The weather was warm and sunny for the Broad Ripple Art Fair 35. Visitors poured off the shuttles eager to see the latest art, have good eats and be entertained. They were not disappointed.

More than 200 artists came to Indy from near and far to show a wide variety of wares. Shano of Boulder, Colorado, displayed jewelry of silver and semi-precious stones. Larry Spears of Bloomington was offering pitchers, vases and bowls with complex glazes while Dan Ishler of Oak Harbor, Washington showed crystalline pottery that was reminiscence of frost etchings on single paned windows. Paintings varied from the campy "Bad Cat "by John M. Booth to the classical interpretations of Doug David. Stained glass birdfeeders sparkled in the sun. Glass paperweights and vessels varied from bright solids to intricate patterns. Jaime Frechette displayed enamels. Customers tried to decide whether they wanted fruits or flowers at the Connie Baker Stucco Art booth. Linoleum block prints of robots were inspired by artist Geoffrey Harris's personal collection. Clocks constructed of spoons, gears and bicycle parts attracted a lot of interest. Mathias Muleme worked in Intaglio, while another booth displayed Florentine mosaic table tops rendered in techniques handed down for generations.

The artists were eager to share with those who ventured into their booths. Strains of a William Rees harp drifted across the walk. Didjeridoos sang out in unique voices. A person could linger and listen to the soft accent of Christine Drummond as she described her Rio de Janeiro roots. Photographer, Ron Mellott, explained his water lilies. Peering through handmade kaleidoscopes was encouraged by J. Farnsworth. Sweetie Pies demonstrated their reversible overalls for that favorite grandchild. The "Pear Man" boasted a winning smile. Donna Rogers of Ohio was overheard explaining how a trip to India inspired her. A man settled into an ample willow chair crafted by Greg Adams. And if you just had to see art techniques in action, a visit to the IAC studios was a pleaser.

Hungry fairgoers munched their way through the Food Court. Cajun tenderloins could be spiced up with a variety of hot sauces. Caribbean Spice offered fried plantains and jerk chicken. If Italian was the choice, Caponata, a Sicilian sandwich was a treat. There were the traditional favorites as well: hamburgers, hot dogs, fries and St. Elmo's steak sandwiches. Indulging the sweet tooth was easy. Pumpkin fudge competed with Papageorge's baklava. A line of families waited for funnel cakes topped with sugar. Some chose munchies like Carmel Crunch. Others settled on the lawn with a glass of wine or a lager from Broad Ripple Brewpub.

If a break was needed from the artists' booths and food courts, the Art Fair provided entertainment on various stages. Fairgoers lounged in chairs and listened to Acoustic Catfish. Ann McWilliams got everyone tapping down by the riverfront. Whether it was blues, pop or folk, the bands provided the audience with very fine listening. Kids were not forgotten either. Express Kids gave several performances and Thaddeus Rex was there.

The Broad Ripple Art Fair planning committee and Indianapolis Art Center staff work all year to stage the event. Their attention to detail results in a winner. Year 35 was exceptional. Mark your calendars for year 36 and be part of this Village tradition.