Arts Fair on the Square provides locals with art from around country

Sixty-two artists came together from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today during the 28th annual Arts Fair on the Square.\nThe Bloomington Area Arts Council organized the fair, which took place outside the Monroe County courthouse.\n“It’s a beautiful place,” said Ed Vande Sande, development and marketing director for the Bloomington Area Arts Council. “We’ve resisted the temptation to move away from the courthouse to include more artists and groups.”\nArtists from all over the country, 127 in total, applied to participate in the event. Among those chosen were artists from South Central Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Illinois and as far away as New Mexico. \nArtwork included painting, photography, woodwork, ceramic, fiber, sculpture and jewelry. \n“It’s a wonderful way to support artists throughout South Central Indiana; the bulk is mostly regional,” VandeSande said. “We’ve got some extraordinarily talented folks.”\nApril Barr and Jennie Todd, both residents of Nashville Ind., said they have attended the fair about ten times. While the two said they have greatly enjoyed every year, they said they enjoyed this year the most because of the perfect weather and the addition of new concepts, such as a smoothie stand, a professional clown and face painter and more booths.\n“It’s a great way to spend an afternoon,” Todd said. “You get to see great art and everyone from the town that you don’t usually see. It’s just a great community outing.”