Returning for its 12th year, Art Squared is celebrating more than 100 Hoosier artists and musicians.
The annual festival marketplace returns to the historic Fountain Square on Sept. 20, welcoming Hoosiers of all ages to celebrate local art. The free festival highlights “all the quirkiness you’d expect in Indy’s Historic Arts & Entertainment District, including an Art Fair, Masterpiece in a Day competition, busking-style musicians, and for the first time a creator presentation space,” according to a press release.
“I still remember the first Art Squared that I attended in 2017. I spent way too much money on art, but couldn’t resist supporting so many local artists sharing their passion”, Jeff Nordyke, District Manager for Fountain Fletcher District Association and Art Squared planning committee member, said in a statement, “Since I’ve lived in Indy, Fountain Square has been one of Indy’s best hubs for art and music. Art Squared is consistently the largest and most vibrant event to show the city the uniqueness of our community!”
This year, Art Squared features more than 100 local artists both showcasing their work and offering items for sale. The vendor space, which is strictly reserved for Indiana-based artists, creators and community partners, features booths along Virginia and Woodlawn Avenues, Shelby Street and the Fountain Square Plaza.
The day-long competition, Masterpiece in a Day, challenges local artists of all levels and forms to create works of art to be judged for a cash prize. The competition is free to participate in, and registration day entries will be hosted at Square Cat Vinyl. The top 10 works of art will be displayed in The Murphy Arts Center during October’s First Friday, according to a press release.
New this year is Art Squared’s Creator Space, located in the parking lot behind Fountain Square Tattoo, Wyldfire Tap and Hero House comics. Local creators will host live demonstrations.
Returning this year, with a slight adjustment, is the live music offerings. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., guests can enjoy busking-style performances from live musicians across the vendor space, according to the press release. Artists include Tierra Leustig Art, JD Bills, Mike Meares Art, Travis Owens Paintings, Artisan Luuma and more.
The 12th annual Art Squared takes place in Fountain Square from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 20. The event is free and open to the community. For more information, visit fountainfletcher.com/artsquared.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
