Heartland Film Festival’s “Best of the Fest” coming to Downtown Kokomo!

Check out Heartland Film Festival’s “Best of the Fest” in Kokomo on September 4-5, 2015 at the newly renovated Central Middle International School Auditorium in Downtown.  Two indie filmmakers are scheduled to attend and will be available to mingle with attendees and provide insight on the filmmaking process.

September 4th is also First Friday with a great variety of arts-based, free, family activities held throughout Downtown Kokomo from 5:30-9:00 p.m.  Click here for a complete schedule of film times, descriptions, and to purchase tickets online.

For more information on Kokomo, go to VisitKokomo.org.

Indiana’s Statewide Preservation Conference coming to Kokomo

The 2015 Preserving Historic Places: Indiana’s Statewide Preservation Conference will be held in Kokomo on April 21-24, 2015.

A variety of educational sessions, workshops, and local tours will be offered featuring local, state, and nationally recognized preservationists and guest speakers.  A few highlights will include the IDHPA annual preservation awards dinner at the Kokomo Country Club and dinner and tours at Kokomo Opalescent Glass, America’s oldest art glass company.

Conference sessions and workshops will be held in unique historic buildings in and around Downtown Kokomo, and will be “full of new ideas for old places!”  To register or to find out more information, visit http://www.in.gov/dnr/historic/4463.htm.

The conference is hosted by Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (IDHPA), Indiana University, and Indiana Landmarks.

Learn About Fiber Arts at Kokomo’s Winter Woolen Workshop

Enjoy two days of workshops, demonstrations, and shopping with more than 30 vendors at the 9th Annual Winter Woolen Workshop on February 21-22, 2015 in Kokomo.  Learn, practice, and share your skills and interest in fiber arts!

It will all be handmade as participants can watch and even try their own hand at primitive and traditional rug hooking, oxford rug punch, spinning, weaving, acryllic painting, hand quilting, beading, knitting, crocheting, wool applique, needle felting, and much more.

The event will be held at the Seiberling Mansion and Elliott House and is presented by Beth’s Main Street Folkart and the Howard County Historical Society.  Hours are Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Cost of a two-day admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the door.  Advance sale tickets are available online at www.howardcountymuseum.org.

For more information, contact Beth Notaro at (765) 236-1000, bethsmnstfolkart@aol.com or www.picturetrail.com/bethsmainstreet.

Experience “ART ON FIRE” in Kokomo October 17-18, 2014

Learn about Kokomo/Howard County’s rich glass heritage during “Art on Fire” on October 17-18, 2014.  Experience amazing art glass through factory tours, glass blowing demonstrations, exhibits, and shops during this special glass weekend!

Go behind the scenes at Kokomo Opalescent Glass, America’s oldest art glass company, on a fascinating tour to experience the glass-making process.  Watch as hot glass is ladled from a 12-pot furnace, hand-mixed, cooled, and shipped all over the world.  They produce over 22,000 variations of sheet glass!  Also, see local glass blowers create unique glass art in the Hot Glass Studio, watch bead and suncatcher demonstrations, and have the opportunity to purchase beautiful glass items made by local artists in The OP Shop.  Glass production tours and glass blowing will be offered from 9:00 a.m. through Noon both days.  The OP Shop will be open on October 17 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and October 18 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.  Special Offer: Receive $5 off any purchase of $25 or more in The OP Shop!

Explore the Howard County Museum, located in the remarkable Seiberling Mansion, built by industrialist Monroe Seiberling for his family in 1891.  The Mansion contains beautiful stained glass windows created with art glass from Kokomo Opalescent Glass.  Some of the windows are original to the house, others were added during a recent renovation.  The museum possesses one of the largest known collections of Jenkins Glass, produced in Kokomo, and has a portion of it on permanent display. There is a temporary display in the James Long Gallery, featuring Kokomo Opalescent Glass. Visitors can also see representative pieces of Greentown glass, produced by the Indiana Tumbler and Goblet Company in Greentown, and Bournique glass, which began in Howard County.  The Seiberling Mansion will be opened from 1-4 p.m. on October 17 and 18.

Next, head to Downtown Kokomo to discover Artworks Gallery, Crystal Wand Creations, and Fragrant Blossom Artisan Shop! Artworks Gallery will feature glass bead demonstrations and an art glass exhibit during this event.  Talk with local artists while they work and see beautiful artwork in a variety of mediums in this 2-story art gallery.  By the way, all pieces of art in the gallery are also available to purchase.  Artworks Gallery will be open October 17 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and October 18 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Find local, handmade glass items at Crystal Wand Creations, including glass jewelry, stained glass ornamentals, panels, suncatchers & wind chimes in this unique retail shop located in Downtown.  Special Offer: Receive 10% off all in-stock stained glass!  The shop will be open October 17 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and October 18 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Purchase beautiful, custom glass art platters made from wine bottles at Fragrant Blossom Artisan Shop.  The shop also carries handmade soap, candles, and accessories from Indiana artists.  Open October 17 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and October 18 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Make sure to visit all three shops while in Downtown!

Finally, don’t miss a visit to the Greentown Glass Museum.  The museum’s permanent exhibit houses over 2,000 pieces of glass on display, including a vast number of pieces of glassware produced by the Indiana Tumbler and Goblet Company in Greentown between 1894-1903.  The extensive display features various glass patterns and highly collectible pieces, such as Chocolate Glass, Golden Agate and Rose Agate.  Open October 17 from 12-4 p.m. and October 18 from 1-4 p.m.

To plan a visit, call 800-837-0971 or go to www.VisitKokomo.org.  For more information on where to see glass in Indiana, go to www.IndianaGlassTrail.com.

 

Explore Beautiful Local Art Along Kokomo’s Walking & Biking Trails

If you are looking to experience more of Kokomo’s local art and culture, look no further than the trails!  Cheryl Sullivan, photographer and Kokomo Art Association President, was gracious enough to share some of her great photos with us taken along the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence and the Industrial Heritage Trail.

Now that spring is upon us, what a great time to get outdoors to walk, jog, or ride your bike while enjoying beautiful murals and pieces of public artwork, many created by local artisans. Check out Kokomo’s trails to explore those shown below and many more!  You can also find local art by Kokomo Art Association artists at the Kokomo Artworks Gallery in Downtown and the Kokomo Art Center.

The Performing Arts are Alive in Kokomo! Check out Upcoming Shows …

Photo provided by Kokomo Civic Theatre

No need to travel far to find fantastic concerts, musicals, comedy shows, and plays.  There are plenty of opportunities to experience great performing arts in Kokomo!  Below are just a few of the upcoming shows.  Plan to attend one (or more!) for a great evening of fun with family or friends.

Plus stay tuned for even more live music this summer as the Kokomo Summer Concert Series kicks off at the Performing Arts Pavilion in Foster Park in Downtown, and Kokomo Park Band concerts, held in Highland Park, will also start in June!

For a complete calendar of upcoming events, check out www.VisitKokomo.org/events.

Kokomo Curtain Call presents “The Twelve Daughters of Hercules”
February 28 – March 2, 2014
Sycamore Elementary School Auditorium, Kokomo
Performances: Fri. & Sat. 7 p.m. and Sun. 2 p.m.
For tickets & upcoming shows, visit www.KokomoCurtainCall.com

Kokomo Civic Theatre presents “The Odd Couple” (Female Version)
February 28 – March 2, 2014
IU Kokomo Havens Auditorium, Kokomo
Performances: Fri. & Sat. 8 p.m. and Sun. 2 p.m.
For tickets & upcoming shows, visit www.KokomoCivicTheatre.com

Hoosier Heartland Comedy Series presents: Mike Armstrong
February 28, 2014
Elite Banquet & Conference Center, Kokomo
Doors open at 7 p.m. & show at 8:30 p.m.
For tickets & more info, visit www.EliteBanquet.com

Kokomo Community Concerts present “Tom Gustin Big Band” Swing to Light Rock
March 15, 2014
Kokomo High School Auditorium – 7:30 p.m.
For tickets & upcoming concerts, visit www.KokomoCommunityConcerts.org 

Student Night at Rhum Academy of Music (held monthly)
March 15, 2014 – 7 p.m.
For tickets & upcoming shows, visit www.RhumMusic.com 

Hoosier Heartland Comedy Series presents: Ms. Pat 
March 28, 2014
Elite Banquet & Conference Center, Kokomo
Doors open at 7 p.m. & show at 8:30 p.m.
For tickets & more info, visit www.EliteBanquet.com

Experience ART ON FIRE: Hot Glass & Class on October 18-20th

Experience amazing glass tours, unique exhibits & glass shops in Kokomo/Howard County!  Join us as we celebrate the art of glass on October 18-20, 2013 during this special Indiana Glass Trail Art on Fire weekend.

Kokomo Opalescent Glass Factory

Start your adventure at Kokomo Opalescent Glass, America’s oldest art glass company.  Go “behind the scenes” on this fascinating tour to experience the glass-making process.  Watch as hot glass is ladled from a 12-pot furnace, hand-mixed, cooled, and shipped all over the world.  Also, see glass blowers create amazing glass art in the Hot Glass Studio and purchase beautiful glass items made by local artists in The OP Shop.  Don’t miss the special tours & demonstrations on Saturday, October 19th!  Located at 1310 S. Market St., KOG has been making glass in its original location since 1888.  The cost is only $5 to take the tour.

• Glass Factory Tours & Glass Blowing – October 18 & 19 from 9am–Noon 
• Glass Bead & Suncatcher Demonstrations – October 18^th 9am-5pm & October 19^th 9am-1pm
• The OP Shop hours – October 18^th 9am-5pm & October 19^th 9am-1pm

Seiberling Mansion

The discovery of natural gas in the late 1800’s in Indiana led to an explosion of creativity and glass-making.  From plate glass to stained glass and cookware to art glass, Howard County was a leader of the industry.  That history is on exhibit at Kokomo’s Seiberling Mansion at 1200 W. Sycamore St.  Explore their newest exhibit produced in cooperation with Kokomo Opalescent Glass, a selection from the museum’s huge collection of Jenkins glass, along with Greentown glass, a unique Bournique chandelier, and the Seiberling’s wonderful stained glass windows.  Admission is $5 adults & $2 children.

• Seiberling Mansion & glass exhibits open October 18-20^th from 1-4pm

Greentown Glass Museum

Don’t miss a visit to the Greentown Glass Museum.  The museum’s permanent exhibit houses over 2,000 pieces of glass on display, including a vast number of pieces of glassware produced by the Indiana Tumbler and Goblet Company in Greentown between 1894-1903.  The extensive display features various glass patterns and highly collectible pieces, such as Chocolate Glass, Golden Agate and Rose Agate.  Admission is free.  The museum is located at 112 N. Meridian St. in Greentown.

• Greentown Glass Museum open October 18^th 12-4pm and October 19 & 20^th 1-4pm

Recognized as the best contemporary glasswork being made in the Midwest, 28 pieces from 21 glass artists have been selected for this year’s Indiana Glass Arts Alliance (IGAA) annual exhibition, which is titled “GATHERING: Contemporary Glass from the Heartland.”

Featuring exceptional glasswork from artists in six states, this unique exhibit will open Oct. 19, 2013 at the Indiana University Kokomo Art Gallery with an Opening Reception from 2-5 p.m. (open to the public.)  The Art Gallery is located on the campus of IU Kokomo at 2300 S. Washington St.  Admission is free.

IGAA Glass Exhibit Opening Reception – October 19^th 2-5pm

 

 
Finally, purchase local, handmade glass items at Crystal Wand Creations, including glass jewelry, stained glass ornamentals, panels, suncatchers & wind chimes in this unique retail shop located at 206 N. Buckeye St. in Downtown Kokomo.  The shop will be open October 18th from 10am-6pm and October 19th from 10am-4pm.

Crystal Wand Creations in Downtown Kokomo

In addition, take a class or see the work of glass artists in Lafayette/West Lafayette and Logansport during this glass weekend.  Full itinerary available here.

Special rates are available at the following Kokomo hotels (based on availability.) You must mention “Art on Fire – Hot Glass & Class” to receive the discounted rate!

Comfort Inn – (765) 452-5050
Courtyard by Marriott – (765) 453-0800
Fairfield Inn – (765) 453-8822
Hampton Inn & Suites – (765) 455-2900
Holiday Inn Express – (765) 453-2222

For more information, call the Kokomo Visitors Bureau at 800-837-0971 or go to www.VisitKokomo.org.  For more details on the Indiana Glass Trail and Art on Fire weekends, visit www.IndianaGlassTrail.com.

Downtown Kokomo Celebrates the Arts with First Friday

Celebrate First Friday in Downtown Kokomo!  Tour downtown businesses and organizations the first Friday of every month from 6-9 p.m.  Participating venues will highlight a unique and engaging exhibit or special event related to the arts, including Planet Mind, Artworks Gallery, Comics Cubed, Lux Boutique, Pepperwhistle Bakery & Cafe, Bohemian Tattoo Club and Art Gallery, Main Street Cafe, and Angie Meyers Design Studio among many others.

Family-friendly and free, join the fun in Downtown Kokomo with food, local artists, live music, family activities, shopping, tastings, and a celebration of the arts!  Upcoming First Friday events will be held April 5 and May 3, 2013.  For more information and a full schedule of monthly activities, visit www.FirstFridayKokomo.com or visit their Facebook Page.

Angie Meyers Designs

Main Street Cafe

 

Artworks Gallery

Your Guide to Fun Holiday Events & Spectacular Light Displays in Kokomo!

Light Up Your Holiday will feature Santa’s arrival on the train in Downtown Kokomo among many other fun activities for kids of all ages!

Visit Kokomo Indiana for great tours and family-friendly events that will make your family’s holiday season merry and bright!  Christmas at the Seiberling is an annual holiday tradition in Kokomo held at the Seiberling Mansion, beautifully decorated both inside and out!  The Opening Night Ceremony will be held November 24, 2012 from 6-9 pm with Santa visits, carriage rides (by reservation), entertainment, and museum tours.  Christmas at the Seiberling tours will continue throughout the season Tuesday-Sunday from 1-4 pm through December 30th (closed December 24-25.)  Don’t miss this chance to experience the Seiberling Mansion in its full holiday splendor!  This is also a great tour idea for groups of all sizes or a women’s holiday outing.  Admission is $4 for adults & $1 for kids.  Visit website or call (765) 452-4314 for information or to schedule a group tour.

Christmas at the Seiberling tours are sure to put you in the holiday spirit!

If you have kids, make plans now to attend Light Up Your Holiday!  Downtown Kokomo will be bustling with holiday cheer on Saturday, December 1, 2012 from 4-7 pm with the arrival of Santa on the train, live reindeer, Christmas stories & crafts, letters to Santa, holiday treats, downtown lights & much more.  Admission is free.  Downtown art galleries and boutiques will also be open for holiday shopping.  Kids of all ages will have a blast at this event!  My son especially enjoyed the live reindeer last year …

Kids can pet a real reindeer during Light Up Your Holiday in Downtown Kokomo!

Enjoy a drive or stroll through several spectacular light displays in the Kokomo area.  These include We Care Park (Kokomo’s largest holiday light display with over 1,000,000 lights and dozens of animated displays), Highland Park and Pioneer Village at the Howard County Fairgrounds.  Most light displays will be open nightly starting Thanksgiving weekend.

Take a step back in time and enjoy A Country Christmas at Easy Acre Farm. Visit Santa, see his sleigh, and meet live reindeer from 1-4 pm on December 15-16 & 22-23, 2012.  Located at 3347 East 50 North (less than 2 miles east of Kokomo), Easy Acre Farm has several fun family-friendly events throughout the year and boasts their farm attraction as agri-tainment!  This is a great opportunity to visit a local farm and learn about history and old-fashioned values.  Visit their website for more details.

All ages will enjoy the annual light display at We Care Park!

Enjoy theater and music?  Here are a few more ideas to enjoy the holiday season!  Kokomo Civic Theatre will present the heart-warming musical “The Gifts of the Magi” on November 30 – December 2, 2012 at IU Kokomo Havens Auditorium.  Performances will be held Fri. & Sat. 8 pm and Sun. 2 pm.  Visit their website for ticket information.  The  We Care Christmas Concert will be held on November 16, 2012 at IU Kokomo Havens Auditorium at 7 pm.  Concert will feature several local musicians and performers, and admission is $2.  Also, don’t miss the Kokomo Symphony Orchestra Youth Winter Concert.  KSO Youth will perform at Grace United Methodist Church in Kokomo at 7:30 pm on December 14, 2012.

In between holiday baking, shopping, decorating, and gift wrapping, we hope you take some time to enjoy this holiday season with your family and friends!  For more information on special events, tours, shopping & dining in Kokomo, visit our website at www.VisitKokomo.org or download the Visit Kokomo Mobile App, available on both Apple & Android phones and devices.  Happy Holidays from the Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau!

2012 Oktoberfest Brings Family Fun to Downtown Kokomo

Join us in Downtown Kokomo on the Courthouse Square for delicious food & drink, great live music, arts & crafts vendors, large Volkswagen Cruise-In, Chalk the Block (sidewalk chalk art contest), and plenty of family fun during the 2012 Oktoberfest.  The event will be held on Friday, September 28th from 4:00-10:00 p.m.  Admission is free.  Plan to eat, drink, and polka in Downtown Kokomo during this annual fall festival!