IMA Summer Nights Film Series

All right, I'm cheating a little bit, because this isn't technically an educational opportunity. But the IMA Summer Nights Film Series is one of my favorite things about Indianapolis -- a yummy picnic, a great movie, a beautiful setting. What more could you want from a Friday night?

The 2009 schedule is now posted, and it's a good one. The series starts June 5 with "The Bourne Identity" and ends Aug. 28 with "High Fidelity." Other films on the schedule include "Roman Holiday," "Plan 9 from Outer Space," "The Goonies," "Fight Club" and "Dazed and Confused."

Doors open at 6 p.m., and the movies begin at dusk. It's not uncommon for these movies to sell out, so come earlier rather than later. Tickets are $5 for IMA members and $9 for the general public.

Film Screening: Product Design

How does product design influence our behaviors, identities and relationships? That's the question asked by "Objectified," a new documentary coming to the IMA. The film explores the creative process of some of the world's most influential product designers -- including the masterminds behind IKEA furniture and the iPod.

And, on May 14, you can also meet the mastermind behind the documentary itself. After the screening, stay for a Q&A session with the film's director, Gary Hustwit (who also directed "Helvetica," a documentary about the popular typeface).

The event is at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 14, in the IMA's Tobias Theater. Tickets are $9.

Indianapolis Monthly: Best of Indy

The December issue of Indianapolis Monthly recognizes some of the best things about Indianapolis: the corn puree soup at Meridian, the playground at Holliday Park, the bargain furniture at Homegoods. It also highlights a few of our favorite continuing education venues, such as the Indianapolis Museum of Art and Mass Ave. Knit Shop.

But here are a few highlights we haven't discussed much:

• Best free film series: Lockerbie Central United Methodist Church offers left-leaning films about politics, the environment, social justice and other controversial topics. As a bonus, you can pick up a latte or green tea from Indy's only fair-trade, organic coffee shop.
• Best unconventional workout: Confident Woman of Indy helps you get fit with the fine art of pole- and lap-dancing. Don't worry: Classes are for women only and are closed to spectators.
• Best fitness classes: Brick House Fitness offers a huge range of classes, from dance to strength training. Today's schedule alone lists 17 options, running from 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Best music lessons: Arthur's Music Store, located in Fountain Square, provides the usual music lessons (guitar, piano) and some unconventional options (bagpipes, hammered dulcimer, mandolin).
• Best welding classes (yes, really): The welding classes at Sutton-Garten are taught by a local metals artist, Chris Foster. The facility is now enrolling for December/January classes, which meet for five Monday evenings. Want to see what you can do with a little welding know-how? Check out Foster's online gallery.

Film Screening at Lockerbie Central UMC

Here's a tip from Meghan and Renee at Green Piece Indy: This Saturday, Lockerbie Central UMC will offer a screening of "FLOW: For Love of Water," a look at the condition of our world's water supply. The film was screened at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival and won awards at several other international film festivals.

Lockerbie Central UMC is at 237 N. East St. The film begins at 8 p.m. There's a water awareness fair at 7 p.m., if you'd like to go early.