Guests pack the grounds of Newfields during the 2021 Penrod Arts Fair. The event, which helps raise money for area arts, education and cultural organizations, will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
People don’t call it “Indiana’s Nicest Day” for nothing.
Rows and rows of artwork unfolds on the lush lawn of Newfields during the Penrod Arts Fair. The sounds of classical, jazz, pop and acoustic music drift over festivalgoers enjoying a late summer morning, adding to the pastoral atmosphere. Food and drink are plentiful.
But for organizers of the fair, Penrod is “nice” in an entirely different way.
“‘Indiana’s Nicest Day’ is our slogan, but it’s also true,” said Brian Strawbridge, chair of the Penrod Arts Fair. “What we’re trying to do is two-fold — put on an arts fair, but then, what people don’t see is 100% of the proceeds from it are allocated to the community.”
The Penrod Arts Fair returns to central Indiana Saturday, showcasing visual art, music, dance and culinary artistry. People can browse through paintings, sculpture, 3-D art and more, while learning about offerings from 50 area arts-related nonprofit groups. Kids can entertain themselves in an extensive play area, and local food and beverage vendors provide refreshments throughout the day.
More than 300 artists are signed up for the event this year, including Bargersville artist Patti Paris-Owens. For Paris-Owens, the art fair is a must-visit every September.
“We love the whole energy of Penrod,” she said. “The clientele that come to the show is very interested in art. There’s an energy to it because it’s a one-day show, and people look forward to coming for that day.”
The Penrod Arts Fair was founded in 1967 by a group of volunteers interested in supporting cultural activities and education throughout the Indianapolis area. The name “Penrod” is a reference to a literary character from Indianapolis novelist Booth Tarkington.
Put on by the entirely volunteer Penrod Society, the fair presents an excellent opportunity to support important initiatives all around the area. The Penrod Arts Fair is one of the largest single-day arts fairs in the country, and marks the society’s most significant event and fundraiser.
Grants from the Penrod Society went to schools, arts groups, museums and other organizations throughout central Indiana. The organization was able to award grants to 78 central Indiana organizations, totaling nearly $150,000.
The daylong arts fair is the centerpiece of the Penrod Society’s fundraising, but in recent years, the group has added an early sneak peek at the artwork the night before, Evening with Penrod. The gala-style event allows ticketholders to preview art and offers them the first opportunity to purchase.
They can also enjoy a wide assortment of local food, beverages and live entertainment at Newfields. Each Evening with Penrod ticket also includes admission to the fair the following day.
The event is a great opportunity of glimpse some of the artwork before anyone else.
“It’s a fabulous event. It’s a great time to benefit everyone,” Paris-Owens said.
Paris-Owens, an abstract multimedia artist from Bargersville, has been taking part in Penrod since 2017. The event has allowed her to sell a number of pieces and make contacts with art lovers throughout the area that proved beneficial throughout the year.
She travels around the country each year for art shows, but considers Penrod her “home” show.
“I really focus on Penrod being my one major show in Indiana, though I do the Indiana Artisan in April,” she said.
Paris-Owens will be set up in the Yellow section, near the main stage. Specializing in large-scale pieces, she has been creating striking work using varying shades of blues, as well as some neutrals and metallic shades.
“The blues are still very popular. There is a trend toward medium reaches of blues, and warmer neutrals are also popular,” Paris-Owens said.
The art is the main draw of the Penrod event, but organizers have put together a wide array of activities to keep people busy all day long.
Musicians such as the Nauty Yachtys, Jennie Devoe and Groove Smash will rock the stage throughout the day, while special stages have been set aside for dance groups, symphonic music, jazz and blues.
A children’s area will let the festival’s youngest attendees tap into the inspiration around them and let their creativity flow. For adults, a beer garden featuring Indiana-made brews is available to help cool off.
“We hope they experience the opportunity to go out with their family and enjoy art, music, entertainment, food, everything you could be looking for in an exciting day,” Strawbridge said. “That’s always our goal to provide.”
IF YOU GO
Penrod Arts Fair
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 9
Where: Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Ave., Indianapolis
Cost: $20, kids 10 and under free
Information: penrod.org/arts-fair
