The impressive arts scene in Fort Wayne only hints to the grandiose amount of skill that Allen County harbors. Just ask the 11 Allen County Indiana Artisans.
The Indiana Artisan program was launched in 2008 by Lt. Governor Becky Skillman to promote these skilled entrepreneurs of high-quality arts, crafts and value-added foods. The goals of the program are to:
- Raise awareness about the availability of locally-crafter products.
- Establish a brand for Indiana-made goods.
- Provide artisans, particularly those in rural areas, with access to entrepreneurial support including training and networking opportunities.
- Support artisan trail and retail development.
- Encourage visitation to Indiana.
In an effort to meet this goal, every year the Indiana Artisan adds to the list of the best artisans in Indiana, which includes 296 Artisans from 63 counties in Indiana, recognized by the State.
As of November, 2014, Allen County's respresentation has increased to 11 incredibly talented artisans.
Kristy Jo Beber of Leo
Kristy Jo Beber Stoneware Pottery
Stoneware pottery



Jennifer Cameron of Fort Wayne
Glass Addictions by Jen Cameron
Lampwork beads, jewelry



Tim Dixon of Fort Wayne
Glass, ceramic, stone etchings



Lydia Gerbig-Fast of Fort Wayne
L.G. Studio
Jewelry and Millinery



Susan Morgan of Fort Wayne
On The Clothesline Wearable Art
Hand-dyed silk scarves



Kristin Mulholland of Fort Wayne
Goddess Granola, LLC
Three wheat free, dairy free granola blends; originals, organic and cranberry walnut made from all natural ingredients



Joe Pelka of Fort Wayne
Joseph Pelka, Handmade Art Pottery
Ceramics


Leigh Rowan of Fort Wayne
Big Brick House Bakery
Breads



Merlen Seslar of Churubusco
Merlen Seslar Woodwork
Woodwork: clocks and boxes



Wayne Shive of Roanoke
Best Boy & Co.
Caramel Bourbon Sauce; Fudge Sauces



Eric Vanstrom of Fort Wayne
Building A Better World, LLC
Wood: locally grown cherry, walnut and maple incorporated into kitchenware



The Indiana Artisan will host the fifth-annual Indiana Artisan Marketplace on March 28 and 29 in the Exposition Hall at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis where Beber, Gerbig-Fast, Morgan, Pelka, Shive and Vanstrom will showcase their work alongside 143 Artisans as a representation of the best that Indiana has to offer.
To win tickets to this event, check out the Visit Fort Wayne Facebook page. &nbs