Honoring the Body in Life

Sara Snow

Gene Harker

The first Saturday of the festival features a signature event that explores the link between physical, spiritual, and emotional health. Do we view our bodies as temples of holiness and gifts to be celebrated or as prisons for the soul and burdens to be borne?

Join a conversation with TV personality Sara Snow, St. Vincent Sports Performance Program Director Ralph Reiff, and physician, psychologist, and author Dr. Gene Harker as they offer practical advice on ways we can honor the body in our daily living. Learn more about this Nov. 5 event at Second Presbyterian Church.

Urban Design+Fashion Design

Does urban Indianapolis have a style? Explore the parallels and intersections between urban design and fashion design at Dressing Indianapolis on Nov. 1, 7 p.m. at The Toby, Indianapolis Museum of Art. Between dynamic presentations, six local photographers will tell the urban and fashion design story of Indy's cultural districts in distinctive photo essays. Vote for your favorite!

Festival Previews

A Day of Wellness - Enjoy activities for all ages that include yoga with author Meta Chaya Hirschl, interactive nutrition and tasting sessions, art therapy workshops, and dance performances/workshops in liturgical dance and Bharatanatyam dance, as well as Greek and Israeli folk dance.

Kurt Vonnegut on the Human Body - Dan Wakefield and Vonnegut scholars commemorate Vonnegut's birthday with readings, artwork, and music.

BOLD Indianapolis: Bold Ideas About Birth - The play "Birth" blends humor and passion to reveal the miracle of childbirth and the power of motherhood. Stay to enjoy a post-performance discussion.

Circles and Swirls - Indy Folk Dancers, Indy Contra, and the Israeli Folk Dancers, will lead a variety of cross-cultural community dances. No experience or partner necessary.

Think Farm - Leading local minds will present their schemes in this rock show of ideas to benefit the individual and collective body. Be ready to interact and get involved. Interested in presenting? Learn more about guidelines and stipend. Deadline is Oct. 25 at midnight.

Growing Foods for Growing Bodies - Discover the connection between healthy foods and healthy children at this panel discussion, followed by a food-tasting, and networking reception.

Shoe Drive for Samaritan's Feet

When you get ready to step out for your festival event, you may be thinking about which pair of shoes to wear.

There are children around the world who don't have any choices, because they have no shoes. Footwear is not a fad or a trend for these children ... it's a lifeline to health and education.

Step out in style during the Spirit & Place Festival by bringing a new pair of children's athletic shoes (sizes 10-4) to support the work of Samaritan's Feet in Indianapolis and beyond. Look for donation bins near the entrance at each event.

Festival Steering Committee

Special thanks to our 2011 Steering Committee:  Daniel F. Evans, President and CEO, IU Health, Honorary Chair; Jerry Adams, Director of Regional Operations, Levy Restaurants; Rev. Kevin Armstrong, Senior Pastor, North United Methodist Church; Bruce Hetrick, IBJ Columnist and PR Professional; Lisa Harris, CEO and Medical Director, Wishard Hospital; Michelle Jarvis, Associate Dean, Jordan College of Fine Arts, Butler University; Brian Payne, President, Central Indiana Community Foundation; Maribeth Smith, CEO, Maribeth Smith & Associates; Milton O. Thompson, CEO Grandslam / Attorney, Bleeke Dillon & Crandall; Jim Walker, Big Car Gallery and Second Story; and Bob Whitt, Executive Director, White River State Park Foundation.