The Indianapolis Art Center has added a new option for those who want a sneak peek of its 41st annual Broad Ripple Art Fair sponsored by Fifth Third Bank. The Friday night Preview Party on May 20, 2011, from 6-8 p.m. includes food and drink, a ticket to the Art Fair for the weekend, and first look at selected art and artist booths. The Art Fair, the Art Center's largest fundraiser, is the traditional kick off to Indianapolis' summer festival season. This year the Art Fair is May 21-22, 2011.

"Fifth Third Bank gladly continues its sponsorship of this important art event that exposes our local community to artists from all over the country," said Nancy Huber, President, Fifth Third Bank, Central Indiana. "We are pleased to support a vibrant and fun event that everyone, especially children and families, can enjoy."

Local restaurants are a popular part of the Art Fair. Returning favorites include The Jazz Kitchen, Ripple Bagel & Deli, Hubbard & Cravens and Shalimar. This year, BRICS (Broad Ripple Ice Cream Station) makes its debut. As well, Blue Moon Brewing, will offer free samples of seasonal brews at its two locations on the grounds. As additional support for the Art Fair and its commitment to being part of the local community, Blue Moon promoted the Art Fair in its print and billboard advertising and on coasters it provides to local bars.

Discounted advance tickets have been, and are, available for purchase at Marsh Supermarkets, select Fifth Third Bank locations, the Artsgarden, the Art Center and online. This year, the Art Center will extend ticket purchases online through the Art Fair, through Sunday until 3 p.m. Only advance tickets are discounted. Tickets purchased at Marsh or online on the days of the Art Fair are at the gate price. Online purchasers will be able to print out their e-tickets, each with a unique code. E-tickets will be accepted at the Art Fair gate located at 67th Street only. Advance tickets for adults are $12 ($3 off the gate price) (Child ticket, ages 3-12, $2). The best discount is for Art Center members who pay $10 for advance tickets. Ticket information is available at www.IndplsArtCenter.org/BRAF.

This year, the Art Center is offering free, kid-friendly art activities throughout the Art Fair. Sponsored by Marsh and Prizm, The Artist's Supply Store, three tents will be located in each of the three major areas of the Art Fair.

Based on the popularity of an idea that debuted last year, visitors to the Art Fair on Saturday can get a wristband as they exit the Art Fair that allows them to return on Sunday for free.

More than 200 artists from 28 states are confirmed for the Art Fair, with 221 total artists expected. "We received more than 800 applications for booths," said Patrick Flaherty, director of the Art Fair. The Art Center extended invitations to applicants selected by an outside panel of five jurors.

Encore Entertainment has scheduled an exciting line-up of entertainment for two of the Art Fair's stages. The X-Files Stage, sponsored by local radio station X103, offers a full schedule of up and coming local entertainers: Borrow Tomorrow, Ladymoon, Midwest State of Mind, Fonda & The CRB, Red Light Driver and Midwest Hype. The fourth stage features kid-focused entertainment and is sponsored by the local public radio/television station, WFYI.

Parking for Art Fair visitors is reserved at Broad Ripple Park, Broad Ripple High School and Glendale Mall (the lot at Rural Street). Free shuttle bus service for Art Fair goers runs Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Pedal & Park, celebrating its 10th year parking bicycles for Art Fair visitors, offers free bicycle and skate parking during the hours of the Art Fair.

IndyGo routes 18 and 17 stop near the Monon Trail for multi-modal visitors. All IndyGo buses are equipped with a two-bike bicycle rack. For trip planning assistance, please call (317)635-3344 or visit their online Trip Planner at www.indygo.net.