The love of Indiana University runs deep in this area, and as the university makes plans to celebrate 200 years of offering higher education in the state, there are a few special events coming up for those who might wish to head to Bloomington.
One of the most exciting announcements came last week when Viola Davis was named speaker for the joint celebration of IU and Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 20.
Davis is a beloved and esteemed actress, having won a Tony for her role in August Wilson’s Fences, then a few years later winning an Oscar for playing the role in Denzel Washington’s film adaptation of the play. She has also won an Emmy for her performance on the popular series How to Get Away with Murder. Her talent and activism have won her many fans, a fact which is evident with the move of her keynote address to a larger venue.
While the program is free and open to the public, due to seating limitations, tickets are required. Now taking place at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall at 4 p.m., those who wish to make the journey next month should visit the IU Auditorium website (iuauditorium.com) quickly before all the tickets have been snapped up.
Post-Christmas Activities
Once the presents are unwrapped and the finishing touches have been completed for a happy holiday memory, there will likely be a shock to realize the kids still have another week away from school. There are a couple of ways to help pass that time.
Fort Wayne Youtheatre is offering their Winter Camp on Friday, Dec. 27, for students grades 3-12. From 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., Youtheatre offers students a chance to run their own five-hour playhouse with the promise that they can “create their own pint-sized production.
With the supervision and help of Youtheatre teaching staff, campers will learn about the different jobs involved in putting together a play. Campers will take on such roles — writers, designers, directors, and of course actors — and work together to devise, design, and rehearse an original five minute play.”
Registration is $50 per student. For more information, visit fortwayneyoutheatre.org.
Winter Bash in Wabash
The Honeywell Center in Wabash is hosting Winter Bash on Jan. 2 and 3. Free activities at the Honeywell Foundation properties include roller skating from noon until 1:30 p.m. both days, Art Workshops with Candie Cooper at 10:30 a.m. both days, Stencil our State on Thursday and Fantasy Lantern on Friday.
The Charley Creek Gardens will also host craft activities with Chinese New Year Art Projects at 9:30 a.m. both days (Thursday’s project will be a Craft Dragon, Friday’s a Chinese Noisemaker).
The beautiful Honeywell Center will also offer free movies with screenings at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday’s film will be The Secret Life of Pets 2, and Friday’s will be Toy Story 4. It’s a perfect way to wind down the school break without breaking the New Year’s budget.
