There are currently 137 artists who have been accepted into the Indiana Artisan program, and Elkhart County’s two artists share an arts studio in the heart of downtown Elkhart. I recently visited the studio of Kay Westhues and Jake Webster, who both are enriching the community and state with their art.
Kay, a photographer, had on display a series of beautiful photos of rural Indiana. Jake sculpts using wood, stone, and cement. He also creates mixed media paintings and collages. More information about Kay and Jake can be found at www.indianaartisan.org.
I helped create the Indiana Artisan program almost four years ago to provide marketing support, an Internet presence and tourism-focused "Artisan Trails" for our talented Hoosiers. Three Lt. Governor agencies collaborated with the Indiana Arts Commission to develop the Indiana Artisan program. It was so successful; we took it out of government’s hands and made Indiana Artisan a non-profit organization.
Whether you are interested in arts, crafts or specialty food items; chances are there is a local artisan in your community. In fact, my first Hoosier Crossroads Tour visit was to Maplewood Farms, founded by Indiana Artisan Tim Burton who specializes in maplewood syrup made in Jackson County (http://beckyskillman.blogspot.com/2011/07/county-1-jackson.html).
Indiana Artisan makes it easy to buy local and support your fellow Hoosiers.
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