CARMEL – Functional and decorative art, as well as food have been added to the Indiana Artisan brand, a designation that ranks their makers among the best in Indiana.
New artists/food producers, their hometowns and their Indiana Artisan-branded work are:
Evan Backstrom, Indianapolis, letterpress
Mindy Bermes, Fort Wayne, oil painting
Ralph Buschbacher, Carmel, woodturning
Gwen Gutwein, Fort Wayne, oil painting and books
Savannah Jacob, Indianapolis, ceramics
Scott Jones, Kokomo, fiber and printmaking
Kateryna Palyshniuk, Batesville, photography
Maria Patterson, Indianapolis, carved wood
Deanna Poelsma, Indianapolis, jewelry
Matt Rees, Greencastle, printmaking
Steven Sickles, Indianapolis, acrylic painting
Joni Walker, Columbia City, watercolor painting
Jonathan Warren, Fishers, popcorn
See a sampling of their work in the slideshow.
Experts in all aspects of art, fine craft and food served on panels that evaluated work and reviewed applications. Art panels are a balance of professionals with considerable insight into art and fine craft, including artists, educators, and museum staff. Food panels include chefs, food writers, food safety experts and nutritionists.
In 2010, a Resolution of the Indiana Legislature tasked Indiana Artisan with identifying, recognizing and promoting the state’s highest-quality art and foods. Since 2008, the organization has worked with member Artisans to expand their businesses and business skills while leveraging their work to create a brand that defines Indiana by its exceptional art and foods. Including the work of these Artisans, the brand is now defined by the art and food of 225 Artisans in 55 Indiana counties.
Indiana Artisan jury panels will convene again in mid-2024. The application process will open later this year at www.IndianaArtisan.org.
