Dozens of people statewide have been recognized as Indiana Artisans - Hoosiers recognized for careful attention to detail, knowledge of a craft and an entrepreneurial spirit. Their extraordinary talent contributes to Indiana's reputation for quality work.
There are seven different artisan trails that provide an opportunity for you to visit the studios, workshops and galleries of Indiana Artisans all across the state. But did you know Fort Wayne is home to home to five Indiana Artisans? Tim Dixon, Steve Brisco, Jennifer Cameron, Joseph Pelka and Lydia Gerbig-Fast are residents of Fort Wayne and who have been named Indiana Artisans for their various talents. Are you interested in art? Check out these Indiana Artisans: Steve Brisco's current work revolves around nature; his photography captures the often overlooked details of urban life as well. Steve's ultimate goal is to create the sensation that the viewer is a part of the scene. While he has roamed the world, Steve says he has yet to find people as friendly as those in Indiana. He thinks the Indiana Artisan program offers a good opportunity for him to promote his work to a broader audience and help other Hoosiers learn more about the depth of artistic talent within the state. Jennifer Cameron takes her bead making seriously and is represented both locally and online. She only sells about 50 percent of the beads she makes and donates the rest to Beads of Courage, a program that provides colorful beads that represent treatment milestones to children coping with serious illness. For more on Jennifer visit http://glassaddictions.com/ Lydia Gerbig-Fast references ancient Classicism and mid-20th century costume jewelry in much of her jewelry making. She combines plating and etching detailed images for further enameling and uses gems and minerals to construct floral elements in the jewelry. Her work is even represented at the International Sculpture Objects and Functional Art Exposition, which has an international audience of collectors. For more on Lydia visit http://lydiafast.com/ Joseph Pelka is a designer, builder and decorator. He uses hand-building and wheel-thrown pottery techniques, both separately and in combination, to create his unique vessels. For the past 20 years, Joe has remained focused on the art of craftsmanship, from shaping his clay to the decoration process. For more on Joseph visit http://mysite.verizon.net/jpkpclay/   And, if you can't catch them in Fort Wayne you can also catch them at the Indiana Artisan Marketplace, March 31-April 1 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds! Indiana Artisan recognizes the highest level of Indiana craftsmanship and includes everything from fine chocolates and handmade soaps to specialty jewelry and stoneware pottery. Artists from our county have had their work recognized as exceptional by Indiana Artisan. Whether you’re a transplant to Central Indiana looking to reconnect with artists from home or an art enthusiast willing to travel to support our artisans, you’ll want to visit the Marketplace for an experience unlike any other. Browse one-of-a-kind artwork while enjoying Indiana music, watching art demonstrations, and tasting the craft foods and wines. You’ll also have the rare opportunity to meet artisans from our town and around the state and hear their incredible stories. Artisans from our county exhibiting at the Marketplace include: Dates: Saturday, March 31, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.  and Sunday, April 1, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds Admission: $10 (children 15 and under free) Parking: $3