INDIEana Handicraft Exchange

I look forward to this event every year. The selection at the Handicraft Exchange is unmatched and you are sure to find a unique piece of art. Unilocal was there this year passing out tote bags filled with fantastic goodies and coupons from many of the vendors. My favorite art at the Handicraft Exchange is all the locally inspired art. This year I purchased a fantastic print of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. I love bringing pieces of Indy into my home to display.

What fun! The INDIEana Handicraft Exchange features some fantastic artisans. Prices for many of the vendors are very reasonable as well, but it’s worth attending even if you’re just «window shopping».
Plus, there’s live music and good eats from some of Indy’s best food trucks!
Looking forward to the 2016 INDIEana Handicraft Exchange – hoping it will have even more vendors!

This was held in the Harrison Arts Center, on December’s «First Friday» (a.k.a. gallery night). While that seems like a good idea and seems like it would generate more business, in practice I do not think it does, because it forces people who would otherwise like to attend multiple events to choose between them or commit an entire evening to it. This is the problem with most other events in Indianapolis, especially the festivals: Instead of being spread out so that there is always something to do, everything is always crammed into the same day at the same time. But, I digress.. . Back to the INDIEana Handicraft Exchange: The various booths were all confined to a room the size of a school gym, and it was difficult (to the point of irritation) to move through the crowds and peruse the goods. This event would be much better off expanding to a larger area (which would enable more vendors) and being held on a day that does not conflict with other major local art events, or even being held outdoors on 16^th St. on the same day as the Talbott Street Art Fair, as it has been on at least one occasion in the past.
Some of the products sold were: Indiana-​themed shirts and onesies and jewelry; scented candles in unique scents like «leather,» «bourbon,» etc.; art prints; jewelry; homemade soaps; wood toys; and decorative coasters.

What a fun event! I attended my first INDIEana Handicraft Exchange this winter and enjoyed seeing all of the beautiful items from local vendors. The timing for the event was perfect for holiday shopping and the hand crafted items make for unique gifts. The event was held at The Harrison Center for the Arts off of Delaware street in downtown Indy. This venue was nice but parking was difficult (mainly parking on nearby side streets) and the vendor booths quickly became very congested.

You probably know about the big hulabaloo that is INDIEana Handicraft Exchange in June — a giant indoor/​outdoor shopping fair. But did you know they host a smaller version in December, which just so happens to (smartly) fall on First Friday?
The one in June can be very hot and very crowded, so I preferred the wintertime version, although there were not as many vendors. The crowd favorites were still there, like Newfangled Confections, Homespun, Crimson Tate, Farizula Designs, Silver Linings Jewelry, Hoosier Proud, USI, Revival Food Co… the list goes on. Don’t forget to check out vendors down in the basement and explore the open studio spaces!
I love this bi-​annual celebration of all things local and will put it on my calendar for 2016!

Great as always! I may have paid over $ 40 for Indy coasters. I don’t feel bad about that decision.

Those interested in getting a REAL taste of what Indianapolis has to offer, you must visit this awesome arts festival! A glimpse into the true heart of Indiana. A place where people of all colors, creeds and classes come together to appreciate the beauty and creativity of local artists.
My first visit was also my first time as a vendor for the event. Even though it was ri-​donk-​ulously hot and humid, the Indy folk turned out in fine style! Everyone was so generous, considerate and chill. The booths are set up around the Harrison Art Center, as well as inside the art center halls and gymnasium. Even though the space is a bit tight throughout the grounds, you can still get some space in the indoor art galleries. Rooms and halls are lined with the most amazing glass works, paintings, and other creations from urban artists in the nearby neighborhoods. I took a quick break to grab a cider from New Day and check out the booths for a minute. The building is kind of a maze, but it was fun to explore President Benjamin Harrison’s community church.
Alas, I didn’t get the chance to stop by the Unilocal booth, but if you were one of the first 100 lucky chums to check in to the event, you received a super cute IHE canvas bag with some groovy swag from various vendors. So bummed I couldn’t get one. There’s also some good eats at the festival, thanks to many of Indy’s rockin’ food trucks! And where was my booth? Right next to Scratch Truck and the General American Donut Co. food truck. Great. The donut truck had the audacity to have a donut ice cream sandwich! Rob had two. He told everyone who came by our booth about the awesomeness that he just experienced. He should’ve received some sort of commission for pushing their food.
Even better, this event is free! And most of the vendors use the Square readers, making it easier to impulse spend. The atmosphere is family-​friendly, where people can get their artsy fartsy fix. The prices are quite affordable, and the goods are more utilitarian. Not just home and garden décor, but things that can be used on a daily basis. You will definitely walk away with something!
The only downer is the parking. It’s definitely slim pickens. There’s a couple nearby lots that charge for parking, but they fill up fast. I’d definitely get there early for a decent spot. if you come out in the middle of the day, expect to park 3 – 5 blocks away. Most of the artists that participate in this event are also involved with the shop that hosts the festival, Homespun Indy. if you enjoyed the IHE, then you can get unique, local products year-​round at their Mass Ave location. The festival continues to captivate the hearts, minds and support of the Indy community, and that’s pretty awesome.

LOVE the funky mixture of vendors, food, and music. All of my senses were buzzing at once. I could stay here all day.
My favorite stops included the «Here’s the Scoop» tent that serves ice cream in a handmade ceramic bowl that you get to pick out yourself (for only $ 5)! I also loved the Mint Lilly tent and couldn’t keep my eyes off all of the beautiful jewelry and cool bohemian headbands. I wish I had gotten to stay here longer– can’t wait for the next Handicraft Exchange!
Parking can get tight but can be found on the surrounding streets or in the CVS parking lot close by.

Last night was my first time checking out the INDIEana handicraft exchange. I was amazed about how many people were at this little hidden gem and how I hadn’t heard of it prior to this week. It was busy and when I say busy I mean shuffling with the crowd, hoping there is another exit on the other side of the room busy, This is why I deducted a star because when it is that busy, it is hard to enjoy yourself. One of the other challenges if you don’t live within walk-​able distance is parking. Just be prepared to walk a couple of blocks if you don’t get there right at the beginning.
There was a variety of local vendors available with everything from Frittle (one of my favs) to jewelry to lotions. There was allot of pride being shown to the Hoosier state with vendors carrying many Indiana and Indianapolis themed items available for purchase. All of the vendors are super friendly and almost all have square (I never think to carry cash).
In addition to visiting the Handicraft Exchange vendors, you can also wander through the galleries of the Harrison Center to see and purchase the works of art displayed. They also had different food creation demonstrations available to watch throughout the night. Speaking of food, Duos food truck was available outside to purchase food and there was other food to sample plus wine and Sun King beer.
Although the winter version of the exchange was a bit crowded, I will certainly return to the summer version to see what they have to offer.

I love, love, love this event!!! I look forward to it each year. The variety of vendors is amazing. Paper products, yarn goods, wood crafter’s, even nail polish. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. These are all artist that are near and dear to Indiana. Wonderful people with fabulous products. There’s a lot of ground to cover so come early and stay all day. There is food, ice cream, beer and mead. And recharge while listening to local musicians. If you are looking for home items or gifts that you won’t find at the local mall or big box store, this is the place.

Great event showcasing local talent. We go every year to check out the crafts, live music, and local beer. Oh, and it’s free!

What a fun street/​music festival! There were over 100 vendors with some of the coolest jewelry and hand crafted art pieces I have seen.
This was a great set-​up and easy to navigate. Live music, delicious treats, and amazing artists to check out!

What an awesome fair! We were on our way to the Talbott Street Art Fair and came across the IMAP/​INDIEana Handicraft Exchange. Part of me cringed that they were riding the mojo of the Talbott Fair but once I got over it I complete enjoyed the music, the eats and all the crafts. I need to get on some mailing list for this because I am not missing it ever again! Highly, highly recommend this fair! And it’s dog friendly!
Vendors: ⁵⁄₅ — Great local businesses, awesome crafts. It was all my favorite Indy things in one lovely Saturday afternoon.
Music: ⁵⁄₅ — Two stages, great music
Eats: ⁵⁄₅ — I’ll rate these on their Unilocal pages

I’m not one to dilly dally in flea markets or call myself a «shopper» but boy, oh boy, do I light up when there’s an event that specifically celebrates local and creative businesses. Everything from up cycled jewelry and nostalgic candy to local meads and Hoosier themed apparel. It’s essentially a one stop shop for all that is quirky and cool.
And because I’m always down for some tasty eats, I have to add that you’ll find some of the best at the Handicraft Exchange such as Duos, Scratchtruck, LICK ice cream, New Day Meadery, Sun King and more.
Parking can get on the crazy side with the Talbott Art Fair going on just up the street. Give yourself time and have fun!

Pretty crowded, but that’s totally okay! Awesome people, good food, live music, and the booths are so nice to look at! Maybe you’ll even find something to buy if it catches your eye, because there are some incredible artists around this event and their work gets me every time. Check it out! You won’t regret it.

Super easy event to attend. The IMAF is an annual tradition of low fuss, high quality art, music, and food on Indy’s Old Northside. The density of quality exhibitors coupled with convenience make this a very worthy event to put on the calendar and repeat.

Lots of neat stuff here, much more affordable than anything you can find over at the Talbot Street Art Fair. Love events like this!

I happened upon this IHE after riding my bike up to Talbot St Art Fair. I almost had more fun @ the IHE than TS! The only way I can describe it is like a live version of pinterest/​etsy, both which I adore. I spent a fair amount of time at each of the booths, and was really intrigued by a lot of what each vendor was selling. Did I also mention Sun King & New Day Meadery + a few food trucks + live music?
Awesome event, wish it would come around more often!

Hidden Independent Artist Market in Indy!
You can completely bypass the overly crowded Talbot Street art fair and just head down to the IHE at the corner of 16^th and Delaware for some unique handmade goods. Lots of local artists as well as people from surrounding states like Ohio and Illinois. I picked up some cute earrings, a little bag for my daughter made from recycled jeans, and a hand-​screened tshirt all for about $ 35. There were lots of other things I thought were cool and fun, but just wasn’t needing at the time. Plus you can peruse all the unique Indy artists whose galleries are in the Harrison Center.
The food is also superior, as in Sun King Brewery and DUO’s Slow Food Fast, instead of your typical fried everything fair fare.

If you like to put a bird on it, this is the place for you.
IHE happens once a year, and has grown from a lil’ ol’ craft show into a full-​blown event with food, live acts, and booths upon booths of handmade goods, jewelry, trinkets, tschachkes, art, posters, toys, clothing… it is actually quite overwhelming with the amount of vendors they had this year. They have busted out of the Harrison Center and lined the streets with their non-​traditional crafty goodness. No wooden American flags here!
I think its great these artisans get to show off what they do to a large number of people, having the event the same day as the Talbot Street Art Fair is smart, smart, smart. But I almost think this should be a two day event, simply because for me, in all my ADD-​ness, I really need one day to look around and soak everything in, process everything I’ve seen *then* go back and buy what I liked. There is just so much stuff and it is so spread out it is hard to decide what you really, really want. By the time I walked through the event and looked at everything, I had forgotten about whatever cool thing I was thinking about buying that I had seen earlier while wandering around.
I also really enjoy the people watching — this thing attracts more hipsters than you can shake a stick at, you could capture a month’s worth of photos to upload to
.