Arts + Culture

Joy Through Music

Guitarist Alec Holcomb Shares Melodic Love, Lessons In Carmel Community Article by Allyson (Ally) Straczek | Photography by Brianna Richardson At age 6, Alec Holcomb picked up a guitar and began his lifelong journey in music. Taught by his guitar-enthusiast father, Alec says he quickly became dedicated to his craft. For lessons with skilled classical guitar teachers, Alec frequently traveled up to 8 hours for training. Following his passion for music, Alec studied at prestigious institutions...

Arts + Culture

Hearts Of Carmel

Secure Heart-Shaped Cake Recipe And Items For Cupid Celebrations, Saint Valentine Enthusiasts, Galentine's Day Article by Julie Brown Patton Inspired by February traditions, Carmel City Lifestyle  searched for cordate items. One find is an impressive masterpiece truly baked with love.  Becky Diamond, author of the new The Gilded Age Christmas Cookbook, kindly shares her recipe for the perfect, heart-shaped cake for Valentine's Day. Intermingled in her cookbook are colorful stories...

Life + Culture

Say Oui, Oui Via New Floral Shop

French Florist Opens Near Carmel To Provide Blooms With Intentional Flair, Infuse Beauty Into Life Article by Julie Brown Patton Best-in-class, uniquely handcrafted floral arrangements now are available locally via the recently opened French Florist boutique, operated by Westfield residents and business partners Joe Viater and Kadi Miller. The new Northside boutique, located at 1514 W. 86th St., is the first Midwest location launched by the luxury shop's Los Angeles-headquartered CEO Michael...

Arts + Culture

Handcrafted, Homegrown V-Day Presents To Adore

Indiana Artisan Creators Make Gift Wishlists Come True Article by Julie Brown Patton | Photography by Ken Rabbers Photographic Art Art makes fantastic Valentine's gifts because it's personal, emotional and lasting. Consider the variety of options from 160-plus artists found at Indiana Artisan in a variety of types and themes, including future dreams, traditional depictions, landscapes, modern/abstract pieces or custom work that reflects thoughtful, meaningful ways to visually convey "I love...

Arts + Culture

Create What You Crave

Nonprofit Collective Fosters Community Inspiration And Support Of Local Creatives, Businesses, Brands Article by Julie Brown Patton What would a community of and for creatives look like? To know, just look toward Carmel-based Create What You Crave, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that amplifies the voice of local creatives and offers space for connection and inspiration. "We produce events and media with the intention to build a community for creatives and advocate for the arts,"...

Arts + Culture

Carmel Arts Grants Benefit 27 Local Organizations

Nearly $1.38 Million Is Supporting Local Arts During 2026 Article by Kate Lustig Recipients of City of Carmel 2026 Arts Grants Program span 27 local organizations totaling nearly $1.38 million, marking the 22nd year that city representatives financially supported the local arts community. Since the grant program's inception in 2004, city officials strategically invested nearly $20 million (including the 2026 awards) to cultivate and sustain a vibrant artistic environment. “Through...

Fitness

Refresh Natural Beauty With Aesthetics

Peter Kunz, MD, Leads Boutique Aesthetic Surgery Practice With Compassion, Advanced Technology And Natural-Looking Treatments Article by Allyson (Ally) Straczek | Photography by Brianna Richardson Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Surgery (MIAS) was founded by Peter Kunz, MD, to be the premier practice for minimally invasive aesthetic surgery in Carmel and the surrounding Indianapolis area. Board-certified, Dr. Kunz has crafted his boutique practice to be patient-centered, where patients feel like...

Wellness

Hippotherapy At Its Finest

Children's TherAplay Foundation: Physical, Occupational, Speech Therapy With Horsepower Article by Julie Brown Patton Children with disabilities and diverse needs receive innovative physical, occupational and speech therapy at Carmel-headquartered Children's TherAplay, using the movement of horses to accelerate physical, emotional and behavioral development through a medical approach called hippotherapy — named such because the Greek word  hippos  means  horse. Kathy Pelletier, executive...

Wellness

Perfecting Pelvic Health

Restore Your Core's Physical Therapy Experts Provide Customized Treatment Approaches Article by Julie Brown Patton | Photography by Katherine Mei, Kelli White, Brianna Richardson Pelvic floor physical therapy is a critical component in the journey to wellness, especially for those recovering from injury, surgery or managing chronic pain.  "Restore Your Core Physical Therapy was founded in 2016 out of our deep desire to provide patients with the care they deserve, delivered by compassionate...

Arts + Culture

Sugar+Spice = Phyto Advice

Herb Society Members Examine All Elements Of Culinary, Growing Herbalism Article by Julie Brown Patton | Photography by Sue Arnold "Sometimes you need the silence of plants to recover from the noise of humans." Certain area residents agree with this concept wholeheartedly. Members of Carmel-based Herb Society of Central Indiana also serve as a chapter of the Herb Society of America. Local founding member Sue Arnold says the mission of the group is to promote the knowledge, use and delight...