Monday, March 7, 2011

Arts and Innovation = Opportunity for Indiana

And the best of the best in innovation is seen in the Indiana Artisan!
By Indiana State Department of Agriculture's Jeannie Keating

Indiana Artisan is an independent organization that supports entrepreneurs who create high-quality art, crafts and value-added foods in the Hoosier state. It was originally launched in 2008 as a comprehensive program of the Indiana Office of Tourism Development, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, the Indiana Arts Commission and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.

Who is an Indiana Artisan?

An Indiana Artisan is a Hoosier recognized for careful attention to detail, knowledge of a craft and an entrepreneurial spirit. Their extraordinary talent contributes to Indiana's reputation for quality work.
They produce anything from specialty cheeses, handmade stoneware, honey and honey-based products, wood arts, wines, jewelry and even—the finest high-quality maple syrup.

Take an Artisan Adventure this weekend to the National Maple Syrup Festival in Medora, Indiana and you will be able to taste the exquisite maple syrup of Indiana Artisan, Tim Burton.

Tim and his wife Angie host the Festival and invited other artisans. These include:
 Jason Emmons, one of the top four chainsaw carvers in the United States chosen by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment to make up the national carving team in 2005. Thomas Wintczak a potter from Posey County who has studied the work of potters from the 18th and 19th centuries yet does not do reproductions. And the Founder of Chocolate for the Spirit, Julie Bolejack, who not only uses the best ingredients from around the world but achieved her professional chocolatier certification in 2008 from the esteemed Ecole Chocolat out of Vancouver, Canada.

Click here for other Indiana value-added food Indiana Artisans. 

If you would like to win an Indiana shaped basket full of Indiana Artisans' goods, visit their site and let us know (in the comments or on our Facebook page) what Indiana product you would most like to try.

4 comments:

MaggieBelize said...

What wonderful products! I would love to try the goat cheese ... and the cider ... and the persimmons!

Unknown said...

It's a toss-up between Huber Wines, Uncle Uncle Henry's Candy, and Burton's Maplewood Farm.

Chelsea Stover said...

My mouth is watering for the handmade Pierogi from Pierogi in a Pinch,the Hickory Bark Smoked Sea Salt from Hickory Works, and Fresh Baked Pies from Lisa's Pie Shop! Oh yum!!

Kahlene said...

I love pierogi so that's one I want to try. Vodka from Indiana grains..oh, yeah!