Indiana Artisan gift shop, gallery to open in Carmel Arts & Design District

The exceptional art, fine craft and small-batch foods that thousands of Hoosiers have discovered at the annual Indiana Artisan Marketplace will be available daily at the new Indiana Artisan store opening May 1 in Carmel.

The store is at 22 Rangeline Road. A grand opening is being planned for May 11 during Meet Me On Main, the Arts District’s monthly gallery walk. Store hours will be 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

“We can’t think of a better pairing than selling one-of-a-kind work by talented Indiana painters, potters, chocolatiers, wood and glass artists, jewelry designers, painters and photographers, leather crafters, beekeepers, sauce makers, and more in one of the state’s premier arts districts,” said Rosalyn Demaree, Indiana Artisan director.

“The Arts and Design District has a reputation for fine quality work. The collectibles and gifts that shoppers will find in the Indiana Artisan store will add significantly to that selection, bringing pieces such as hand-carved ducks and sculptures, basketry and instruments, handwoven textiles, paper arts, hand-painted scarves, and a wide assortment of other fine art and crafts.”

Like the Indiana Artisan store inside the French Lick Resort, the Carmel shop will carry work that embraces and carries on the state’s heritage in painting, glass, furniture, woodwork, candies, beverages, foods and more, all handcrafted by more than 100 Hoosiers. A part of the north gallery in the spacious and beautifully restored 1920s building that formerly was home to the Hoosier Salon will host a show by a single artist every month, starting with Start Your Engines, watercolors by Larry Hampton, an Evansville artist and former racecar driver whose subjects are cars and other transportation.

“The large space will give Indiana Artisans the opportunity to bring their studios to store visitors,” Demaree said. “Seeing demonstrations and getting to know the makers are two of the most talked-about things among guests at the Indiana Artisan Marketplace. Artists will demonstrate their creative process on an occasional basis in the store, and many will work there. Returning customers could meet a Lake Michigan glass blower on one visit, an Indianapolis candy maker the next, and an Ohio River Valley moccasin maker another time.”

At the May 11 grand opening, New Carlisle potter Steven Skinner will demonstrate how he makes his brilliantly glazed, functional stoneware that includes serving pieces, bread crucibles and ramekins. Shoppers that evening also will enjoy sampling truffles made with Indiana wines by Linda Armes of Bloomington and can enter to win artisan-made door prizes.

The Indiana General Assembly passed a Resolution in 2011, making Indiana Artisan the state’s official organization to review, recognize and promote the work of Indiana’s highest-quality art and food artisans. The organization is guided by a 12-person board of directors. Its members reside in all areas of the state and possess a strong interest in art, food, economic development, and successful outcomes for the State of Indiana.

More about Indiana Artisan can be found at www.IndianaArtisan.org or email Rosalyn@IndianaArtisan.org.