RELATED POSTS

• Advice from one nerd to others

RELATED EVENTS

• BioTown, USA
• In the Company of Shakespeare
• Breaking the Mode: Contemporary Fashion from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art
• Hand Weaving

Stewart's Indiana Flea Market, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Agriculture-Horticulture Building, includes anywhere from 300 to 800 booths and hundreds of vendors.

Indiana State Yo-yo Contest 2008 is on March 29 at Eiteljorg Museum. (Indianapolis Star file photo)

Ju-Young Baek will be performing as part of the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis on March 11 at the Indiana History Center. (Submitted photo)

The annual show of the Indy African Violet Society, taking place on March 8, features a variety of these common house plants. (Mary Schroeder)

The nerd. The word carries such a negative connotation, one of a pasty figure with a concave chest, esoteric tastes and pocket protectors.

Nerds manifest themselves in countless shows and movies, delivering their lines in mouth-breathing, wheezing tones. A few that come to mind: Poindexter, Screech, Steve Urkel, Comic Book Guy, Hermione Granger, Daria, Toby Radloff, Martin Prince, Max Fischer, Velma Dinkley, Paul Pfeiffer, Butters, Dwight Schrute and Lisa Simpson.

Rather than as an irritating know-it-all with bad fashion sense and a lack of physical coordination, we like to think of the nerd as someone who snuggles up to the obscure, the cryptic, the arcane -- and then pursues that knowledge with a passion.

Everyone has a touch of the nerd inside, and that raging nerd is hungry for entertainment.

Perhaps you're afraid to venture out for fear of hearing Ogre's menacing war cry: "Neeeerrrrrrrrddddssss!" Fear not. These very cool events are (relatively) jock-free, friendly spots where you can embrace your inner dweeb without fear of a wedgie.

Visual Art

Thought artists were cool? Andy Warhol probably couldn't even count the number of nipple twists and swirlies he got in middle school.

Breaking the Mode

Works by dozens of groundbreaking fashion designers illustrate how designers of the 1980s and 1990s rebelled against the principles that ruled 1950s high fashion.

Info: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Through June 1. Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road. $12 adults, $6 ages 7-17 and college students with valid ID card, $10 seniors; free for IMA members and children 6 and younger. (317) 923-1331 or www.imamuseum.org.

Paper Cutting Exhibit

Works by graphic artist Ryan Hoffar, known for making paper snowflakes. This exhibit will include several unique varieties. These aren't your mother's snowflakes.

Info: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. through March 19. Altered Image Tattoo Studio, 10030 E. U.S. 36, Avon. Free. (317) 423-9390.

Other Worlds / Altered Visions

This exhibition showcases the works and viewpoints of various artists working in different media. On display are photographs, paintings, wall hangings and drawings.

Info: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Through April 20. Indianapolis Art Center, 820 E. 67th St. Free. (317) 255-2464, www.indplsartcenter.org.

Hello Kitty: The Global Brand With Nine Lives

A presentation and book signing with Ken Belson of The New York Times, author of "Hello Kitty: The Remarkable Story of Sanrio and the Billion Dollar Feline Phenomenon."

Info: 6:30 p.m. March 27. Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road. In DeBoest Lecture Hall. Free. (317) 920-2647 or www.imamuseum.org.

Literary

Are you sick of re-reading "Beowulf"? Translating Cicero's speeches not giving you quite the kicks it used to? Rock out while you read out at these events.

Valzhyna Mort

Mort's work has been published in various anthologies, including "Anthology of Belarusian Poetry."

Info: 7:30 p.m. March 27. Clowes Hall, 4600 Sunset Ave. In the Krannert Room. Free. (317) 940-9861, www.cloweshall.org.

'Little Women' Novel Tea

Discuss Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" over tea and 19th-century treats during this afternoon event.

Info: 1 to 3 p.m. March 29. Morris Butler House Museum, 1204 N. Park Ave. $18 members, $22 non-members. Reservations required. (317) 636-5409, mbhouse@historiclandmarks.org.

In the Company of Shakespeare

Let your inner poet out during this popular open-mic poetry reading.

Info: 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays. Lazy Daze Coffee House, 10 S. Johnson Ave. Free. (317) 353-0777, www.lazydazecoffeehouse.com.

Crafts and hobbies

If you can name the schools of Ikebana, or would rather knit than do naughty stuff, you're a crafter nerd.

Ukrainian Pysanky Egg Decoration

Folk artist Carol Powers teaches a workshop on the traditional art of Ukrainian pysanky egg decoration. A kit with all the supplies needed for the class will be provided to each participant. The workshop is part of the Comforts of Home series. Registration required.

Info: 1 to 4 p.m. March 8. Hussey-Mayfield Public Library, 250 N. Fifth St., Zionsville. Free. (317) 873-3149, ext. 12400, or visit www.zionsville.lib.in.us.

Xenia Cord

Kokomo-based quilt historian and maker brings samples to show and discuss. Participants are encouraged to take white cotton gloves or latex/nitrile gloves for handling fabric samples. Participants may also bring artifacts. Cord will lecture about Signature Quilts.

Info: 1 to 3 p.m. March 15. Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St. Free for museum members, $5 for nonmembers. (317) 232-1637, www.indianamuseum.org.

African Violet Show

Annual show of the Indy African Violet Society featuring a variety of these common house plants. Some of the plants will be for sale. Society members will also be available to answer questions.

Info: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 8. Garfield Park Conservatory, 2505 Conservatory Drive. Free. (317) 327-7275 or www.indyparks.org.

Hand Weaving

If you're into tradition and are great with your hands, this is the event for you. During this class you'll learn to hand weave on traditional floor looms.

Info: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays, except holidays. Indiana Traditional Arts Center Gallery, 260 W. Main St., Monrovia. Registration required. $35. (317) 996-3322, www.indianatraditionalarts.org.

Sports & Games

Traditionally, your average nerd trips over his or her own feet. But even a nerd needs physical activity, and these are just your speed (and speed, as we all know, is calculated by dividing distance by time).

Orange Crush Chess Club

From casual play to rated and blitz events, this is a chess player's dream event. Beginners are welcome, with lessons offered.

Info: 6 p.m. the third Friday of every month through May 31. West Morris Street Free Methodist Church, 2302 W. Morris St. $15 at door, $12 in advance. (317) 634-6259, or e-mail akakarpov1@mw.net.

Qigong Class

Ancient Chinese healing for the 21st century, which focuses on the body's vital energy to obtain a balanced and healthy state of being.

Info: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Westview Healthplex Sports Club, 3660 N. Guion Road. $55 for four-class package; $40 for Healthplex members. (317) 920-7418, www.indyqi.com.

Indiana State Yo-yo Contest 2008

Takeshi Kamisato (Ho Chunk) showcases his styles as participants compete in five divisions.

Info: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 29. Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St. $3 to watch, $8 to compete. (317) 636-9378, http://indianastates.newschool101.com.

Music

At one point, venturing away from Top 40 was cause for alarm amongst your peers. Now you can indulge your dorkiness for the classics and jazz.

Ju-Young Baek

Performing as part of the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis 2007-2008 Laureate Series "Sparks Will Fly." Baek replaces originally scheduled performer Barnabas Kelemen. Pianist Akira Eguchi will accompany Baek.

Info: 7:30 p.m. March 11. Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St. In the Basile Theater. $20 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students. (317) 637-4574, www.violin.org.

Indy Guitar Summit

Bill Lancton hosts an intimate night of music as local and regional guitarists perform jazz tunes.

Info: 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. March 22. Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave. $12. (317) 253-4900, www.thejazzkitchen.com or www.billlancton.com/igs

The Metropolitan Opera HD Live: Peter Grimes

Watch on the big screen, via high-definition satellite, a live performance of Britten's "Peter Grimes" from New York's Metropolitan Opera.

Info: 1:30 p.m. March 15. Kerasotes Showplace 16, 4325 S. Meridian St. $22 adults, $20 seniors, $15 children. (800)638-6737, www.kerasotes.com.

History

Getting lost in times past is not an escape from contemporary nerdiness, but rather a celebration of it.

Amtgard Medieval Fantasy Games

Live-action role-playing group. Adults and teenagers welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult to participate.

Info: Noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Paul Ruster Park, 11300 E. Prospect St. Free. (317) 327-0143, www.therisingwinds.com.

Open House Tour

Tour the Hannah House and learn about its history.

Info: 1 to 4 p.m. March 23. Historic Hannah House, 3801 Madison Ave. $5 adults, $3 children, free for ages 5 and younger. (317) 787-8486, www.thehannahmansion.org.

Cesar Chavez Day

Through his work in the labor movement, Chavez became a civil rights leader. Celebrate his life, work and legacy while exploring his impact on the labor movement and migrant farmworkers in Indiana.

Info: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 28. Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St. $7 adults, $6.50 seniors, $4 children ages 3-12 (museum admission). Free for museum members. (317) 232-1637, www.indianamuseum.org.

German Immigration Genealogy Workshop

Explore the nature of German immigration, with a special emphasis on the Midwest and Indiana, with Giles R. Hoyt, professor of German and philanthropic studies at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

Info: 10 a.m. to noon March 8. Indiana Historical Society, 450 W. Ohio St. $10 for nonmembers, $8 for members. (317) 232-1882, www.indianahistory.org.

Science / technology / gadgetry / collections

Gross bodily functions, scientific exploration, creepy animals and gadgets -- welcome to Nerd 101.

Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body

This exhibit is based on "Grossology," a series of nonfiction children's books by Sylvia Branzei. Learn the good, the bad and the ugly about runny noses, body odor and many more gross things the body does.

Info: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday; through April 27. Minnetrista Cultural Center, 1200 N. Minnetrista Parkway, Muncie. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $4 students. (765) 282-4848, www.grossologytour.com.

Reptile Day

Members of the Hoosier Herpetological Society join the Department of Natural Resources, Indy Parks and other groups to showcase a variety of reptiles. They discuss the special needs of snakes and their counterparts and offer hands-on activities and anecdotes.

Info: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 13. Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St. $7 adults, $6.50 seniors, $4 children ages 3-12 (museum admission). Free for museum members. (317) 232-1637, www.indianamuseum.org.

Yesterday's Gadgets

Exhibit answers the questions: "Have you ever wondered what a cell phone might have been like 100 years ago?" "An iPod?"

Info: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; through March 15. Free. Grover Museum, 52 W. Broadway St., Shelbyville. (317) 392-4634.

Talking Heads: Coaxing Information from the Skull

A new exhibit focusing on examinations of the skull in medicine and anthropology, from obsolete notions to cutting-edge research using novel technologies to gain knowledge.

Info: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; through April 2. Indiana Medical History Museum, 3045 W. Vermont St. $5 adults, $1 children. (317) 635-7329.

BioTown, USA

Learn more about our country's first effort to meet all of one community's energy needs with renewable resources. The exhibit describes the progress and success of BioTown, USA in Reynolds, Ind., and why this is important for our state.

Info: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St. $7 adults, $6.50 seniors, $4 children ages 3-12. (317) 232-1637, www.indianamuseum.org.

Stewart's Indiana Flea Market

This show includes anywhere from 300 to 800 booths and hundreds of vendors, so you'll surely be able to find that item you've been searching for here.

Info: Noon to 6 p.m. March 14, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 16. Indiana State Fairgrounds Agriculture-Horticulture Building, 1202 E. 38th St. Free admission. (502) 456-2244, www.stewartpromotions.com.

Food & Drink

You're Alton Brown's biggest fan. You have nonsexual food fantasies that include a fully stocked wine cellar. Taking tea with your pinkie crooked is your pleasure. You bristle at the title "foodie," so we'll call you "food nerd."

Elegant Vintages International Wine Auction

Bid on rare wines to benefit the Indianapolis Zoo.

Info: 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. March 8. Marriott Downtown. 350 W. Maryland St. $150. (317) 630-2188.

Tea Fusion & Infusion

Tea is the latest rage these days, with tea houses opening up across the country. At this event, you can participate in a tea tasting and a tour.

Info: 1 to 3 p.m. March 8. Morris Butler House Museum, 1204 N. Park Ave. $25, $22 members. (317) 636-5409, www.historiclandmarks.org.

Hearthside Suppers

Try 19th-century cooking techniques and enjoy a meal by candlelight in the Conner House after all the hard work. Recommended for ages 10 and older.

Info: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday; through March 23. Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers. $45, $40 members (prepaid reservations required). (317) 776-6006, (800) 966-1836 or www.connerprairie.org