Jewelry, woodwork and custom clay creations lined Fernandez Plaza on Saturday for Bloomington's annual “A Fair of the Arts.” The art fair was in conjunction with the Bloomington Community Farmers' Market and aimed to introduce artists to the local community.
Over 30 vendors at the fair sold items ranging from custom stained glass pieces to handcrafted stuffed animals.
For first-time vendor Grace Corliss, owner of Rest Now Fiber Arts, the fair served as an introduction to Bloomington's art community. Corliss said the way the fair highlights local artists made the experience meaningful.
“We need to support local businesses,” Corliss said. “We need to support local artists. We need to show others that it’s possible to share your art through love. ‘A Fair of the Arts’ has shown all of those things to me.”
Beyond the opportunities for artists to showcase and sell their products, Local artist Mark Riggins said the interaction with community members keeps him returning each year. He fondly remembers past interactions with buyers and their embrace of his classic sketch art style.
“When people are encouraging about my artwork, it really does keep me pumped up,” Riggins said.
Parks and Recreation Community Events Coordinator Bill Ream said the event reflects Bloomington's strong appreciation for local artists. It also connects the artists to another popular community event, with the fair’s strategic proximity to the farmers’ market. Riggins, who has participated in the fair since 2006 selling IU-inspired sketches, said the partnership helps attract visitors to both events.
“You have the traffic from the farmer’s market,” Riggins said. “They just complement each other so well.”
Corliss only began crocheting four years ago and started selling her work last year.
“This was my first art event,” Corliss said. “I had such a wonderful experience. I hope I get the opportunity to do this again next year.”
To become a vendor at the fair, artists go through a jury process to gain acceptance as fair vendors, Ream said. This process occurs each spring, and artists who are interested in selling at the fair send in their portfolios to board members. After the artist applies, Bloomington Parks and Recreation staff vote to decide who will work the fair, Ream said.
Ream said the process helps make the fair feel personalized to the community while also maintaining a high standard, with all types of art styles being included at the fair.
“It makes it a little more special and it makes sure that the quality is there of the art,” Ream said. Riggins said the event also gives emerging artists a chance to connect with the public and become part of Bloomington's growing arts community.
For Corliss, one of the most rewarding parts of participating in the fair has been the opportunity to share her craft and interact with other artists. She said many community members came to her booth to introduce themselves and compliment her work.
“Having so many creative people appreciate your art to the point of asking you to show them how it’s done is very special,” Corliss said. “I love getting to interact with community members I may have never met otherwise and to learn about their lives, as well as share a bit of mine, all while passing on this loving and healing energy through my art.”
“Fair of the Arts” runs the second Saturday of each month from May through October. The next one will take place Oct. 10, 2026. For more information, check out the City of Bloomington website.
