Here's your chance: check out some of the area's and the nation's most talented artists. This year's Broad Ripple Art Fair brings 225 artists to the Indianapolis Art Center which is located on 67th Street near College Avenue in the Broad Ripple Village Cultural District.

The two-day event has extended hours on Saturday from 10:00am - 7:00pm, and Sunday from 10:00am - 5:00pm. Starting at just $8 for advance, discounted, adult tickets, artists specializing in woodworking, furniture making, sculpture, photography, jewelry, ceramics, watercolors, gallery arts, garden arts and more will literally be at your fingertips. You can enjoy expanded artist demos throughout the grounds, featuring most of the media taught at the Art Center. Hands-on demonstrations will include pottery, metalworking, drawing and painting. Some demonstrations are free, while others require a nominal fee. If you're inspired to continue your art education, don't leave without the 25% off coupon toward one adult summer class at the Art Center.

This year's artists are mostly regional, but the event has grown to include participants from other states and even Canada. The Art Fair is also your opportunity to purchase artwork directly from the artist.

Entertainment will be provided daily on four stages. The music will range from jazz and folk to pop and children's entertainment. A full list of the performers can be found at the Indianapolis Art Center website. Relaxation can be found at the food court and the Wine & Beer Gardens. New in the Beer & Wine Garden: Easley's Winery and Chateau Thomas Winery will be offering tastings and selling full bottles this year.

Physical prep begins Thursday, May 17, 2007, as tents are set up. On Friday vendors and artists load in their booths. Final touches to the set-up occur early Saturday morning - the race is on to be finished by 10:00am! One major challenge, attests Chelsea Church, Communication Manager for the Indianapolis Arts Center, is directing the set-up traffic over the 2-day period. But the hard work has its rewards. She's looking forward to seeing the final product: 225 artists' work enjoyed and appreciated by the community. "For someone that isn't familiar with art, it gives them an opportunity to be around great artists in a less intimidating environment."

Tickets to the Broad Ripple Art Fair can be purchased at the Art Center or its website and at Marsh Supermarkets, O'Malia's and select Fifth Third Bank locations (Broad Ripple, 71st and Keystone, and Nora). $8 discounted adult tickets, two-day discounted tickets for $15, and $2 advance tickets for children ages 3-12 are available at the Art Center. Adult two-day tickets are available in advance only -- not available at the gate. If you are an Art Center Member, tickets are $7 each and available at the Art Center only (also not available at the gate). Tickets at the gate are $10 for adults and $2 for children ages 3-12. Children under three enter for free.

Free parking and shuttle buses are available at Broad Ripple High School and Broad Ripple Park, Eastwood Middle School, and the AT&T employee lot at College & Kessler. Riding your bike to the event is definitely appreciated, and a free supervised bike corral for Monon Trail users will be available.

You can view a full list of artists, vendors, and attractions at www.indplsartcenter.org.