In anticipation of Indiana’s Bicentennial Celebration in 2016, the Indiana State Museum will present 19 historic star-patterned quilts, selected from the museum’s collection, along with 19 contemporary star-themed quilts created by Hoosier quilt artists. Indiana was the 19th state to join the union, and 19 stars are displayed on the state flag. The historic quilts in this exhibition span 150 years of Indiana quilt-making (1830s to the 1980s). In contrast, most of the contemporary works were created specifically for this exhibit to incorporate the star theme in a variety of ways. The artists’ techniques vary widely from traditional piecework and applique to improvisational collage, layering, digital media or textural thread painting. The exhibit runs now through Oct. 3. Visit indianamuseum.org for admission pricing and more information.
Chris Elliot will perform a concert and accompanying the silent film “Ella Cinders,” starring Colleen Moore, on the historic Barton Theatre Pipe Organ, now installed at the Warren Performing Arts Center, at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the center, 9500 E. 16th St., Indianapolis. Tickets are $15 advance or $20 at the door. Students are free with valid ID. For additional details, call Michael Fellenzer at 317-251-6962.
The Indianapolis Children’s Museum has teamed up with Mattel to present “Hot Wheels: Race to Win,” an exhibit about the science of racing, speed and safety built around Mattel’s Hot Wheels cars. This behind-the-scenes look at the world of racing investigates the scientific process for designing super-fast cars. Hands-on experiences, authentic race gear, and Hot Wheels memorabilia will engage families in the process of experimenting with speed, power and performance using Hot Wheels cars and track as their tools. This exhibit runs through Aug. 16. Visit childrensmuseum.org for museum hours and ticket prices.
More than 70 bands will appear over eight days at Bill Monroe’s 49th Annual Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival, 5163 N. State Road 135 in Bean Blossom, Saturday through June 20. Bands to appear include the Grascals, Blue Highway, Volume 5, and the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band. Admission includes the Bluegrass Hall of Fame, the traditional bean supper on Tuesday, a music workshop and Sunday worship service. A listing of ticket price packages can be found online at billmonroemusicpark.com.
