The 2014 festival season kicks off this weekend with the fourth annual Indiana Artisan Marketplace at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Expo Hall. The March 29-30 event features more than 100 artisans from Indiana and 50 from Kentucky showcasing art and food selected by Indiana Artisan and Kentucky Crafted food and art jury panels.
New this year will be demonstrations by 20 art and food artisans who will be showcasing the creative process. Four artisans – painter Douglas David, chocolatier Jayne Hoadley, fiber artist Sylvia Gray, and Mark Cox and Josh Henson of Fermenti Artisan – will demonstrate their work all weekend in the center of the Exposition Hall.
Also new this year, Aurora-based Great Crescent Brewing Company, which recently had two beers recognized by Indiana Artisan, will sample and sell three of its craft brews. Food artisans will offer samples of their candies, wines, chocolates, noodles, pretzels, jams and more.
The Indiana Artisan Marketplace is a chance to buy one-of-a-kind artwork and artisan food directly from the Hoosiers who make it, says director Eric Freeman. “An Indiana Artisan is a Hoosier recognized for careful attention to detail, knowledge of a craft and an entrepreneurial spirit,” said Freeman. “That talent contributes to Indiana’s reputation for quality work, and the Marketplace is the annual showcase that brings all that together.”
Indiana Artisan Marketplace
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 29, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 30.
Where: Indiana State Fairgrounds, Expo Hall, Indianapolis
Admission: $10 adults; free for ages 14 and younger
Info: IndianaArtisan.org