Poet Chris Mattingly Explains How Vulnerability Is His Greatest Strength

Dave Torneo, J.D. Gray

In this interview recorded last summer, poet Chris Mattingly talks with Dave Torneo about how his poetry is informed by everything from a cult in California to “a freak culture” in Evansville. Also posted are poems from each of the Ledge Mule Press co-founders: Mattingly, Torneo, and Ross Gay. Click here to read the full story.

November 20, 2015

Stirring the Pot: A Journey to the 7 Minute Thanksgiving Meal

Ruthie Cohen

After realizing her Thanksgiving dinners were not so Norman Rockwellian, Ruthie Cohen shed the expectation of “how things ought to be” and embraced the way things are. Preparing for Thanksgiving dinner has now become an ongoing celebration — and her utilitarian Stuffing Loaf, a means to an end. Click here to read the full story.

November 18, 2015

Sponsorship

Ethical stewardship among diggers and careful monitoring by conservation officers have kept Indiana’s ginseng population relatively healthy. | Photo by Dan J. Pittillo, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Public Affairs

Diggers, Dealers, and Appalachian Outlaws: Unearthing Indiana’s Ginseng Trade

Susan M. Brackney

Susan M. Brackney explores the often misunderstood world of hunting wild ginseng and how ethical stewardship among the diggers and careful monitoring by conservation officers have kept Indiana’s ginseng population relatively healthy — despite the portrayal of supposed ginseng diggers on reality TV making it look adventurous and lucrative. Click here to read the full story.

November 13, 2015

Eric Ayotte, left, and Charlie Jones are kicking off the 13th annual Gadabout Film Festival Friday, November 13, in Bloomington. | Courtesy photo

13th Gadabout Begins World Tour in B-town with 3 Days of Film, Music, More

Samuel Welsch Sveen

The Gadabout Film Festival launches its 13th annual world tour this Friday the 13th in Bloomington. Samuel Sveen describes the traveling film festival as a DIY punk band and shows how one goal of creator and co-producer Eric Ayotte is to make an alternative to commercial film festivals. And to make it fun. Click here to read the full story.

November 11, 2015

Powwow Keeps Native American Heritage Alive

Miles Reiter

Drums beating, feathers flying, hearts racing, spirits soaring — Indiana University’s 5th Annual Traditional Powwow at Alumni Hall this past weekend welcomed dancers, drummers, singers, and other performers from across the land. Miles Reiter filmed the event, which is more than just a social gathering — it’s a ritual of many tribes keeping their heritages alive. Click here to watch the video.

November 9, 2015

Sponsorship

Through lynda.com, the Monroe County Public Library now offers online classes in everything from photography to business, free with a library card.

What Can Lynda Do for You?

Jonna Mary Yost

Through lynda.com, the Monroe County Public Library now offers online classes often taken by university students and corporate employees. Lessons in everything from photography to business are free with a library card and can be taken at one’s own pace — as writer Jonna Mary Yost learned while tackling her Adobe Illustrator demons. Click here to read the full story.

November 6, 2015

"Pantomime," an oil on panel painting by Erik Probst, who is one of the first artists in Community Sourced Art Bloomington. | Courtesy image

CSA Concept for Fresh Art Launches on Nov. 6

Samuel Welsch Sveen

Supporting local artists just got easier. During First Friday on November 6 in Bloomington, a new nonprofit, CSA Bloomington, hosts its inaugural “pop-up” art show. In his article, Samuel Sveen describes how the concept of “Community Supported Art” connects local artists with buyers and collectors. Click here to read the full story.