Art Squared

Overview

If it’s September in Indianapolis, it’s time for Art Squared, Fountain Square’s longest-standing arts festival. Always on the third Saturday of September, the event will include the annual Masterpiece in a Day competition beginning at its traditional 9 am start time. Logistically, organizers are undeterred by ongoing road construction in the neighborhood.

“We’re excited about utilizing Virginia Avenue fully this year,” Linda Osborne, president of the Fountain Fletcher District Association, said. “The Fountain Square construction is nearing the finish line and while the fountain intersection will still be closed, the rest of Fountain Square is open for business. I love the excitement and community feel of the day.”

“Art Squared” is the all-encompassing name for one event made up of several main activities: The Art Squared art vending area, the Masterpiece In A Day (MIAD) competition, and new this year, a silent auction of previous years’ MIAD winners with all funds raised going toward future Art Squared events, and a Kids Zone inside the Murphy Arts Center.

Art Squared is a festival marketplace for local artists to showcase their creative talents and display items for purchase. Vendor space is strictly reserved for local, Indiana-based artists and creators. The booths will be open to visitors 11 am-5 pm.

Masterpiece In A Day predates Art Squared, going back over a quarter of a century, in various iterations, in and around Fountain Square. Artists gather 9-11 am to begin creating their masterpiece, with all art media welcome. All work must be turned in by 3 pm. The work will be judged by representatives of the local art community, and cash prizes awarded to the top three winners. Masterpiece In A Day is free to enter, and all participants must bring their own supplies. Winners will be announced at 4 pm. Click for more information on participation in MIAD.

This year, the Murphy Arts Center will be a hub of activity anchoring the Virginia Avenue section of the festival. It will act as the MIAD headquarters, and will host the silent auction, and a Kids Zone with a BRIDGE Collective-backed color-by-number community art project.

“We are excited to welcome everyone to the second floor of our beautiful ADA-accessible building, one of the anchors of the Indianapolis arts community, right here in Fountain Square!” Shannon Wilson, arts administrator for the BRIDGE Collective, said. “We invite everyone to also hang out in the sensory-friendly chill zone, play games in the hallways, take in the fun anime art of Kyle Heck Yeah at City Natives Gallery, do a make-it/take-it clay project at Get Dirty Ceramics, enjoy interactive crafting in the Future Friends Gallery, play pinball inside the PinVault Arcade, or visit Steve Lee Arts’ open studio. I love the sense of community on display and for people to get a feel for the vibes of Fountain Square.”