Showcasing the creations of Indiana's best artists and artisans, the Indiana Artisan Marketplace returns for a second year at the Expo Hall at the Indiana State Fairgrounds March 31 and April 1, 2012. More than 125 artisans from Indiana and an additional 75 artisans from Kentucky will showcase art and food selected as being among the best in Indiana and Kentucky by food and art jury panels created by Indiana Artisan and Kentucky Crafted.
The Indiana Artisan Marketplace is a chance to buy one-of-a-kind artwork and artisan food directly from the Hoosiers who make it, to meet the artisans and to share their stories. Visitors will be able to watch artisans create artwork, cultivate relationships with their favorite artisans and celebrate Indiana talent and creativity.
In addition to browsing the booths, visitors again will enjoy Indiana music, live art and craft demonstration and food and drink tasting.
The Marketplace is modeled after the extremely successful Kentucky Crafted: The Market, which is in its 30th year and attracts approximately 8,000 visitors and 600 wholesale buyers to its annual event that will move from Lexington to Louisville in 2012.
The work of more than 180 artisans in more than 50 Indiana counties has been juried into the organization and is part of the Indiana Artisan brand. The work of additional artisans will be selected during jury panel sessions for both art and food in November 2011. Artisans whose work is selected for the organization will be invited to participate in the 2012 Marketplace. The application deadline is October 19, 2011, and guidelines can be found at www.IndianaArtisan.org.
Indiana Artisans include painters, woodworkers, winemakers, jewelry designers, weavers, makers of specialty cheeses and more. Program manager Eric Freeman says, "An Indiana Artisan is a Hoosier recognized for careful attention to detail, knowledge of a craft and an entrepreneurial spirit. His or her talent contributes to Indiana's reputation for quality work."
WHAT: Indiana Artisan Marketplace
WHEN: Saturday, March 31, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, April 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Indiana State Fairgrounds, Expo Hall, Indianapolis
COST: $10 admission (free for children 7 and under) and $3 parking
