DIY Living Space Enhancement Ideas

Here are some This Old House type ideas for adding some pizzaz to your living spaces at bargain basement prices.

1.  Try stenciling a medallion around a ceiling fixture.  You can get pre-cut templates that make you look like a pro!

2.  Do you have an entry without a closet?  Create your own wall rack for hanging outerwear.  You could even customize it with baskets for mail, gloves, dog leash, etc.  Can be easily created out of 1x lumber and door casings.

3.  Hardwood stairs?  A splash of color can be added with a runner or stair treads.  Adds a little yet still exposes so beautiful hardwoods.

4.  Use wallpaper in SMALL doses, such as on stair risers, backs of bookcases, closet doors to boost the personality of a room or area.

5.  Boring bed?  Try flanking it with tall bookcases that have nightstand like drawers in the base.  You can finish it with wainscot and swing arm lamps for a real cottage retreat look and feel.

June Events in Indiana - LOTS going on!

* * * June Indiana Events 2013 * * *

New Haven Canal Days Festival New Haven June 4th to 8th New Haven Canal Days Festival

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Northern Indiana Lakes Festival Warsaw June 7th to 9th Northern Indiana Lakes Festival 

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2013 Wakarusa Bluegrass Festival Wakarusa, 
June 7th to 9th Website: 2013 Wakarusa Bluegrass Festival

Located AT: Festival Grounds: 66426 SR 19 S., Wakarusa, IN

Friday, June 7
2:00-4:00 PM * Mountain Dulcimer Workshop ($)
4:15- 5:15 PM * Yodeling Workshop ($)
6:00-10:00 PM FREE Open Mic bluegrass jam
Saturday, June 8 *Stage Show ($)
10:00 AM Welcome, Opening Prayer, National Anthem
10:10 Rock Island Plow Company
11:05 Meyer Bluegrass Band
12:00 PM Lilly Mountaineers
12:55 Tommy Webb
1:50 Kerry Christensen
2:40 Honoring the Veterans
2:55 Volume Five
3:50 Introducing the Honorary Chairmen for 2013
4:00 Rock Island Plow Company
4:55 Meyer Bluegrass Band
5:50 Kerry Christensen
6:50 Lilly Mountaineers
7:50 Tommy Webb
8:50 Volume Five
Sunday, June 9
10:00 – 12:00 noon FREE Bluegrass gospel service with music and preaching
12:00 noon FREE Carry-in lunch and jamming in the afternoon
Food & beverage vendors on site—Yummy!
Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
No Dogs, guns or alcohol please.
*Workshops are $5 each and require advance registration. (Dulcimer & Yodeling)
*Stage show tickets are $15 adults
Free for Veterans with Military ID and children 12 and under.
Free parking & primitive camping
Handicap accessible
Use Paypal on website or mail order form with check and SASE to: WBGF,PO Box 12,Wakarusa,IN 46573
For festival information, call 574-825-1874

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Talbot Street Art Fair Indianapolis, 
June 8th and 9th Website Talbot Street Art Fair
Located AT: Talbot Street

With over 270 artists from across the nation, this juried art fair continues to be ranked as one of the finest fairs in the country. 

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Annual Golden Raintree Antique Show New Harmony June 8th and 9th Annual Golden Raintree Antique Show

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Eagle Creek Folk Music Festival Indianapolis June 8th and 9th Eagle Creek Folk Music Festival 

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Old Mill Festival Noblesville June 8th Old Mill Festival

Spencer County Fair Grandview June 12th to 15th

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Annual BBQ RibFest Blues, Brews and BBQ's Fort Wayne June 13th to 16th

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Enchanted Lakes Renaissance Faire & Marketplace Angola June 14th to 16th

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The Strawberry Festival Crawfordsville June 14th to 16th

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Indy Air Show Indianapolis June 15th and 16th

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Dearborn County 4-H & Community Fair Lawrenceburg June 17th to 22nd

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Elkhart Jazz Festival Elkhart June 20th to 23rd

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Indianapolis Early Music Festival Indianapolis June 21st to July 14th

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Daviess County Fair Elnora June 21st to 29th

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Marion County Fair Indianapolis June 21st to 29th

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WFRN Friend Fest Nappanee, 
June 21st and 22nd Website: www.wfrnfriendfest.com/

Located : Amish Acres, Nappanee, Northern Indiana
WFRN Friend Fest will be held June 21-22nd at Amish Acres, Nappanee, Northern Indiana. Enjoy the Two-Day, Multi-Stage Family-Friendly Christian Music Festival with 22 Major Recording Artists including TobyMac, Matthew West, Building 429, Peter Furler, Kari Jobe,Jamie-Grace, Big Daddy Weave, Chris August, For King & Country, Rhett Walker Band, Moriah Peters, Finding Favour, Hyland, OBB and Mosteller plus a secondary stage featuring additional major recording artists, up and coming artists, espresso drinks and FREE WiFi access. FREE Parking, FREE to bring in your own food and drinks, FREE Kid Zone with Bouncy Houses and Children's Stage, and FREE Artist Breakout Sessions with the purchase of a festival pass. Powered by the Grand Horizon Center. Visit website for festival passes and more information.

Indianapolis Sport, Fitness & Hobby Show Indianapolis, 
June 22nd and 23rd
Website St. www.SportShowIndiana.com
Located AT: Indiana State Fairgrounds
The Indianapolis Sport, Fitness & Hobby Show will feature more than 300 local and national exhibitors showcasing the very best in sport, fitness and hobby related products, services and activities all under one roof at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on June 22nd-23rd. Every sport, interactive demonstrations, attractions, athlete & celebrity appearances, and exhibitors including the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indiana Ice, Skydive Indianapolis, Midwest Fight Series, IU Natatorium, Core Power, Walgreens, American Lung Association, Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Awareness, Various Running Events, Golf Vendors, memorabilia collectors, Recreation & Travel, Health Screenings and 300 other sport and fitness exhibitors. Silent Auction & portion of proceeds benefits two local charities. Witness & Experience one of the largest, most exciting 2 day Sport Shows in central Indiana! Admission is only $7 with kids 12 & under free. Athlete & Celebrity Appearances: Chris “Lights Out” Lytle-from the UFC, George McGinnis-Indiana Basketball Legend, Bobby Plump-Inspired “Hoosiers” the movie, BOOMER & Pacemates-Indiana Pacers Mascot & Dance Team, IMS Motorcars-Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Lisa Lee-Face of MyIndyTV-8.
For more info, visit website or call Ryan at (317)-809-0669.
Proud sponsors: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, WISH TV8, State Farm, NUVO, Walgreens, Indiana Pacers, Indiana Ice, YMCA of greater Indianapolis, Q95, Indy Incredible Pizza.
WHAT: Indianapolis Sport, Fitness & Hobby Show
WHERE: Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, IN – Marsh Blue Ribbon Pavilion
WHEN: Saturday June 22nd, 2013 9am to 8pm & Sunday June 23rd, 2013 9am to 5pm
PRICE: General Admission: $7.00; Kids 12 & under: FREE
CONTACT: Ryan (317)809-0669;

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Wayne County 4H Fair Richmond June 22nd to 29th

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Shipshewana Quilt Festival Shipshewana June 26th to 29th

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Charley Creek Arts Festival Wabash June 26th to 30th

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The 4H Fair South Bend June 28th to July 6th

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Greenwood Freedom Festival Greenwood June 29th

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Fishers Freedom Festival Fishers June 29th and 30th

Garage Sales - Tis the Season - National Road Sale this weekend!!!

11th Annual Historic National Road Yard Sale on US Highway 40.
The annual Historic National Road Yard Sale is scheduled for May 29 to June 2 . Just travel US Highway 40, anywhere from Terre Haute to Richmond, and look for the sales! 
More info at their website www.oldstorefrontantiques.com

Speaking of garage sales - we have free garage sale signs in our Fishers office at 8402 E. 116th St.  Just ask for them at the front desk.

Reflecting on Memorial Day

Did you know that the Indiana War Memorial Plaza Historic District is second only to Washington D.C. in acreage and number of monuments dedicated to veterans.???

There are two museums, 3 parks and 24 acres of monuments, statues, sculptures and fountains right in the heart of downtown Indianapolis.  The War Memorial Commission primary mission is:  to commemorate the valor and sacrifice of the U.S. Armed Forces and especially to honor Hoosier veterans and Indiana's role in the nation's conflicts.

The Indian War Memorials Foundation just launched a "Bricks of Remembrance" program to memorialize veterans. Each brick will be engraved with the name, rank, branch and dates of service and will be placed at Monument Circle. They will encircle the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.  You can contribute to the placement for $100 tax-deductible for each brick.  They will be installed on a quarterly basis.

My dad served on a submarine during WWII.   My uncle was a prisoner of war and survived the Bataan Death march in the Phillipines.  My father-in-law served during the Korean War and even brought home shrapnel in his back.  Such service and sacrifice for our freedoms is worthy of our attentions every day.

Pacers Advance in the NBA Playoffs!!!

I wanted to share this blog post from Scott Agness to the Pacers.com website.  I  found it to be a great review about a true team without a superstar. Lets hear it Indy!!! Blue and Gold!!!

In a superstar driven league, the Pacers, who pride themselves in team basketball, are one of just four teams left standing in the NBA playoffs.

On Saturday night, we saw further indications of just how tight this group is. In the final seconds, with Sam Young as the foul line, the entire bench was standing, cheering everyone on. Coach Frank Vogel slapped hands with Paul George. George Hill and Lance Stephenson embraced at mid-court. After the game, they all gathered at the center-circle to celebrate what they had just accomplished. 

Nothing was more telling than how the team handled the postgame press conference responsibilities. The head coach and at least one player from each team must go into a separate room and answer questions from the media. When it was Vogel’s turn, he sat down in a full room with both of his daughters on his lap. Family is a big aspect of this team.

Later, a player representative of the Pacers was due up. But instead of just one guy, which presumably would have been Lance Stephenson after his 25-point career night, all five starters sat down on the platform as a unit.

Together, just like family.

The decision to all come out was decided collectively. Shocked? You shouldn’t be.

“This is the most together group I’ve ever been a part of,” said David West, the eldest player on the team. “We don’t have a bunch of ‘I’ guys, we have a bunch of ‘we’ guys.”

Remember, the Pacers are doing all this without All-Star Danny Granger, who missed but five games this season with a left knee injury. George Hill, who sustained a concussion on Tuesday and was a game-time decision, did all he could to pass the league-mandated tests in order to be out there with his guys.

“This was a game I couldn’t miss, and I couldn’t wait to get out there with my teammates,” he said.

In this six game series, all five starters led the team in scoring in at least one game, and thus went to podium. (As opposed to the Knicks, who were led in scoring by Carmelo Anthony each night). This moment was special and likely one they will remember years down the road. The Pacers are a balanced bunch that when pieced together, they have the talent to compete with any team on any night.

“It was a great team effort from top to bottom,” Roy Hibbert, visibility the most-excited Pacer of the group, added.

Sharing Some Painting Secrets

1.  Paint type - latex is your DIY dream because it dries quickly and washes with soap and water. Oil base dries slowly, requires a mineral spirit or turpentine for clean up - but hardens into a strong finish. Oil base tends to be the paint of choice for cabinetry and high moisture areas.

2. Sheen - flat and low luster give a rougher surface that can disguise flaws. Glossier finishes can highlight imperfections but also form a smoother, wear resistant surface that is easier to wipe clean.

3. Color - Paint chip samples will not do a paint color justice. Get a sample pot and apply a couple coats to a 3 foot square foam board.  Move the squares around the room at different times of day in different light.

4.  Quality over price - Cheap paint does not cover as well, may not adhere to some surfaces and don't wear well.  You will ultimately save money by spending more up front.

5. Good tools - Tapered brushes with slim tips. Mix of nylon and polyester bristles will hold and release latex paint well.  Natural bristles for oil-based. Rollers should match the surface you are painting.

6. Prep - clear out the furniture, cover the floors and fixtures, remove outlet covers, fill nail and screw holes, patch holes, wipe down ceilings, walls and trim. It will give you a more finished, professional look in the end and will keep you from ruining your paint with dust, hair, etc.

7.  Cutting in - using a 2.5 ince angles brush works best. Get plenty of paint on the brush.  Team work is best if you can have one person cutting in ahead of the person rolling.

8.  Rolling - get plenty of paint on the roller. After rolling an area make a series of vertical strokes up and down the full length moving one direction. This will distribute the wet paint evenly.

9. Scoring - If you mask off trim with tape  - remove it the same day. Run a putty knife at a 45 degree angle along the edge so you don't pull up the paint. Peel off the tape in a slow steady motion.

10.  Multi-day painting - if you are painting the same color over multiple days or have to stop painting for longer than a half hour you can wrap your roller/brushes in saran wrap and put in refrigerator. That will keep them from drying out.

11.  Touch-ups - pour some paint in mason jar, cover with saran wrap, then screw on the lid. Label by room, paint name, type, number and store and keep for touch ups and possible matching at a later date.  This will last MUCH longer than a couple inches in a the bottom of a can.

This advice was consolidated from This Old House and my own personal experience!!!!

Indiana is best place to do business in the Midwest!

Indiana was ranked as the best place to do business in the Midwest and the fifth-best nationwide in a survey of more than 500 chief executives by Chief Executive magazine.

The magazine’s ninth annual “Best & Worst States” survey asks CEOs to evaluate states based on business tax policies, regulation, workforce quality and livability factors, according to a news release from the Indiana Economic Development Corp.

Indiana was the only Midwestern state in the publication’s top five. Among neighboring states, Ohio ranked 22nd, Kentucky ranked 29th, Michigan ranked 44th and Illinois ranked 48th.

“With our talented workforce, solid fiscal house and robust infrastructure, the Hoosier State’s job creation efforts are receiving national attention,” Gov. Mike Pence said in a statement. “Chief executives know that Indiana is one of the few states that actually works for business.”

The magazine ranked Indiana No. 5 nationally in 2012, No. 6 in 2011 and No. 16 in 2010.

Texas was ranked No. 1 this year.

Hey It's May in Indy!!!!

This is what put us on the map folks!  Here is a list of all the activities happening during that Month of May that has to do with the Indy 500 / Motor Speedway / 500 Festival.

5/2-3 Mini Marathon Expo

5/4 - 5K and Mini Marathon

5/9 - Brickyard Golf

5/11 - Opening day at the track, Kids Day, Rookie Run

5/12 - 16  Practice Days

5/17 - Fast Friday

5/18 - Breakfast at the Brickyard and Pole Day

5/19 - Bump Day

5/22 - Community Day

5/23 - Indy Lights

5/24 - Memorial Service and Carb Day

5/25 - Parade, Legends Day and Snakepit Ball

5/26 - Race Day

Check out the following website for more details regarding times, tickets, performers, etc

http://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com

http://www.500festival.com

Fairs and Festivals - Indiana - May 2013

* * * May Indiana Events 2013 * * *

Smokin' On The Water - BBQ Festival by the Lake Liberty May 4th and 5thwww.libertyindianalions.com/liberty_lions_club/Smoke_on_the_Water.html

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Tri-State Antique Market 
Lawrenceburg, 
May 5th; June 2nd; July 7th; August 4th; September 1st; October 6th
Website: www.lawrenceburgantiqueshow.com

Located AT: Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds, US 50 and Hollywood Blvd, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025

Indiana's largest antiques and vintage market is held the first Sunday of the month, May through October. The popular event is a seasonal destination for thousands of treasure hunters and features over 200 vendors selling a variety of antique and vintage goods from all periods and at all price points. The Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds has modern amenities, free parking, local food and beverage concessionaires, and is wheelchair accessible. Over half of the vendors are indoors or under cover, so the event is held rain or shine. Admission is $3.00 for adults with children and attended pets admitted at no charge.

Auburn Spring Collector Car Auction, Swap Meet & Car Corral Auburn May 9th to 11thwww.automaniashows.com/

Fifth Third Bank Broad Ripple Art Fair Indianapolis May 18th and 19thindplsartcenter.org/events/

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Fairbanks Park Arts and Music Festival Terre Haute May 23rd to June 1stwww.fairbanksparkfestival.com/

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IPL 500 Festival Parade Indianapolis May 25th www.500festival.com/

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Valpo-Fest Motorcycle Swap Meet & Parts Expo Valparaiso May 25th and 26thwww.valpo-fest.com/

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The Indianapolis Charity Horse Show Indianapolis May 29th to June 1st indycharityhs.org/

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All-American Country Hoedown Campbellsburg May 30th to June 2ndwww.campbellsburghoedownfestival.com/

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Hoosier Hills Fiber Festival Franklin, 
May 31st to June 1st
Website www.hoosierhillsfiberfestival.com
Located AT: Johnson County Fairgrounds
Hoosier Hills Fiber Festival celebrates the fiber arts with a variety of vendors, products and supplies, demonstrations, fibers, animals, competitions, and classes. We fill 3 buildings as well as have some lawn vendors. You will enjoy classes by experienced instructors, creating a treasure and learning a new skill that can be passed on to generations. Vendors will be stocked with products, supplies, and finished items relating to all types of fiber arts: spinning, weaving, knitting, crochet, wet/dry felting, yarns, handmade jewelry, beads, buttons, and the list goes on. Enjoy re-enactors, hand sheep shearing, and free demonstrations at many booths. Visit our website for updated info and downloadable applications for classes, competitions, and vendor spaces. Free admission and parking. May 31, 2013 12p - 6p and June 1, 2013 9a - 5p.

Multi-generational Housing - Here to stay

College grad is back, Grandma is moving in...............  three generations under one roof.  There was a 10.5% increase in this type situation between 2007 and 2009.  A 2012 survey found that 32% of adult children expect to eventually share their house with a parent.

This type situation is quite common in other cultures, such as Asian and Latino.  The 65+ puplation is expected to double by 2060 and 61% of Americans aged 25-34 already know families who have parents who have moved in with children.
This could be seen as an idyllic world of built-in child care, elder care and 3 square meals.  A way to avoid isolation in older age and pooling finances.
Boomerangs, the young adults moving back in with parents are paying rent and helping with household expenses.
Long term care costs along with the quality of care is a huge factor in bringing elderly parents or grandparents back into the home.
Builders and remodelers are now gearing up to support this trend.  Many are offering 2 master suites, bonus areas, flexible space, etc.  Next Gen housing introduced in Phoenix in 2011 offers 50 different floor plans in 120 communities that is essentially 2 houses in 1.
The challenges can be in regard to family friction, strain on spouses, less opportunity for work and personal time and privacy.
Strategies to make it work:
1. Discuss the expectations and responsibilities prior to the move.  Who pays for what, common spaces and private spaces. Company, laundry, tv, etc.
2. Parental responsibilities with other siblings
3. When renovating make age-friendly and privacy features - wider doorways, low pile carpet
4.  Divvy up chores and have members choose
5.  Peoples personalities and habits usually do not change - be aware!
Taken from AARP publication

The American Dream

They call home ownership "the American Dream"  - so if you are trying to sell your home, be sure to play up to your buyers aspirations.  Here are some interesting thoughts from Realtor Magazine:

Create vignettes:  Set a scene and define how that space is used by perhaps displaying a chess set, a deck of cards or poker game in progress in a basement rec room.  Do you have an exercise room - how about having some water bottles and towels ready?  The kitchen could have an open cookbook and some ingredients sitting ready to go.  An open book with reading glasses on the bed?

Go big:  Use supersized centerpieces on a kitchen counter or dining room table.  If your dining room with sit 12 - set it for twelve to show off it's entertaining potential - always being mindful of scale.  If you have a huge great room or rec room, consider making them multifunctional with various settings.

Add color pops:  The trend is be minimalistic with light, neutral colors and then add color through accessories. Red lamp shades, orange pillows, colorful artwork add drama but allow the buyer a clean slate and move ready home.

Create a scene stealer:  Pick a room to steal the show.  Your master bedroom could become a Four Seasons spa.  Have a small sitting area in the room with a chaise lounge, big pillow with open book. The bath could have upscale soaps, fluffy white towels, fluffy robe, candles by the tub, fresh flowers on the counter.   Your dining room could be set with your best china, charger plates, platters, wine bottles, candles.  Your basement wet bar could be set up with an ice bucket chilling some wine, cut up lemons/limes/olives, bowls of salty snacks.....   and on and on

Create something memorable!

3rd Annual Indiana Artisan Marketplace

l THE THIRD ANNUAL INDIANA ARTISAN MARKETPLACE

JOIN US THIS WEEKEND! Only once a year, the Indiana Artisan Marketplace brings together a majority of Indiana Artisans so you can talk with the state’s highest-quality artisans in one place, as well as taste their foods, see their exceptional talent and abilities and buy their work.

The Marketplace is at the Expo Hall at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Doors will be open this Saturday, April 6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Want to get in early, when the artisans have all of their one-of-a-kind work available for sale?  Join us for “A Taste of Indiana Artisan Marketplace” preview party.  This Friday, April 5, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. all the food Artisans will provide samples, four wineries will pair their best with cheeses from Traders Point Creamery, and a trio from the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra will provide lively music to entertain as you roam the Expo Hall.  There’s more, and the details and tickets are here.

Are you a designer, architect, or owner/manager of a retail store interested in carrying Indiana Artisan work? The Marketplace hosts an invitation-only “Trade Day” just for you, on Friday, April 5. Click here to register.

Artists from the juried Kentucky Crafted program, and foodists from Kentucky Proud, join Indiana Artisans at this event each year. More than 150 artisans will participate in the 2013 Marketplace, and guests are invited at the 2012 ticket price. Admission will again be $10 for all visitors, and tickets are available at the door.

The Indiana Artisan Marketplace is a chance to buy one-of-a-kind artwork and foods directly from the artisans who make it. Here is a great example, of Indiana Artisan Megan Winn making one of her leather-covered journals. The event also provides opportunity 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 exceptional 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 work of nearly 250 artisans in more than 50 Indiana counties has been juried and is part of the Indiana Artisan brand. 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, and the Indiana Artisan brand includes paintings, woodwork, wine, jewelry, weaving and fiber art, specialty cheeses, glass, pottery, fudge, chocolates, popcorn, and more.