Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v01n03)
34th Annual Broad Ripple Art Fair: Great Weather, Great Art
posted: Jun. 10, 2004
May 22, 2004 - The rains stayed away this year but the crowds didn't. Cars lined the neighborhood streets, and people packed the aisles at the 34th annual Broad Ripple Art Fair. It is held on the grounds of the Indianapolis Art Center and nearby Optimist Park. The strong breeze kept temperatures bearable.
Over 270 artists, both local and national, were situated in tents that spanned the four areas of the art fair. There were also more than thirty food vendors, ranging from lemon shake-ups, kettle korn and ice cream to alligator, funnel cakes and key lime pie on a stick.
Four stages of live music featured twenty music acts. The Riverfront Stage is built over the White River, with plenty of room for lawn chairs and blankets on the shady lawn north of the Art Center. I particularly enjoyed Ann McWilliams' version of The Cure's 'Love Song', a great song outdoors with the river flowing fast under the stage. Last year the White River was flooded and the raging waters almost covered the stage.
Two booths that caught my eye were the large, kinetic lawn sculptures that swayed in the breeze and the spinning shapes that appear to expand and contract.
There were sculpture in iron and stone, whimsical and fine art, woodworking and clothing, jewelry and glass. Truly something for everyone's taste.
Fair entrance
Artist tents
Radio Disney
Artist at work
Blown glass
SE corner of fair
- Glass plates
Art glass
Douglas David
Kettle Korn
Towards the food court
Coconut drinks
Jazz performers Cliff White and Roberto Monsalve on the Portico Stage, sponsored by 100.9 WYJZ.
Fair food
North section of fair
Sculptures
Instruments
Ann McWilliams performing on the Riverfront Stage, which was sponsored by 92.3 WTTS.
Glass blowing demonstrations continued all day at the glass workshop at the Indianapolis Art Center .
Mushrooms
The Artist Grove was a cool spot. Tents were set up under the shade of trees. The pathway leads down to the White River.
Broad Ripple High School Key Club sells bracelets to raise money for breast cancer research. To date over $60,000 has been raised.
Cool spinning art
Trumpet in glass