After a Covid hiatus, Art Squared, its Masterpiece In A Day (MIAD) competition, and the annual Block Party will be returning to Fountain Square on Saturday, September 17th, 2022. The 9th annual Art Squared activities, organized by the newly formed Fountain Fletcher District Association (FFDA), will be centered around the Woodlawn Avenue and Shelby Street intersection, with MIAD artists spread throughout the commercial area of Fountain Square. Event activities are scheduled from 9am to 7pm.

Due to route difficulties, the parade will not be returning this year.

"The closures due to Covid-19 were a difficult time for so many in our community," Laura Giffel, FFDA District Manager, said. "Being able to bring everyone back together safely is something the Fountain Fletcher District has been excited about all year."

About Art Squared

"Art Squared" is the all-encompassing name for one event made up of three main activities: The Art Squared art vending area, the Masterpiece In A Day competition, and the Block Party wrapping up the evening.

Art Squared is a festival marketplace for local artists to showcase their creative talents and display items for purchase. Vendor space is strictly reserved for local, Indiana-based artists and creators. Currently, over 60 vendors and community partners will have booths along Woodlawn Avenue and Shelby Street. The booths will be open to visitors from 11am to 6pm. Available booth space inquiries and registration should be made at www.fountainfletcher.com/artsquared

Masterpiece In A Day predates Art Squared, going back a quarter of a century, in various iterations, in and around Fountain Square. Artists gather between 9am and 11am to begin creating their masterpiece, with all art media welcome. All work must be turned in by 3pm. The work will be judged by representatives of the local art community, and cash prizes awarded to the top three winners. This year, the event and prizes are sponsored by Kirk Realty Team. Masterpiece In A Day is free to enter, and all participants must bring their own supplies. Winners will be announced at 5pm. For more information on participation in MIAD, please see www.indyartsguide.org/classified/call-for-artists-masterpiece-in-a-day/

While the Block Party has been the classic wrap-up for participants, this year it has been opened to all visitors. Located in the Southeast Community Services parking lot, live music and BBQ will run from 4pm until the festival ends at 7pm. The local musical acts will follow a square-dancing theme, with Christian Taylor kicking off the fun at 4pm, followed by Dennis Clark, a square dance caller and teacher, offering dance instruction at 5pm. This will transition into dancing with a live band and Lovesick Moan will conclude the evening with a full set.

"We cannot wait to welcome artists, neighbors, and community partners to our streets once again to showcase the best in handmade, locally crafted art and goods," Giffel said. "Art Squared highlights the vibrancy and quirkiness of the Fountain Fletcher District and especially the historic creativity of Fountain Square. It's been missed these last two years."

For more information on the entire event, please visit www.fountainfletcher.com/artsquared