By Desiree Williams
Indiana Artisan, a nonprofit that promotes Hoosier-made crafts, foods and beverages, recently opened its second shop in the Carmel Arts & Design District. The shop is more than double the size of the original shop in the French Lick Resort.
Former Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman created Indiana Artisan primarily as an economic development organization, but the Indiana General Assembly altered the program in 2010. As a nonprofit, Indiana Artisan searches for and fosters extraordinary work crafted by Indiana artists, foodists and beverage makers by creating markets and shops to showcase their work.
“It’s a seal of approval if you see something that is certified by (Indiana Artisan),” said Lily Pai, a Carmel resident whose jewelry designs are in both shops.
Pai said French Lick is a niche market and geared more for tourists, so the Carmel shop is a great opportunity for the local community to see and feel the quality of Indiana Artisan items.
The shop, 111 W. Main St. Suite 120, features furniture, wood art, paintings, instruments, food, photography and more. Retail Manager Rosalyn Demaree said retail has such a strong future within Indiana Artisan because it provides artisans from small towns with a much larger audience and encourages customers to travel to new places to shop.
“We’re bringing diversity,” Demaree said. “We’re bringing new ideas in art to Carmel. I think we’re bringing people. Indiana Artisan has a good following.”
The shop is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
“I see this as a place for people to go and buy gifts, and I hope people utilize this opportunity in the community because I for sure will be shopping there for my friends and family,” Pai said.
For more, visit indianaartisan.org.
