Sponsorship

* Featured 477 results

Poet Chris Mattingly Explains How Vulnerability Is His Greatest Strength

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Powwow Keeps Native American Heritage Alive

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.

What Can Lynda Do for You?

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.

CSA Concept for Fresh Art Launches on Nov. 6

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.

Farm to Yarn: The Dye Part 2 of a 3-Part Series on the Life of Local Fiber

Lindsay Welsch returns to Marble Hill Farm for the second article in her three-part series on procuring yarn from its source. Stage two comprises the many steps in dyeing wool and the hands-on relationship that develops with color as it’s drawn out of indigo, goldenrod, marigold, and onion skins and affixed to the animal fiber. Click here to read the full story.

Stirring the Pot: Apples to Apples

Ruthie Cohen reflects on how rituals season our lives, such as the apple-picking pilgrimages she and her children used to take every fall. Although her children have “launched” (that is, left the nest), she continues to peel, core, and prepare, adding her own touches to a coveted recipe and remembering the smiling eyes of her apple-cheeked children. Click here to read the full story.

A Teenager’s Murder Still Breaks Hearts and Boggles Minds 50 Years Later

Fifty years ago, 16-year-old Sylvia Likens was found tortured to death in the Indianapolis home of her caretaker, Gertrude Baniszewski, who was later convicted of first-degree murder in what’s been called the most terrible crime ever committed in Indiana. In this essay, John Mikulenka ponders how the case went from a local tragedy to something affecting people worldwide. In his video, he interviews the newspaper reporter who covered Baniszewski’s trial. Click here for the full story and video.

Saying ‘Yes’ to Kids Goes from Nightmare to Daydream

Jen Hockney Bratton met trepidation and more than a little dread as she approached her children’s first Yes Day — a day of saying Yes to their every request instead of the litany of No’s that’s so prominent in a parent’s vocabulary. But with planning and guidelines, Yes Day for the kids also became a “Heck Yeah!” day for Mom. Click here to read the full story.

Deckard’s Outdoors: Leonard Springs Nature Park

If you’re looking for a quick hike to see fall color up close, check out what Trent Deckard calls Bloomington’s best-kept secret. The main trail at Leonard Springs Nature Park is just over a mile long and takes you by two caves, a wetland, an erstwhile dam, and the springs. And the entire trail is lined with hardwoods that should be showing color for a few more weeks. Click here to watch the video.