Of the 60 artists who will participate in the 14th annual Stutz Artists Open House on April 27 and 28, 2007, 25 are new this year. Included in this show are Broad Ripple residents Kate Oberreich and David Kleeman.

"That means if you haven't been to the Stutz Artists Open House for a while, this is the year to come," said Stephanie Lewis Robertson, Stutz Artists Association president. "More than half of the artists will be participating for the first time, so there will be a lot of new things to see."

The two-day indoor art fair is the only event in Indy where you'll meet actual artists in their studios. It's a chance to see the work of 60 local artists in one place at one time. Artwork ranges from paintings, drawings and photography, to sculpture, installations and fabric.

In addition to being a great place to buy one-of-a-kind gifts - artwork ranges from $12 to $2,000 - the event offers a rare chance to see vintage cars in the historic Stutz car factory. Friday night's atmosphere is geared toward adults and features special gallery opening activities such as acoustic music, food vendors and wine tasting. Children are welcome and encouraged on Saturday afternoon, when there will be art activities and admission for those 16 and under is free.

"It's a great event in a unique venue," said Thomas G. Garvey, general manager of Marble Uniques, a custom granite and marble company that is sponsoring the event this year. "It's an opportunity to see the artwork available by local artists all in one place at one time."

Admission is $12 for a two-day ticket. Proceeds support the Stutz Residency Program, a scholarship that provides free studio space and utilities for emerging local artists. It is one of the largest grants to individual artists in the state.

The Stutz Artists Association is the largest association of working artists in Indiana. It exists to encourage its member artists and to promote their work. In addition to the Open House, the association hosts monthly First Friday events.

The historic Stutz Business Center is located on an entire city block in downtown Indianapolis. The 400,000-square-foot building was once a factory where the Stutz Motor Car Company manufactured the famous Torpedo Roadster and the Bearcat. After closing in the 1930,s, the building was vacant for many years. In 1993, local entrepreneur Turner Woodard purchased and renovated the car factory into studio and office space. Today the Stutz is home to more than 80 artists, sculptors, photographers, designers, architects and craftsmen.