28th Annual Art in Speed Park returns in August
BY LISA HORNUNG | COURTESY PHOTOS
Gazing at beautiful art under tall shade trees and sipping a craft beer, wine or “frozen spirits,” sounds like a lovely way to spend a weekend. Luckily, there’s an excellent opportunity for that right here in Southern Indiana.
Art in Speed Park, Aug. 25 and 26, is celebrating its 28th year, and there will be lots to do while browsing and buying fine arts and crafts in Sellersburg. Patrons will enjoy a wine tent featuring Huber’s Orchard and Winery; craft beer and “frozen spirits” from New Albany’s Donum Dei; gourmet food trucks; performing artists on the main stage as well as wandering around the park; and much more.
Musicians who will at the event include Troubadours of Divine Bliss, Robbie Bartlett, Richard Streander and Tyrone Cotton. Plus, kids will have access to a newly-enhanced playground, Graeter’s Ice Cream and a Kids Create tent.
“It’s our biggest and best show yet,” said Director Kim Johnson, who has been running the show for 26 years and was involved with the event since its inception. “We will have more artists than ever before coming from all over country. We have an excellent reputation for being a very high-quality show.”
Because it’s the end of August, many art lovers say that Art in Speed Park is the unofficial kick-off for the fall art show season, and they set their calendars every year. “It never fails: As soon as the show is over, the leaves start to fall,” Johnson said. But if it gets too hot, there will be misting fans to keep visitors cool. Even so, the show is on grass and shaded by trees, so it isn’t likely to get unbearable, Johnson said.
The show began as a way to connect the community with fine art and each other, Johnson said. Now, it’s blossomed to almost 50,000 annual visitors. “It’s really become this crazy successful event,” Johnson said. “We have a huge Louisville following. Folks come from Lexington and Indianapolis, too. They mark their calendars and are sure to attend every year because of the setting and the atmosphere and everything we provide right here in little Sellersburg.”
Some of the artists scheduled to attend this year are pottery artist Larry Spears, watercolor artist Cathy Hillegas and jewelry artist Dawn Middleton. Johnson said the show tries to keep a good variety of art media, with about 15 different media this year, including painting, glass, pottery, sculpture, jewelry and more. “Part of the jurying process is to balance the different media,” she said.
One of the charms of the show is the chance to meet the artists, Johnson added. “It’s just a good opportunity to interact with the artist and fall in love with the art.” she said. “You can hear the inspiration behind creating the art. Then, when you bring it home, it adds so much more” to your purchase.
Art in Speed Park is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 25 and 26 at Speed Park in Sellersburg. Free parking is available one block away at Silver Creek Middle and High Schools. There is no cost to attend.
Art in Speed Park 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. AUG. 25 AND 26 SPEED PARK HWY 31 & INDIANA AVENUE SELLERSBURG ARTINSPEEDPARK.COM
