Talbot Street Art Fair

A bit steamy today, but a great day for a walk thru the various artist’s displays. Quite a variety, as always, and top quality as well. Perhaps my favorite local fair next to Penrod.

My friend that’s lived in Indy was telling me about how neat this place was. Live music… Lots of good eats and things to see.
When we went to guest services, sad to say they informed us they don’t «sponsor» the live music acts that my friend was ranting and raving about which we happen to miss today, so we just had a delightful Sunday afternoon stroll up and down the streets. Interesting, all around. I’m glad I experienced it at least. The killer heat/​humidity was not pleasant but the experience was worth it.

Bad directions!!! great fair
Talbot Street Art Fair, 1600 North Talbott Street, Indianapolis, IN 46 202

3.5 Stars… here’s why:
I spent an entire afternoon strolling up and down Talbot Street, and I was impressed by the artists who were there as well as the variety of mediums that were for sale. I bought art and also had henna done on my hands, which I thought was pretty cool too. I had a lovely afternoon at the Talbot Street Art Fair. However, I do have two critiques:
(01) Prior to coming, I checked their website to see if pets were allowed, but I saw nothing. I brought my dachshund in tow, but when we arrived, there was a wishy-​washy sign that discouraged you from bringing your dog, yet I saw people with their dogs all around. I was confused: why no definite answer? Now, my puppy did no harm at the art fair, and I didn’t feel as if her presence was a big deal for the fair-​goers. In fact, many people asked to pet her, and one of the artisans even held her while I chose and purchased a piece from him. Still, I think the organizers should make up their mind about this specific issue in order to prevent confusion.
(02) Nicey Treat was there, which was awesome and refreshing on a warm, sunny day, but why not bring in some more food trucks? It’s not like Indianapolis has a shortage of them! With an art fair that is so anticipated and popular, I would have loved to see more than Pineapple Delight and popcorn. Save that for the State Fair. Besides, food is art. Showcase it with some tasty stuff!
Will I come back next year? Yes. Will I bring my Dachshund? Most likely, if the organizers can make up their minds.

This was our first year attending this fair. Great variety of art in all sorts of mediums, just a never ending street of artistry. Loved the variety, but lacked the joy. No music, few quality food stands that weren’t those that you find at amusement parks or the Track for the Indy 500. Great fair to attend at least once for sure.

This is the best art fair in Indianapolis. The reason? It’s FREE. The other art fairs reserve park space and charge admission. Talbot Street is free on both days (Saturday and Sunday) and has a comparable (if not better) quality of artistry. An added bonus (for me) is that I can walk here and not worry about finding parking.
What’s also unique about this fair is that all the homeowners along Talbot Street (and the cross streets were some of the artists’ booths are located — don’t miss them) have given up access and parking on their street to create the space for the event. They make the best of the situation by throwing garden parties for their friends and family and watch the throngs of people go by.

Yep, it’s an art fair.
It’s a testament to the Talbot Street’s leadership that it has endured for so long, even at a point when the surrounding neighborhood Herron-​Morton Place was among the most impoverished and crime ridden in the city. By many suburbanites’ standards, it probably still is a scary nabe, but that hasn’t been enough to deter them from coming out each June for a sprawling array of vendors amidst the tree-​lined streets and increasingly renovated Victorians.
That said, I think Talbot Street could use a shot in the arm. It has become a staid affair, comfy in its predictability. Some of the potential improvements would no doubt require reaching some agreements with the neighbors, but it could make it more of a premier event rather than just a pleasant annual routine. For example, what about live music? Talbot Street is so respectable you almost feel like you have to talk to your friends in hushed voices while you’re there. Sure, a loud electric band might be invasive, so why not an acoustic performer or two perched on either end? What about a few more activities for children? Or (and this may not be compatible with the previous suggestion) what about introducing a cover charge and/​or selling a modest array of alcoholic drinks?
Talbot will most likely continue to flourish, and it is rated highly among Midwestern art fairs for its array and quantity of purveyors. However, if the rich suburb of Carmel attempted a similar initiative, it would probably decimate Talbot in a matter of a couple years, just because of the suburban clientele in a safer environment. Talbot simply lacks a certain zing that could attract casual passers-​by interested in the art fair experience rather than simply those who come with serious interest in making a purchase. Sure, the latter of these two customer types is the more desirable (the one with $$$ to burn), but those passive observers may very well pull out their credit cards too, if the entire package came with a shinier bow.

56 years and counting, as of 2011. Supposedly Indiana’s longest-​running FREE outdoor art fair welcomes thousands of visitors each year to historic Herron-​Morton Place. The juried event features well over 250 artists and runs the second Saturday and Sunday every June. Plenty of art and color to take in, as well as some perennial favorite food and drink vendors. A wide range of items and artisans from all over. This one is different mostly because the setting is in a wonderful historic neighborhood admission is free, and there aren’t tons of extraneous soliciting booths/​tables. I think that pretty much sums it up…