The 50th Annual OneAmerica Broad Ripple Art Fair Returns May 14-15
Writer & Photographer / Michael Durr
It’s time to kick off festival season and what better way to do that than at The 50th Annual OneAmerica Broad Ripple Art Fair to be held at the Indianapolis Art Center on May 14 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Imagine yourself walking the sidewalks of Broad Ripple in 1971, sporting your bell bottoms, midi skirts or tie-dye and making your way to the first-ever Broad Ripple Art Fair. It is true that the times have changed, but, certainly, something that has remained constant over the past 50 years is the quality of the art and entertainment that will be on display at this family-fun event.
“Even when I was a teenager the Art Center has been free to the public. I used to bring a blanket and sit in ARTSPARK near the river and enjoy the grounds. It was a place to come where I felt welcomed and could hang out,” says Shannon Bennett, VP of events and innovation at the Indianapolis Art Center.
It wasn’t long after that she realized she could work in this environment and be an advocate for the arts in her community. Bennett’s tenure with the Indianapolis Art Center has shifted and grown with her and she is so happy to be heading up this year’s Art Fair.
This year’s Art Fair includes 150 artists ranging from college students to resident artists. Indy Jazz Fest will be coordinating many of the musical performances along with opening acts from School of Rock. There will also be performances from REACT, formerly Young Actors Theater.
You can also expect an abundance of youth and teen activities taking place, one of which are seed bombs. Kids will love rolling up a ball of clay with wildflower seeds in the center and taking their creation home, planting it and a short time later watching beautiful wildflowers bloom in their own backyards!
In addition to the incredible art and entertainment, there will be some amazing food and drinks provided by a variety of local establishments.
The Indianapolis Art Center, designed by Hoosier Architect Michael Graves, has evolved over the years, and the Broad Ripple Art Fair is just one of many events taking place on the grounds this summer. Be sure to look at upcoming gallery installations, class schedules and special events.
“Once you get into the Arts Center and get a feel for it and love for it, it becomes a place you don’t want to leave,” Bennett says.
The 50th Annual OneAmerica Broad Ripple Art Fair
Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 15, 2022
From 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
At the Indianapolis Art Center
Preview Party: May 13, 2022
From 6 – 8 p.m.
ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP
Friday, May 13: Preview Party
6 – 8 p.m.
Pavel’s Global Jazz Ensemble
Rob Dixon and the From the 317 band
Saturday, May 14:
10 a.m. – Noon
REACT
Fishers School of Rock
Noon- 5 p.m.
Rob Dixon and the From the 317 band
The Doo band
The Blue Side
Sunday, May 15:
10 a.m. – Noon
REACT
Carmel School of Rock
Noon – 5 p.m.
Pavel’s Global Jazz
Ensemble
Living Proof
The Bashiri Asad Band
DJ: Rusty Redenbacher
Sound: Pyramid Sound Company
Stage: Tipton Staging
You can get tickets at indyartcenter.org/BRAF and be sure to follow the Indianapolis Art Center on Instagram @indplsartcenter.
