Indiana, El Salvadorian lessons about safety, Pennsylvania Dutch folklore on morality, and more. Each tale offers a window into the ways families and communities pass down values, memories, and wisdom through oral traditions.
After the stories, guests will be invited into a reflective conversation guided by our partners. Together, we’ll explore how stories preserve cultural knowledge, connect us to nature, and express what it means to be human.
Questions? Contact 317-232-1882 or welcome@indianahistory.org.
Event Organizers: A partnership between Indiana Historical Society, Storytelling Arts of Indiana, Ukrainian Society of Indiana, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Cultural Resources Extension Office, and community storytellers: Katrina Mitten, Svitlana Ramer, Flor Ramos-Skidmore, Rachel Serago, and Dani Tippman.
Registration: Click here to register.

Image Credit: Indiana Historical Society

The Nature of Belief: How Translation of Sacred Text Decides Meaning
2025-11-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Arthur M Glick JCC – Laikin Auditorium, 6701 Hoover Rd., Indianapolis, IN, United States
Translation is never neutral, and it shapes more than words. In fact, it shapes the very nature of belief. Compare different English translations of sacred texts in small groups and how they have influenced understanding and belief across time, cultures, and communities. Participants will be challenged to rethink the meaning of well-known verses and how different meanings can reconstruct our thoughts.
Through small-group conversations, participants will explore how translations of sacred texts shape meaning and influence cultural understanding. Beginning with a brief introduction and examples of shifting translations over time, the event invites guests to compare different versions of ancient writings used across faith communities. By treating sacred texts as both poetry and philosophy, participants will consider how language, art, and interpretation influence belief, and how translation itself shapes the very nature of religious understanding.
Questions? Contact 317-531-6299 or gkelley@bez613.org.
Event Organizers: A partnership between Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, Northminster Presbyterian Church, and JCC Indianapolis’s Ann Katz Festival of Books.
Registration: Click here to register.

Thin Spaces: Where Heaven Meets Earth
2025-11-12 09:30 - 11:00 | Fort Harrison State Park, 6000 N. Post Rd., Indianapolis, 46216, United States
Free park admission – tell gate attendant you’re there for a Spirit & Place event.
Walk through a peaceful urban park while reflecting on nature’s spiritual power. With pauses for poetry, scripture, and quiet conversation, this contemplative walk explores “thin spaces”—where heaven and earth feel especially close—and invites you to reconnect with self, spirit, and creation.
Join a contemplative walk through Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park, blending movement, reflection, and conversation. Along the Harrison Trace Trail, participants will pause for readings from Biblical and literary texts, explore “thin spaces” where the divine and natural world meet, and engage in quiet meditation. The walk concludes at the Nature Center, where participants learn about the park’s history and restoration. Gentle, reflective, and accessible, this experience invites participants to connect deeply with nature, spirituality, and community.
Questions? Contact 317-359-5467 or events@lutheranfamily.org.
Event Organizers: A partnership between Lutheran Child & Family Services of IN/KY, Inc.; Indiana Department of Natural Resources at Fort Harrison State Park; and Pastor Dave Schreiber.
Registration: Click here to register.
Event Details: Meet at the Delaware Lake parking lot. Dress for the weather!

Ft. Harrison State Park, Sven Schumacher

Nature Journaling
2025-11-12 13:00 - 16:00 | Mounds State Park, 4306 Mounds Rd., Anderson, 46017, United States
Outdoor Experience – 3 opportunities at 3 unique venues!
Registration required.
Slow down, observe, and reconnect with nature, yourself, and others. In this guided exercise, you’ll explore the outdoors with a journal in hand, using words, pictures, and numbers to capture your experience and reflect on the wonders of the natural world.
Anyone can journal! Nature journaling is a powerful way to deepen your connection with the natural world. It blends art, science, and mindfulness by encouraging you to observe closely and record what you see, hear, and feel using words, pictures, and numbers. Whether you’re an artist, a writer, or simply someone who loves spending time outdoors, this workshop will help you see nature through a more attentive and reflective lens. We’ll begin with a 30-minute indoor* introduction to the practice of nature journaling, including simple drawing techniques and writing prompts designed to spark curiosity and insight. Then, participants will head outside to explore and journal in a nearby natural space for approximately 90 minutes. The workshop will close with time to share reflections and pages from our journals with one another.
Ideal for adults and families with older children and teens. No previous art or writing experience is necessary.
*NOTES:
The Broad Ripple Family Center and restrooms will be closed in observance of Veteran’s Day. The Nov. 11 journaling session will be entirely outdoors.
There is a $7 vehicle admission fee to Mounds State Park
Questions? Contact 317-372-3936 or jettodd1@me.com.
Event Organizers: A partnership between certified nature journaling instructor James Todd, Broad Ripple Park Family Center, Holliday Park, and Mounds State Park.
Registration: Click here to register.
Event Details:
NOV. 11 — The Family Center and restroom will be closed in observance of Veterans Day. Meet at the park shelter #13.
NOV. 12 — Meet at the Mounds State Park Nature Center. Park admission is $7/per vehicle.
NOV. 13 — Meet at the Holliday Park Nature Center.

Inner and Outer Space: Celestial Visions and Vibrations - 3 performance times!
2025-11-12 15:30 - 20:00 | The Indianapolis Propylaeum – Carriage House, 1410 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis, 46202, United States
Immersive Art & Sound Installation – multiple sessions!
Timed experience. Registration strongly encouraged.
Enter an immersive installation where art and sound evoke the vastness of the universe. Set to a cosmic backdrop of large-scale oil paintings, experience the sounds of space through live gong and theremin performance. Reflect on your inner cosmos in this meditative journey through silence, vibration, and awe.
An intentionally contemplative event, Inner & Outer Space has been designed to limit distractions. Attendees should observe total silence as they expand beyond earthly experience into the universe itself.
Questions? Contact 317-274-2462 or HariDattiKaur@gmail.com.
Event Organizers: A partnership between Diane Hancock Gong Meditations, Esther Hale Art, Randy Schwartz, and The Indianapolis Propylaeum.
Registration: Click here to register.
Event Details:
Tuesday, Nov. 11 — 5:30, 7:00, & 8:30PM
Wednesday, Nov. 12 — 3:30 (daylight show), 6:30, & 8PM
Inner & Outer Space is a timed experience offered 3 times daily, with an early show on Wednesday. Walk-ins may be accommodated as space and timing allows. Advance registration is strongly encouraged to ensure the best possible experience as space is limited.
Arrival Window: Please arrive no later than 10 minutes past your registered start time. Early arrivals may wait in an anteroom where they can interact with the artist.
Silent Reflection: Upon entering the gallery/performance space, feel free to wander among the artwork or choose a seat to quietly reflect and take in the recorded cosmic soundscape. Chairs will be provided. No yoga mats, please. Silence cell phones to preserve the contemplative atmosphere.
Live Performance: The gong and theremin experience begins promptly at 15 minutes past the hour. No late entry will be permitted once the performance begins.
Post-Performance: Guests are welcome to remain in the space for an additional 10–15 minutes of silent reflection after the performance concludes.
The event creators would like to thank The Indianapolis Propylaeum, Heartland Mindfulness Collective, Indy Dream Events, and CITYOGA School of Yoga and Health for their support.

Nature and the Transcendent in Marilynne Robinson's Gilead
2025-11-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Hussey-Mayfield Public Libary – Zionsville Branch, 250 N. 5th St., Zionsville, 46077, United States
“This is an interesting planet. It deserves all the attention you can give it.” — Marilynne Robinson, Gilead
This quote captures the heart of Gilead, Robinson’s Pulitzer Prize–winning novel that invites us to behold the world with reverence and attention. In a time when speed and distraction dominate our days, Gilead offers a counter-testimony: that light, water, speech, and blessing are sacred gifts—natural things that point us toward the beautiful and the good.
Led by Dr. Richard Gunderman, Chancellor’s Professor at IU Indianapolis, this reflective session—part lecture, part reading group—will explore Gilead through a series of guided readings and visual illustrations. Participants will read and discuss selected passages from Gilead, including a father’s blessing of his prodigal namesake, a summer evening transformed by a lawn sprinkler, and a moment of astonishment at beauty found in a graveyard bathed in moonlight.
Whether you’re a longtime admirer of Robinson’s work, a student encountering Gilead for the first time, or simply someone drawn to stories that speak quietly but profoundly to life’s deeper questions, this event offers space to reflect, discuss, and reconnect with both the inner life and the natural world.
Questions? Contact 317-873-3149 or askalib@hmmpl.org.
Event Organizers: A partnership between scholar Dr. Richard Gunderman and Hussey Mayfield Memorial Library.
Registration: Click here to register.

Rooted and Resilient: Papermaking with Weeds
2025-11-12 18:00 - 20:15 | Herron School of Art + Design, 735 New York St., Indianapolis, 46202, United States
Limited capacity. Registration required.
Engage in a hands-on papermaking experience using recycled materials and weeds. Explore ideas of resilience, renewal, and natural beauty while creating your own handmade paper. This reflective workshop invites mindfulness, creativity, and connection to nature.
Discover the overlooked beauty of weeds in a therapeutic papermaking workshop. Through conversation, reflection, and hands-on artmaking, participants will explore weeds as symbols of resilience while learning traditional papermaking techniques. Using recycled materials and natural elements like dandelion seeds, each person will create unique sheets of handmade paper infused with personal meaning. This calming, community-centered experience offers a chance to slow down, connect with others, and see both plants—and ourselves—in a new light.
Questions? Contact 317-278-4590 or lataking@iu.edu.
Event Organizers: A partnership between Herron School of Art + Design – Art Therapy and Newfields.
Registration & Parking Info: Parking in the IUI Sports Complex Garage (875 W. New York St.) will be validated. Click here to register.

Sacred Roots: FernGully and Earth’s Spiritual Stories
2025-11-12 18:00 - 21:30 | KanKan Cinema and Brasserie, 1258 Windsor St, Indianapolis, IN, 46241, United States
Limited capacity. Registration required.
Join us for a screening of FernGully: The Last Rainforest and an interfaith panel exploring how various faith traditions and spiritualist groups understand nature as sacred and interconnected. Enjoy nature-based crafts and sharing stories during an evening of film, faith, and reflection.
Questions? Contact 317-268-5300 or kevin@indycic.org.
Event Organizers: A partnership between Center for Interfaith Cooperation and Kan-Kan Cinema and Restaurant.
Registration: Click here to register.

Nature Journaling
2025-11-13 10:00 - 13:00 | Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill Rd., Indianapolis, 46260, United States
Outdoor Experience – 3 opportunities at 3 unique venues!
Registration required.
Slow down, observe, and reconnect with nature, yourself, and others. In this guided exercise, you’ll explore the outdoors with a journal in hand, using words, pictures, and numbers to capture your experience and reflect on the wonders of the natural world.
Anyone can journal! Nature journaling is a powerful way to deepen your connection with the natural world. It blends art, science, and mindfulness by encouraging you to observe closely and record what you see, hear, and feel using words, pictures, and numbers. Whether you’re an artist, a writer, or simply someone who loves spending time outdoors, this workshop will help you see nature through a more attentive and reflective lens. We’ll begin with a 30-minute indoor* introduction to the practice of nature journaling, including simple drawing techniques and writing prompts designed to spark curiosity and insight. Then, participants will head outside to explore and journal in a nearby natural space for approximately 90 minutes. The workshop will close with time to share reflections and pages from our journals with one another.
Ideal for adults and families with older children and teens. No previous art or writing experience is necessary.
*NOTES:
The Broad Ripple Family Center will be closed in observance of Veteran’s Day. The Nov. 11 journaling session will be entirely outdoors.
There is a $7 vehicle admission fee to Mounds State Park
Questions? Contact 317-372-3936 or jettodd1@me.com.
Event Organizers: A partnership between certified nature journaling instructor James Todd, Broad Ripple Park Family Center, Holliday Park, and Mounds State Park.
Registration: Click here to register.
Event Details:
NOV. 11 — The Family Center will be closed in observance of Veterans Day. Meet at the park shelter.
NOV. 12 — Meet at the Mounds State Park Nature Center. Park admission is $7/per vehicle.
NOV. 13 — Meet at the Holliday Park Nature Center.

Fear, Mercy, and the Nature of Us
2025-11-14 18:30 - 20:00 | 1000 Words Gallery, 3328 E. 10th St., Indianapolis, 46201, United States
Limited capacity. Registration encouraged.
Inspired by the poems Allowables by Nikki Giovanni and Mercy by Rudy Francisco this event explores the roots of our fears and the quiet, transformative power of mercy. Facilitated by Deborah Asante, participants will engage in guided writing, creative reflection, and optional group sharing in a safe and supportive environment.
Through the power of poetry and writing, this event examines and explores how the nature of fear and mercy shape us as individuals and a society. Engage in guided conversation about how we respond to what we do not understand. Write short reflections, letters, or poems and contribute a word or phrase to a collaborative community art piece called the Web of Mercy. Set in a calm and creative space, the program offers time for meaningful dialogue, quiet reflection, and artistic expression, leaving participants with a deeper sense of how the sacred choice of mercy can shape both our inner lives and our relationships with others.
Questions? Contact 317-274-2462 or info@blackworldschoolers.com.
Event Organizers: A partnership between Black Worldschoolers Mobile Bookstore and Imani Willis-Henderson.
Registration: Click here to register.

Hopecraft: Cultivating Possibility in the Climate Crisis
2025-11-14 18:30 - 20:00 | Ujamaa Community Bookstore, 2424 Dr. MLK Jr. St., Indianapolis, IN, 46208, United States
Discover Hopecraft! Part conversation, part hands-on art workshop—“hope crafting” invites those grappling with climate despair to connect through reflection, visual expression, and writing to explore climate hope through the resilient perspectives of Black, Brown, and Indigenous thinkers.
Hopecraft invites participants into a hands-on, heart-centered exploration of hope as both a personal practice and a community tool. Through guided reflection, creative exercises, and conversation, this interactive workshop will help you identify where hope shows up in your life and how it can be nurtured, shared, and sustained. Whether you arrive feeling weary or inspired, Hopecraft offers space to craft tangible practices of resilience and imagination that strengthen both self and community.
Questions? Contact 317-274-2462 or klynnkamara@gmail.com.
Event Organizers: A partnership Kiara Kamara and Ujamaa Community Bookstore.
Registration: Click here to register.

Dreamland
2025-11-14 19:00 - 20:30 | The Athenaeum, 401 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis, 46204, United States
ASL Interpretation provided by IU Indianapolis’s American Sign Language/English Interpreting Program students
Created by middle and high school students, Dreamland is a theatrical journey through eco-anxiety and the climate crisis. Featuring original music, movement, and projection, this youth-driven performance reflects the urgency of our time and invites audiences to listen, feel, and engage in a post-show dialogue with the cast and Earth Charter Indiana.
React, formerly Young Actors Theater, creates original theatre with youth that REACTS to social issues in the world. Earth Charter Indiana exists to inspire and advance sustainable, just and peaceful living in Indiana. Through education, engagement and advocacy, they support schools, municipalities, and mission-aligned organizations in building local resilience.
Questions? Contact 317-258-2255 or georgeanna@reactclasses.org.
Event Partners: A partnership between React and Earth Charter Indiana.
Registration: Click to register here.

Voices of the Land: A Day of Connection
2025-11-15 10:00 - 16:00 | Peace Learning Center at Eagle Creek Park, 6040 DeLong Rd., Indianapolis, 46254, United States
Park admission free with registration. Some experiences are timed — registration is encouraged.
Connect with nature through guided hikes, historical building tours, crafts, sound baths, nature journaling, and artistic performances. This family-friendly event offers flexible, hands-on experiences that deepen your relationship with the land and community.
Spend a full day immersed in nature at Peace Learning Center and Eagle Creek Park, exploring the connections between people and the land. Guided hikes, plant and wildlife identification, nature journaling, and hands-on art projects invite participants to engage creatively and mindfully with the outdoors. The day includes performances celebrating cultural heritage, an outdoor sound bath, and reflections from Native American perspectives that honor and give thanks for the land. Families and individuals of all ages are welcome to participate at their own pace, keeping in mind some experiences – like the guided walks – are timed. Details on how to make the most of your visit will be included in the confirmation materials you’ll be emailed upon registration.
Questions? Contact 317-327-7144 or ajackson@peacelearningcenter.org.
Event Organizers: A partnership between Peace Learning Center, Sacred Path Coaching, The Yoga Lady, Arthentic Arts, and James Todd.
Registration: Click here to register.

The Greencastle Urban Fossil Tour: Discover Ancient Life Around You!
2025-11-15 13:00 - 16:00 | Putnam County Museum, 1105 Jackson St., Greencastle, 46135, United States
Self-Guided Walks: Nov. 7 – 16
Guided Walks & Activities: Saturday, Nov. 8 & 15
Download a self-guided tour map and daily schedule by clicking here!
Join an all-ages community-wide fossil adventure blending science, nature, and art! Explore Greencastle’s buildings and the DePauw Nature Park on your own with a custom map or participate in a guided tour. Visit Fern Cliff’s vivid green sandstone, make fossil prints and poems, hear from experts, and trade your Paleo Art for a fossil cookie.
The Greencastle Urban Fossil Tour was designed with flexibility in mind!

Self-Guided Walks: Pick up a walking tour “fossil map” of downtown Greencastle and the DePauw Nature Park at the Putnam County Museum (1105 N. Jackson St.) or the Putnam County Convention & Visitors Bureau (aka, “Welcome Center,” 12 W. Washington St.). Hours vary but are open most weekdays until 3PM. After touring the area—and noting what you saw—return to the Welcome Center to collect your fossil-shaped cookie!

Saturday Sessions & Guided Walks: On Saturdays, guests and their families can attend interactive presentations at the Putnam County Museum with paleo-artist Janet Panoch (11/8) and geologist Tim Cope (11/15). Activities include fossil rubbings, art displays, short poetry exercises, and optional guided fossil walks in the DePauw Nature Park (1400 W. CR 125 S.). Saturday sessions are from 1 – 4PM with the guided walk beginning at TBA times.

Special Instructions: Please verify hours for the DePauw Nature Park, Putnam County Museum, and Putnam County Convention & Visitors Bureau before picking up a self-guided walking tour map.
Most areas on the tour are ADA compliant.
Questions? Contact 317-748-8462 or jpanoch@iu.edu.
Event Organizers: A partnership between paleo-artist Janet Panoch, Putnam County Museum, DePauw University, DePauw Geosciences Club, and The Doc’s Inn.
Registration: Click here to register.

A Nature Walk Down a Peace Path
2025-11-15 15:00 - 18:00 | Shalom Mennonite Church, 6100 E. 32nd. St., Indianapolis, 46226, United States
ADDRESS CORECTION:
The festival event guide lists an incorrect address. Shalom Mennonite Church is at 6100 E. 32nd St.

Experience the healing nature of the woods through a guided walk and hands-on crafts followed by an evening of poetry, stories, and songs around a campfire. All are welcome to experience nature as a place of peace, connection, and renewal at this come-and-go style event.
Step into the woods for an afternoon of discovery, creativity, and community connection. Guided nature walks along a groomed woodland trail will introduce guests to native trees and plants with moments to pause and consider quotes from poems and scripture. Families are especially welcome—children can join in hands-on craft projects and plant seeds in take-home containers to watch them grow long after the event. As the day winds down, everyone is invited to gather around a campfire for poetry, storytelling, and song—an experience that blends art, reflection, faith, and the healing power of nature.
Questions? Contact 317-549-0577 or office@shalommennonite.com.
Event Organizers: A partnership between Shalom Mennonite Church; Arlington Woods Neighborhood Association; Audubon Gardens Neighborhood Association, Inc.; and Indianapolis Public Library – E. 38th St. Branch.
Event Details:
3 – 5PM – Enjoy the trail and other activities
5 – 6PM – Storytime and campfire programming begins
Rain or shine! Dress appropriately, wear walking shoes – the trail is flat wood chipped and about 500ft long – and bring a lawn chair for the campfire!
Registration: Click here to register.

POSTPONED - 12 Moods of Heaven: A Neo-Soul Food & Jazz Journey through the Great Migration
2025-11-15 17:00 - 19:30 | Witherspoon Presbyterian Church, 3535 W. Kessler Blvd. N. Dr., Indianapolis, IN, 46222, United States
Announcement From Grand Griot Productions (11/11/25):
“After much reflection and with deep regret, the creative team made the difficult decision to delay the production following a recent bereavement and several health-related challenges within the ensemble.” Ticket refunds are available to all patrons and 12 Moods of Heaven hopes to premiere in March 2026. Sign up for the Spirit & Place newsletter to learn when a new date is confirmed.
Limited Capacity. Registration Required | $30/pp
Join us for a multi-sensory culinary and cultural experience exploring the nature of movement—of people, traditions, and food across this nation. Rooted in the Great Migration, this event honors the resilience of Soul Food and the African American diaspora through jazz, spoken word, spiritual reflection, and food samplings.
The art of Soul Food is grounded in nature—the ability to take the miracle of soil and transform it into a feast! It is also rooted in the ability to adapt amid hardship. Constant change is no easy task. Our African American ancestors took scraps and turned them into a living testimony of resilience. Their ingenuity is no fable of “making something out of nothing,” but is a demonstration of their creativity, worth, and lasting impact on American food and artistic culture. Weaving together music, gratitude, and praise to God, this event fuses history, art, faith, and culinary excellence to celebrate all that is nourishing about the very nature of soul food.

Doors open at 4:30 pm
Prelude begins 4:45 pm
Event from 5pm-6:30pm
Talk Back from 6:35-7:30

Questions? Contact 317-531-5752 or email grandgriotpro@gmail.com.
Event Organizers: A partnership between Grand Griot Productions LLC, Witherspoon Presbyterian Church, Chef Oya, Rob Dixon & many more.
Registration: Click here to register.

Youth Rising for Nature: Getting Community in Action through Service & Advocacy
2025-11-16 13:00 - 16:00 | Fall Creek Trail, 30th & College Ave., Indianapolis, IN, 46025, United States
Community Forum & River Clean Up. Attend one or both gatherings.
Join Sea Scope’s youth Eco-Warriors for a two-part event exploring environmental justice, community dialogue, and a Fall Creek cleanup. Facilitated by local experts and inspired by Laudato Si, this experience blends spiritual reflection and action. Connect with neighbors of Martindale-Brightwood and our living earth—come for one or both days!
This two-part experience (attending both Saturdays is optional) connects storytelling, faith, Martindale-Brightwood neighbors, and environmental action. The first session features an expert and youth-led community forum exploring local ecological challenges and reflections inspired by Laudato Si’ – a 2015 papal encyclical focused on environmental stewardship, climate change, and ecological responsibility, emphasizing the moral and spiritual dimensions of caring for the Earth. A week later, participants engage in a hands-on cleanup along Fall Creek restoring natural spaces in disinvested communities while learning how local actions connect to global environmental issues. Through dialogue, reflection, and collective action, attendees will deepen their understanding of stewardship, equity, and the sacred responsibility to care for our shared planet.
Questions? Contact 317-203-9397 or seascopeincindy@gmail.com.
Event Organizers: A partnership between Sea Scope Inc., Earth Charter Indiana, Indiana Conservation Voters, The Garden Community Church, and Indy Parks and Recreation.
Registration: Click here to register for the Nov. 16 river clean up.
Community Forum Details (Nov. 9): See Nov. 9 event.
River Clean Up Details (Nov. 16): Dress for the weather – with sturdy shoes and work gloves – for the clean-up. Additional details will be provided upon registration.

Nature Meets Spirit: A Walk with Bach, A Pilgrimage with Christ, and a Dance with God
2025-11-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Episcopal Church of All Saints, 1559 Central Ave., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States
Journey through music and faith in this Baroque concert featuring works by Buxtehude, Biber, and Bach performed by Colette Abel and friends. Reflect on Christ’s Passion, the nature of pilgrimage, and Bach’s personal walk through grief and spiritual purpose. A moving fusion of music, nature, and spirit.
Questions? Contact 317-635-2538 or music@allsaintsindy.org.
Event Organizers: A partnership between musician Colette Abel, Episcopal Church of All Saints, and Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra.
Registration: Click here.

The Sacred Cycle: Faith, Consumption, and Our Ecological Future
2025-11-16 14:00 - 16:00 | The International School of Indiana, 4330 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, 46208, United States
Join faith communities and experts in a panel discussion and hands-on “Why We Care” fair exploring how faith can inspire ecological action and values-based economic choices. Hear stories from Indy faith groups leading the way, and connect with organizations advancing environmental justice, reducing waste, and protecting our planet through creative, community-rooted strategies.
Questions? Contact 317-762-7834 or pfrancis@schottdesign.com.
Event Organizers: A partnership between Circular Indiana, Mundell & Associates, and the International School of Indiana.
Registration: Click here to register.

Connected by NATURE - Spirit & Place Festival 30th Anniversary Celebration!
2025-11-16 16:30 - 18:30 | The Amp at 16 Tech, 1220 Waterway Blvd., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States
Celebrate the closing of the 30th annual Spirit & Place Festival with an evening of connection, creativity, and community.
Enjoy a live spoken word invocation by Manón Voice, music by Premium Blend, delicious local food, and hands-on activities inspired by this year’s festival events. Reflect on the NATURE theme through art, music, and shared experiences that nourish both spirit and community. Light snacks included, while supplies last!
Walk-ins welcome, but registration is encouraged.
Questions? Contact 317-274-2462 or festival@iu.edu.
Registration: Click here to register.

Manon Voice & Premium Blend
