17 COVER STORY
John Leonard: The Man Behind the Wheel of Artomobilia
This month, Carmel Monthly is thrilled to feature Artomobilia Executive Director and Founder John Leonard on its cover. The magazine’s editorial team is also proud to be a longtime supporter and a media sponsor of Artomobilia. We sat down with Leonard to discuss what fuels his drive and commitment to organizing this exceptional event, which, in partnership with the City of Carmel, draws upwards of 25,000 people each year to the heart of Carmel, Indiana. Leonard shared insights on what exhibitors, guests and local businesses can expect at the 17th annual Artomobilia.
Story Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photo // Laura Arick
6 Carmel Farmers Market Provides Expert Small Garden Advice
14 Paris Or Bust! Meet the 2024 Olympians Representing Carmel and Zionsville
20 Carmel Differentiates Itself With Exceptional Annual Events
CARMEL MONTHLY
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Cover
Carmel Farmers Market Provides Expert Small Garden Advice
At the Carmel Farmers Summer Market, vendor Liz Ford, owner of Ginger Root, offers invaluable gardening tips tailored for everyone, whether they have spacious backyards or are interested in balcony and small-space gardening. As a master gardener, Ford’s expertise helps individuals maximize their gardening potential, regardless of their living situation.
CFM Market Manager Susan Bock spoke about the benefits of having Ford and her fellow master gardeners on-site at the summer market.
“Ford has partnered with the Hamilton County Master Gardeners [Association],” Bock shared. “They share a booth space, and I think it’s a real benefit to have the [master gardeners] there to answer people’s gardening questions. It’s a great resource!”
Recently, Ford gave a presentation at the summer market on urban gardening, and she actively blogs about gardening. She recently blogged about the recent change to Indiana’s hardiness zones, titled “It’s Getting Hot In Here,” which is available on her website at gingerrootplantco.com.
SMALL SPACE GARDENING 101
Balcony or small space gardening offers a delightful solution for urban dwellers seeking to cultivate greenery and fresh produce despite limited outdoor areas. Transforming even the smallest balcony into a thriving garden sanctuary is a testament to creativity and resourcefulness. Utilizing vertical space with hanging planters or trellises maximizes planting potential, while compact containers allow for a variety of herbs, flowers or vegetables. The intimacy of such gardens fosters
a deeper connection with nature, providing a peaceful retreat amidst bustling city life. With careful planning and attention to sunlight and watering needs, balcony gardening not only beautifies living spaces but also yields the joy of harvesting homegrown delights, making every inch of space a vibrant testament to nature’s resilience and beauty.
“Miniature herb gardens and small container gardens are perfect for a beginner gardener or for someone living in an apartment, condo or townhome,” Ford said. “They’re super easy to put together and are really easy to care for. It’s a great way to learn how to grow your own food in a very accessible way.
She added, “Another easy way [to grow] if you don’t have a ton of space is to get a five-gallon [food-safe] bucket. They have them at Lowe’s or Home Depot. You just need to drill a hole at the bottom for drainage, put potting soil in them and then put the plant in. You will need full or partial sun for the majority of these [plants], such as tomatoes and peppers. You can put one tomato plant and one basil plant in one five-gallon bucket and keep those in the bucket all season long, harvesting directly from the bucket. The buckets are not the most aesthetic-look-
ing things, but you can spray paint the buckets and do different designs if you want to.”
Ford continued, “Another helpful thing with small space and balcony gardening is growing vertically instead of just horizontally. There are vertical planters you can grow herbs or strawberries in, and they grow very nicely.”
If you have a small area of land and want to create a modest yet purposeful garden, Ford offers a few tips to help you maximize your space for a bountiful harvest.
“The way to get started is to first determine what [you] like eating at home and then find a spot to grow [it],” Ford stated. “Again, the majority of plants need full or partial sun, so you want to make sure you have the right spot in your yard for it. I also do garden coaching if people want help. I come out and spend an hour with them and help them through all these steps. The Hamilton County Master Gardeners is also a great place for information. They have a great planting calendar on their website. Once you determine what you want to start [growing], like tomatoes or lettuce, their calendar lets you know when to plant it.”
Ford emphasized her passion for gardening education and her commitment to
Writer // Janelle Morrison | Photography // Courtesy of CFM and Liz Ford
making it accessible to anyone interested in growing plants, regardless of their living space. She highlighted that having access to live plants has been scientifically proven to improve mental health while enhancing the overall ambiance of one’s home.
GARDENING IS HEALTHY FOR THE BODY, MIND AND SOUL
“I’m very passionate about people having access to gardening education,” Ford said. “Something that I always try to push is that it’s a learning process. People say they have a brown thumb and can’t grow plants, and I say that you just hav en’t killed enough plants to have a green thumb! If a plant dies, it will be fine. It’s more about the journey and joy of having plants. Gardening is a form of therapy for me. It’s a way to escape and slow down from my daily life. Gardening doesn’t have to be a stressful and intense thing.”
Ford concluded, “Plants are a great way to bring the outside … in. So, if you don’t have a lot of outdoor space, bringing plants into your home is great for your mental health. There’s a bacterium [Mycobacterium vaccae] that’s found in soil, and
feel like I’ve experienced that as well.”
For more information on Ginger Root Plant Co., visit gingerrootplantco.com. For information on the Hamilton County Master Gardeners Association, visit hcmga.org.
CFM ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE
Visit carmelfarmersmarket.com for a complete list of vendors and entertainment schedules.
JULY 20, 2024 Acoustic Geezers
Acoustic covers of all the classic rock, pop, country—music of the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and today!
JULY 27, 2024 Tim Wright
Tim Wright has a voice as nimble as his fingers, picking a seemingly endless succession of stringed instruments.
AUGUST 3, 2024 Island Breeze
Two steel drums, a keyboard, a guitar, island hand percussion and great vocals make this band unique.
AUGUST 10, 2024 Frank and Beth
Frank and Beth are an acoustic group that covers popular rock and folk tunes.
AUGUST 17, 2024 DiscomBOBulated Indianapolis-based rock group
AUGUST 24, 2024 Marrialle Sellars
Marrialle Sellars has a unique and powerful sound that fills the room with warmth and passion.
AUGUST 31, 2024 Tim Wright
Tim Wright has a voice as nimble as his fingers, picking a seemingly endless succession of stringed instruments.
EXPERIENCE OUR SUMMER LINE UP
Mixing Live Entertainment, Craft Cocktails & an Upscale Dining Experience!
8/11
8/16
8/17 8/18 8/22 8/23 8/30 9/7 9/19 9/20 9/21 9/22
JAZZ BRUNCH | Hosted by Blair Clark
BARRACUDA: AMERICA’S HEART TRIBUTE | BUBBLES UP! LET’S CELEBRATE JIMMY BUFFETT | Don Farrell
DRAG ME TO BRUNCH HOSTED BY PAT YO’ WEAVE | 11 am Show 21+ Only
SIMPLY THE BEST: A CELEBRATION OF TINA TURNER | Presented by Don Farrell
DECEPTION | An Evening of Magic & Lies with David Ranalli
DUELING PIANOS | Live Jukebox Experience
PAUL HUGHES | Tributes to Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Dean Martin & Nat King Cole
SUMMER NIGHTS: THE MUSIC OF GREASE | Presented by Don Farrell
FRANK SINATRA: THE TRIBUTE | Presented by Don Farrell
ADAM B. SHAPIRO IN HOLLYWOOD OR BUST | Songs From The Silver Screen AN EVENING WITH MICHAEL FEINSTEIN | Emmy & Grammy Award Nominee
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Paris Or Bust!
Meet the 2024 Olympians Representing Carmel and Zionsville
The editorial team of Carmel Monthly and Zionsville Monthly is pleased to shine a light on the local Olympians and a local coach who will be competing in Paris. These athletes represent not only their respective sports but also the standard of excellence of their communities. Their dedication and achievements reflect the hard work and support of everyone in their hometowns, and we are proud to see them showcase their talents on the world stage.
Please join us in celebrating their successes and supporting their Olympic endeavors. These athletes’ hard work and dedication inspire us all, and we are proud to cheer them on as they compete in Paris.
Drew Kibler
24 years old
Hometown: Carmel, IN
Education: University of Texas at Austin
• Son of Tracy Kibler
• Three-time All-American
• Three-time Big 12 champion
• 2019 NCAA champion (800 freestyle relay)
• Hobbies include fine art photography, slackening, drawing, painting and hiking.
OLYMPIC EXPERIENCE
• 1-time Olympian;
• Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, 4th (4 x 200m Freestyle Relay - Men)
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS EXPERIENCE
Most recent: 2023 – silver (4 x 200m Freestyle Relay - Men)
Years of participation: 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay - Men 2022, 2023; 100m Freestyle (SC) - Men 2022; 200m Freestyle - Men 2022; 200m Freestyle (SC) - Men 2022; 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay - Mixed 2022; 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay (SC) - Men 2022; 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay (SC)
- Men 2022; 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay (SC) - Men 2022
Medals: 5 (2 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze)
Gold – 2022 (4 x 200m Freestyle Relay - Men, 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay (SC) - Men)
Silver – 2023 (4 x 200m Freestyle Relay - Men)
Bronze – 2022 (4 x 100m Freestyle Relay - Mixed, 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay (SC) - Men)
Photos// Courtesy of TEAM USA and staff
17 years old
Hometown: Carmel, IN
Education: University of California - Berkeley
• Her father, Nicholas, swam for Great Britain during the Olympic Games Atlanta 1996
• Her brother, Aaron, also made the swimming team for the Olympic Games Paris 2024
• Hobbies include being outdoors and hanging out at the beach
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP EXPERIENCE
Most recent: 2023 – silver (4 x 200m Freestyle
Aaron Shackell
19 years old
Hometown: Carmel, IN
Education: University of Texas
• Grew up in Carmel, Indiana, approximately 30 minutes away from where he qualified for the Olympic Games Paris 2024
• Shackell's father, Nicholas, was an All-American swimmer at Auburn University and represented England at the Olympic Games Atlanta 1996
• Has two siblings, Alex and Andrew, who also competed at the 2024 swimming trials
• Trained at Carmel Swim Club, committed to the University of California, but is transferring to the University of Texas next season
Rajeev Ram
40 years old
Hometown: Carmel, IN
Education: University of Illinois on of Raghav and Sushma Ram Married to Zainab Saqib
Began playing tennis at age 4 avorite surface is grass
• Plumb has led one of the most successful club teams in the country over the last decade or so.
• Previously served on several junior international team’s staff
• Previously served as the head coach for
• In 2003, helped Illinois to a 32-0 season and the NCAA team title
• Hobbies include ping pong, music and golf
• Enjoys spending time with his family
• Does volunteer work for his charity
Won the mixed doubles at the 2021
Won the mixed doubles at the 2019
OLYMPIC EXPERIENCE
time Olympian; 1-time Olympic medalist
lympic Games Tokyo 2020, 9th (Doubleslympic Games Rio de Janeiro 2016, silver (Doubles - Mixed), 9th (Doubles - Men)
Paris Or Bust!
Matt Anderson
37 years old
Hometown:
Education:
• M died in January 2010
• Ha and one older brother Joshua
• Marri
• Their son Mi
• Ha who is autistic
• Host to benefit autism awareness
• In
• Left c with the Hyundai Capital Skywalkers in Korea
• Has played professionally in Russia, Italy and Korea
• At 25, was the youngest player on the 2012 U.S. Men’s Olympic Volleyball Team.
OLYMPIC EXPERIENCE
• 3-time Olympian; 1-time Olympic medalist (1 bronze)
• Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, 10th (Team - Men)
• Olympic Games Rio de Janeiro 2016, bronze (Team - Men)
• Olympic Games London 2012, 5th (Team - Men)
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS EXPERIENCE
Most recent: 2022 – 6th (Team - Men)
Years of participation: Team - Men 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022
Medals: 1 (1 bronze)
Bronze – 2018 (Team - Men)
REDEFINING DENTAL Excellence
Dr. Villanueva
Dr. Soldatelli
John Leonard:
The Man Behind the Wheel of Artomobilia
Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Laura Arick and Courtesy of Artomobilia
This month, Carmel Monthly is thrilled to feature Artomobilia Executive Director and Founder John Leonard on its cover. The magazine’s editorial team is also proud to be a longtime supporter and a media sponsor of Artomobilia.
We sat down with Leonard to discuss what fuels his drive and commitment to organizing this exceptional event, which, in partnership with the City of Carmel, draws upwards of 25,000 people each year to the heart of Carmel, Indiana. Leonard shared insights on what exhibitors, guests and local businesses can expect at the 17th annual Artomobilia.
ARTOMOBILIA’S EXHILARATING EVOLUTION
When we sat down to discuss what is new this year, Leonard took us back to the
humble beginnings of Artomobilia, which took place in Indianapolis in conjunction with Formula 1 and was organized by Roger Brummett and Andrew Lee. Leonard was also involved with the event. Once Formula 1 left Indy and after conversations with former Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard, Leonard reorganized the event and moved it to its current location in Carmel’s Arts and Design District, where it continues to evolve and increase its economic impact throughout the local business community.
Leonard said, “I’m a conduit to the automotive community to the degree that we
can bring it to Carmel to enjoy and share what’s happening in Carmel. I’ve said it a thousand times, ‘If you ever had to try to come up with another Artomobilia, where would you even attempt it?’”
Along with Leonard, Artomobilia’s dedicated volunteer committee continues to enhance the event’s infrastructure, technology and communication capabilities, attracting notable car clubs and national and regional sponsors. Artomobilia has become a first-class event held at an extraordinary venue known for its architecture and expansive retail and dining offerings.
Leonard added, “Artomobilia is the number-one revenue day for every restau rant in the Arts and Design District. We try to recreate [Artomobilia] every year in a safe, sustainable and supportable way so that we’re not putting cars at risk or guests at risk. We’re constantly looking at how we can continually improve it to make it an even better experience for those who are joining us, whether they’re bringing a car or their family/friends, and for those who have businesses in the Arts & Design District, along the Monon Boulevard and in the Midtown section of Carmel. We want it to be an awesome experience for everyone.”
Featuring nearly 500 enthusiast and collector cars on the streets of Carmel, Artomobilia boasts one of the most eclectic gatherings of original, period-correct vehicles. The event showcases an array of supercars, exotics, sports cars, classics, racers, historically preserved vehicles and more.
Over the years, Leonard and his team have expanded the Artomobilia experience by organizing auxiliary events with a philanthropic component, transforming it into a Friday evening and Saturday extravaganza.
“We’re going to do VELOCE, our hangar party, on Friday, September 6 at 7 p.m. at the Indianapolis Executive Airport in Zionsville,” Leonard shared. “We’re going to move SHIFT from [Artomobilia] weekend
when we’ve got great chefs here.”
THIS YEAR’S FEATURED MARQUE IS …
Part of the allure of Artomobilia is the reveal of the featured marque and the exhibition of that [marque] at the event each year. This year’s featured marque is Aston Martin.
Aston Martin’s performance heritage, deeply rooted in motorsports, began with Lionel Martin’s victory in the 1914 Aston Hill Climb, inspiring the company’s name and establishing its racing legacy. The brand’s iconic status was further cemented in 1959 with a historic win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, epitomizing its commitment to engineering excellence.
In the realm of production cars, the DB5, launched in 1963 and famously associated with James Bond, became a symbol of Aston Martin’s blend of luxury, elegance,
Embracing modern advancements, Aston Martin has ventured into electrification and sustainable technology with their all-electric Rapide E and the hybrid-electric Valkyrie, which showcase the brand’s commitment to innovative performance.
“There’s quite a number of Aston Martin owners here in Indianapolis, but it’s not a car that you see very much or hear about very much, though it’s an absolutely gorgeous vehicle,” Leonard stated. “The closest dealership is in Chicago or the Columbus/Cincinnati area. We’ll have local Aston Martins, and we’re working with the dealerships to bring additional Aston Martins to display at Artomobilia.”
A PASSION FOR PEOPLE AND ARTOMOBILIA
When asked what continues to fuel his
drive for organizing one of Carmel’s best annual events and the best car show in the Midwest, Leonard replied, “It’s my ‘golf’ game. Some guys play golf, or put their time into different things. I love doing Artomobilia. I love talking about it and organizing it. I enjoy all of the buildup to it all, all of the background planning and all the conversations with people that I have on how to do the logistics and how to make
spending time, and it’s with these people that I enjoy spending time with.”
When Leonard is not coordinating the various [automotive] corals, volunteers and working with event sponsors, he works at TRIMEDX, an independent clinical asset management company, and he is an active member of St. Elizabeth Seton in Carmel along with his wife, with whom he has raised three young adult children as Carmel residents.
Leonard concluded, “We are fully immersed in Carmel. I grew up on the west side in Brownsburg and lived in California after graduating from Butler University for 11 years. We moved back here with our then six-month-old daughter, and that was 23 years ago. We absolutely love Carmel and the people in Carmel. It provides a unique opportunity to organize Artomobilia, on behalf of the city of Carmel.”
on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 11 a.m. in the Arts and Design Center.
For a complete list of events, information on how to register your automobile, and to learn how to become a sponsor or member of the Artomobilia volunteer corps, visit artomobilia.org.
EVENTS 2024 SCHEDULE
CSO 24 | SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
SEP 06 | VELOCE HANGAR PARTY
SEP 07 | ARTOMOBILIA
Carmel Differentiates Itself with Exceptional Annual Events
Writer // Janelle Morrison • Photography // Submitted
Carmel hosts some of the most exciting and well-attended events in the region, with Artomobilia, the Carmel International Arts Festival and Carmel Christkindlmarkt being prime examples. These events not only drive economic development but also showcase the city’s best to residents, visitors and neighboring communities, highlighting why Carmel is an exceptional place to live, work and engage.
We interviewed Mayor Sue Finkam about how events like these enhance Carmel’s reputation as a premier host for diverse community gatherings. We also explored the significant economic and social im pacts they bring to the city.
Experience Carmel’s Nationally and Regionally Renowned Events
Don’t miss these upcoming annual events this late summer, fall and winter in the heart of Carmel!
Artomobilia
Carmel’s Artomobilia seamlessly blends art and automobiles, transforming the city into a vibrant hub of creativity and classic car admiration. Held annually, this event attracts thousands of visitors to marvel at vintage, exotic and rare cars displayed throughout the core of Carmel. Artomobilia is more than just an exhibition; it celebrates automotive heritage and artistic expression, fostering community and shared passion while boosting local economic activity and cultural enrichment.
Carmel International Arts Festival
The Carmel International Arts Festival transforms the city into a vibrant openair gallery each year. Showcasing global artists, the festival includes diverse visual arts such as painting, sculpture and photography. Attendees can explore artist booths, enjoy live music and performances, and shop/dine at local businesses. This dynamic event enriches Carmel’s cultural landscape, fosters community spirit and draws art enthusiasts, significantly boosting the local economy and promoting the arts.
Artomobilia
Carmel Christkindlmarkt
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt is a celebrated holiday market that brings the festive charm of a traditional German Christmas market to Carmel each year. Featuring quaint wooden huts offering handcrafted gifts, holiday decor and German delicacies like bratwurst and mulled wine, visitors can also enjoy ice skating, live holiday music and a nostalgic ambiance. This enchanting market attracts hundreds of thousands, bolstering local tourism and celebrating the holiday season in a joyful and authentic manner.
The Ice at Carter Green
The Ice at Carter Green in Carmel is a beloved winter attraction that transforms the city into a magical ice-skating destination. Open annually during the holiday season, this outdoor rink offers a picturesque setting for skaters of all ages. Surrounded by twinkling lights, The Ice at Carter Green is perfect for family fun, romantic outings and community gatherings. With skate rentals and special, city-sponsored events, it enhances the winter experience in Carmel, drawing residents and visitors to celebrate the wonders of the season.
Fostering Community Growth in Carmel
When asked how these events and others held in Carmel throughout the year benefit the city and its community, Finkam said, “These events give us an amazing opportunity to show off our community and brag a little bit. It’s rewarding for me to stand at Main [St.] and Monon Blvd. with someone who hasn’t been back to the community in 20 years, because they look down Main St. and see the Arts and Design District has evolved. Then, they can look at our award-winning Monon Blvd. and see the lush landscaping and incredible placemaking that’s been done with the bike and walk lanes and the restaurants, and they are amazed.”
Finkam added, “When we did our community survey, the top three ways that people responded to describe Carmel were, ‘safe, clean and beautiful.’ You can safely walk around with your children or friends and experience our amazing amenities. You see how clean the city is, thanks to the many people who make that happen, including our residents who take care of what they’ve built. Last year, I stood in line at one of the booths at Christkindlmarkt, and a lady and I engaged in conversation.
She told me she had come to [Christkindlmarkt] the year before, fell in love with Carmel and moved here. I thought that is an incredible testament to what these [community] events can do.”
Strategic Economic Development
The mayor highlighted how the city’s branding initiatives will integrate with its economic development strategies, emphasizing the evaluation of community events’ return on investment.
“Events have been a part of our economic strategy for many years,” Finkam said. “It’s about belongingness and creating community … making sure that we can help understand each other better, especially if we have different cultural backgrounds. Over the years, we’ve been very strategic about what events we wanted to host here [in Carmel] to make sure that they support different interests and engage a larger part of our population.”
Finkam continued, “We’ve done a good job curating experiences for our population that other communities haven’t invested in. We, meaning myself and our marketing team, are especially interested in evaluating the events for the true ROI
Carmel Christkindlmarkt
they offer to ensure that we’re using taxpayer dollars wisely. If there is an event [here] that doesn’t deliver the ROI that we would anticipate, the question becomes how we make it better, or is it time to move on to a different event because this [event] isn’t relevant anymore? That’s our job as part of a strategic thinking standpoint to ensure the events are truly hitting the mark with our residents and visitors; if they’re not, then we look for other [events] that can.”
Earlier this year, the city announced the launch of its community-wide brand-
ing initiative, featuring a three-phase Research, Creativity and Action process to establish Carmel’s unique and authentic brand identity. A crucial part of this branding process will be to gather feedback from Carmel residents and businesses as the mayor and her team continue to assess what differentiates Carmel from other communities and what attractions bring visitors, new residents and company headquarters to Carmel.
“These [community] events are just another tool in the toolbox to make sure people understand who we are and
what we stand for,” Finkam stated. “That is what the rebranding is about. The rebranding will offer subtle changes and, in other ways, large changes. It’s hard to say what those will be right now because we have not yet developed our brand platform, but it will be clearly articulated in the weeks and months to come.”
Finkam concluded, “Our [community] events aren’t about checking a box to have something to do on the weekends. They are about offering opportunities for people to experience Carmel so they can fall in love with it and either stay [in Carmel] as an existing resident or consider moving here. We need to make sure that we are still trying to differentiate ourselves, and we have to constantly make sure that we’re perceived to be one of the top communities in the country, and rebranding is a part of that. I am working hard, along with a great team of people in the city, who do nothing but elevate what Carmel has to offer and what we give back to our community each and every day.”
Carmel International Arts Festival
