By Mary Lee Pappas / Star correspondent
Having a show with such a large local connection is a source of pride for the museum.
"When going to many of the larger outdoor art fairs, Indiana artists are dispersed among artists from around the country. Our event allows art lovers to support local art made right here in Indiana by coming to one venue," said communication director Kathi Moore. "And these are not just artists from the metro area, but from around the state."A record number of artists from 30 counties will be represented in this year's show, thanks to a partnership with the Indiana Artisan Program, a state government entity created in 2008 to market locally crafted goods.
"The Indiana Artisan Program and the Indiana Art Fair focus on the same thing: to bring attention to locally made fine art, craft and food," said Joanna E. Hahn, cultural history education specialist at the museum, who's headed the art fair for three years. "It seems only natural to team up and pool our resources with regards to attracting artists, as well as audiences. It helps to bring more diversity to the art that will be seen at this year's event."
That eclectic mix includes everything from marshmallows to wine to classic Indiana landscape paintings.
"In past shows, we haven't had food and wine artisans, and it will be interesting to see how our audience reacts to this new addition. I can only bet that they will be enthusiastic to sample locally made wine, maple syrup and homemade marshmallows," said Hahn.
While at the fair, expect to see Shaker-style furniture, boxes and trays by Ron Huhn and woodwork. Jewelers Lee Cohn of Bloomington and Mark Grosser of Carmel, both of whom sculpt modern, sleek gold pieces with a major "wow" factor, will be there, too. On the whimsical 
"Often times, these artists get lost in many of the bigger shows," said Hahn. "We're able to highlight not only their work but the region of Indiana they represent."
With such a diverse mix of works, what's the strongest medium this year?
"I would have to say our strongest medium is painting. Each painter has a very specific style and subject matter. Some use Indiana as the subject of their work while others find inspiration outside our state's borders," said Hahn. Indiana Art Fair» When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. » Where: Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St. » Tickets: $7 (includes museum admission); free for museum members. » Info: (317) 232-1637, www.indianamuseum.org.
Indiana State Museum,Jeanne McLeish, Kathy Moore, Indiana Art Fair, Indiana Artisan Program, Joanna E. Hahn, Lee Cohn, Mark Grosser, Jeweler, art, Artists, Indianapolis
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