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. Sept. 7.
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For arts lovers throughout the area, “Indiana’s Nicest Day” is fast approaching.
The moniker refers to the 57th Annual CBIZ Somerset Penrod Arts Fair, the largest single-day arts fair in the country and The Penrod Society’s most significant event and fundraiser. Unfolding on Sept. 7 at Newfields in Indianapolis, the art fair will feature more than 350 exhibiting artists from all over the country, including four from Johnson County — Patti Paris-Owens, Gary Fields, Chuck Horsman and Adam Egenolf.
In addition, the event will feature 1,000 performers across five stages of entertainment, more than 50 arts-related nonprofit organizations and an extensive children’s area.
“Each year, the Penrod Society looks forward to this event as we have an incredible opportunity to support and showcase some of the most talented, creative artists from across the nation,” said John Roach, chair of the 2024 Penrod Arts Fair.
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. Grants from the Penrod Society go to schools, arts groups, museums and other organizations throughout central Indiana.
“Every dollar raised goes to support dozens of Indiana arts-related nonprofits so they can share the power of the arts and continue making an impact on their communities. Without the support from CBIZ Somerset, other donors and volunteers, and attendees, that wouldn’t be possible,” Roach said.
Johnson County regularly has a presence at Penrod.
Paris-Owens is a Bargersville artist who has exhibited since 2014. She works with acrylics, inks, metallics, pastes, gels, and glazes, using creative layering with various blades and employing positive and negative techniques, as well as water and alcohol for reactive highlights.
Greenwood’s Gary Fields, who has exhibited since 2017, creates hand-fabricated and cast metal jewelry out of sterling silver, gold, brass, and copper set with gemstones.
Chuck Horsman, a Greenwood artist who has exhibited since 2018, describes his art as, “My inspiration is the human form and, specifically, the face. I love to explore the skeletal and muscular structure beneath and how that creates each unique feature. Using bright colors, I explore the shadows and highlights that add drama and character.”
Adam Egenolf of Nineveh creates high-temperature, gas, and electric-fired, functional, and decorative crystalline pottery. Pieces go through multiple firings and surface treatments to enhance the colors in the crystals.
On the night prior to the fair, organizes put on Evening with Penrod. Attendees get an exclusive preview and first opportunity to purchase art from more than 100 artists who will be featured at the arts fair. The gala-style event will also feature a wide assortment of local food and beverages, unique live art experiences, a designated VIP area, fireworks and a series of musical performances on the grounds of Newfields. Each Evening with Penrod ticket also includes admission to the fair the following day.
Evening with Penrod is a 21 and over event from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Sept. 6. The Penrod Arts Fair is open to all ages and takes place 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 7. Both events are held in the gardens of Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit penrod.org.
IF YOU GO
Penrod Arts Fair
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 7
Where: Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Ave., Indianapolis
Cost: $20, kids 10 and under free
Evening with Penrod: This 21 and over event, from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Sept. 6, is a gala-style celebration offering attendees early access to works by more than 100 Penrod artists. The event will also feature a wide assortment of local food and beverages, unique live art experiences, a designated VIP area, fireworks and a series of musical performances on the grounds of Newfields
Information and tickets: penrod.org
