Walking down 54th street towards the Art Fair, the tunes of Finest Grain filled the air with a cover of Jack Johnson's "Waiting". And waiting we all were - in line for our hot dogs, that is. "Over 2,400 free hot dogs and 160 gallons of free lemonade were given away to the thousands of patrons as they browsed and shopped the tents of local artists."

Those artists displayed photography, textiles, ceramics, paintings, paper goods, mixed-media found art, jewelry, crafts, metal-smithing and even sculpted soaps and painted gourds. Tent tenants included the likes of Tru Dysigns, H&K Steel Sculptures, Crafting for the Cure, Spotted Dog Studio, So Be Fit, Just Pop In, Walt Thacker, Homestead Primitives, gingko, Back Yard Birds, Pois de Senteur, Lynn McDonald, Trader's Point Creamery, and Your Neighbor's Garden, just to name a few. With all that and more to choose from, it's no surprise that Indy resident Edi Powell was "pleasantly surprised with the diversity of both the people and the art."

All of the tents had something unique to offer, but I definitely had my favorites. A mixed-media and found-art artisan myself, I loved Lynn Devine McDonald's work, which I dubbed "photo and found-stuff shadowboxes." I also enjoyed stopping in at Crafting for the Cure, not only for the textile art, but also for its cause. Three-time cancer survivor Linda Booker and her sister created Crafting for the Cure back in 2005. The profits they make from their wares are donated to the Making Strides walk in which they participate each year. As I did a very different kind of walking and shopping, painter Walt Thacker and I talked about the weather. He said, "I've been here three years in a row, and the weather's always been real nice." As I walked away, I said to myself, "He's right; we couldn't have asked for better weather," even though it did feel like Finest Grain's rendition of "Ring of Fire."

The 54th and Monon Art fair was a huge success in its 7th year. I'm sure next year will be even bigger and even better. "Reese Kitchens would like to thank our community neighbors, artists, musicians and shop owners for making the 2007 54th and Monon Art Fair a success. Even the weather cooperated, making it a beautiful afternoon for all who attended. Thanks again to all who participated and we hope to see you all again next year!" You can view more pictures of the 54th and Monon Art Fair at www.reesekitchens.com/kitchen-design/news.htm.