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 2010, the Indiana Legislature passed a Resolution charging Indiana Artisan with the task of identifying, recognizing and promoting the state's highest-quality arts and foods. 

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