Event Will Showcase More Than 40 Local Artists and Performers
Writer / Jocelyn Vare
Photographer / Brian Brosmer & Provided
Visitors who attend Arts Crawl in Fishers’ downtown will be tempted to sprint, not crawl. The Nickel Plate District jam-packs more than 40 artists and performers into a three-hour free event on Friday, July 14.
The square mile area becomes a bustling arts zone from 6 to 9 p.m. for the annual event. Businesses and public spaces become the galleries and stages on a full walking route. An eclectic mix of art and music are discovered around every corner. Visitors are encouraged to visit each spot on the self-guided circuit.
The county’s premier arts advocate, Nickel Plate Arts, will participate in Arts Crawl by exhibiting local artists’ work and offer an interactive art activity for visitors. Nickel Plate Arts creates arts experiences along the 30-mile historic Nickel Plate Railroad from Fishers north to Tipton.
“Fishers’ annual Arts Crawl is a special community experience overflowing with art,” says Aili McGill, the Executive Director of Nickel Plate Arts. “Partnerships have developed between local artists, performers and businesses to present an exciting family-friendly event. It is a showcase of the best of Fishers and proves that the arts can drive commerce and community.”
The Switch is the best place to kick-off an Arts Crawl outing. Fishers Arts Council’s art and information hub is located inside the apartment complex’s event space at 9 Municipal Drive near City Hall. Visitors can pick up information about each Arts Crawl artist, performer and location while the over-21 crowd enjoys a cold Sun King beer. Sun King Brewing has partnered with Fishers Arts Council to donate all proceeds from beer purchases to support the local non-profit arts organization.
Fishers resident, Jeff Day, entertains at The Switch during the Arts Crawl event. His acoustic rock-style features intricate finger picking and soulful vocals. Day has been playing, performing, recording and writing music for over a decade and will be performing fan-favorite covers and original songs.
A well-known visual artist will be presenting live art demonstrations at The Switch as well. William Denton Ray is the staff artist for Sun King Brewing and his work has been featured on beer cans and much more. Ray’s work has been seen recently at the Indianapolis airport, the new Kroger Marketplace on Olio Road and utility boxes around Fishers. Visitors to The Switch will be able to purchase artwork and peek over Ray’s shoulder as he designs his unique style of art that he calls “Whimsical Funk.”
Several artists will exhibit their work and share their stories of art inspiration across the Nickel Plate District. Arts Crawl gives visitors a special opportunity to chat with the artists, who all are from right here in Fishers and central Indiana.
The artists’ stories and work are diverse and represent the breadth of talent found here. Patty Klunzinger, from Glass Utopia, will demonstrate glass blowing and exhibit unique fused glass creations. Tomas Howie is a prolific local artist whose work reflects inner beauty. Sam Bowen creates unforgettable metal sculptures, and Sharon Brooks’ paintings depict life in Fishers and the Midwest. Several other artists will be showcasing their jewelry, photography, drawings and more.
Visual artists aren’t the only form of art that takes center stage at the July 14 Arts Crawl. A showcase of talent will perform, including students. Visitors will hear the rhythms of the 2017 State Champion Fishers High School Percussion drumline performing through the Nickel Plate District. Local student Zach Clar will perform twisting and turning breakdancing routines with other teen dancers. Fishers own Mudsock Jazz Combo is the musical ensemble for traditional and contemporary jazz favorites. V.O.C.E. – Voices of Choral Excellence – is a vocal group performing harmonies to delight audiences. Favorite music of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s get a new spin from The Rays, a local country quartet.
There is truly a sound for every music lover at Arts Crawl.
The City of Fishers and the Nickel Plate District Business Council, a co-operative of local businesses in the downtown area, present the Arts Crawl. Each business supports the Fishers arts scene by hosting an artist or performer for Arts Crawl. This year, more than 20 Nickel Plate District businesses are participating in the event.
Shopping and dining establishments create a very special experience. Boutiques such as Dahlia’s, Lily & Sparrow and Oak & Ivy greet shoppers with garments, fashion accessories and local artwork. Restaurants and gourmet shops like The Well, Pure Eatery, Four Day Ray, Archer’s Meats and Grapevine Cottage are popular stops for art, music and refreshment.
Source Yoga transforms their bright yoga studio into an art gallery. The Pint Cycle, a 16-person pedal pub, will tour the Nickel Plate District with a performer on board. The Nickel Plate District introduces Arts Crawl visitors to art, music and the variety of Fishers’ businesses, too.
Arts Crawl is immediately followed by a free outdoor performance of Jennie DeVoe at the Nickel Plate Amphitheater. After the fun pace of the Arts Crawl, visitors will be ready to relax for a lawn-chair concert after a jam-packed evening of Fishers art.
