Indiana Artisan welcomed five artists to its cohort of the state’s best. They join 225 fine artists and small-batch food or beverage producers in 57 counties whose work carries the prestigious Indiana Artisan designation.
The new artists are woodworkers Otto Folkerts, Indianapolis, and Tim Passmore, Winchester; ceramicists Cathy Cozart, Westfield, and Suzanne Mauro, Marshall; and millinery designer Dana Rohde, New Albany.
Earning the state’s Indiana Artisan designation is difficult. Panels of art and food panels rigorously review the applications, selecting the most outstanding work for the best of Hoosier craftsmanship title based on a unique link with Hoosier history or heritage, originality, quality, price/marketability, and technique. This year, 14 percent of the applicants were successful.
Former Lt. Governor Becky Skillman created the 16-year-old Indiana Artisan program to promote fine and handcrafted art as well as value-added food products made by Hoosiers. Each of the artisans selected for the honor exemplifies the state’s strong entrepreneurial spirit. Once their work earns the title, it is Indiana Artisan organization’s mission to help them build their businesses and business skills.
