By Branden Hochstetler

By JESSICA FLORES
Communications Specialist, Nappanee Public Library

Think outside the canvas when you step into this year’s annual Spring into Art art fair at Coppes Commons. Sponsored by the friends of the Nappanee public library, this full immersion art experience has been bringing established artist and emerging talent to Nappanee since 1996.

Over 40 artists and artisans will offer a variety of media for sale Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18, at Coppes Commons, located at 401 E. Market Street, Nappanee. Choose from traditional oil paintings, functional pottery, modern macramé, steam punk sculpture, dramatic nature photography, assemblage, automotive art, upcycled jewelry, lamp-worked beads and much more.

Formerly known as ‘Spring Into Art,’ the event is more than your customary art fair. The indoor venue offers guests free admission, a variety of free high quality workshops by participating artists, live demonstrations and activities for kids. It all happens in the restored, yet beautifully-rustic spaces of the Coppes furniture factory just blocks from downtown Nappanee.

We are thrilled to be working with Coppes Commons again this year. The growing facility is a great fit for us, as we have added even more artists to the roster this year, as well as extra space, bringing our total square footage to 15,000. The complex offers an attractive space to showcase the work of our artists and a convenient place for our guests to shop and learn. With the added benefit of Coppes retailers and amenities, guests will find it easy to spend the entire day at the event on Saturday or enjoy an evening out with friends on Friday.

Free hands on workshops this year include instruction with experienced artists in bracelet making, polymer clay sculpture, clay buttons, comic book creation, floral hair pins, drawing, dream catchers, button rings and arm knitting. Registration for these events will be taken at the venue beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 18. A full workshop schedule and participation information are available at www.nappaneelibrary.org.

Additional attractions include a cooking demonstration featuring springtime produce with “Edible Michiana” magazine starting at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 18. Face painting runs from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., and there will also be a kid’s shopping area with pint sized price points along with several walk in, make and take art projects.

Hours are 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Friday, April 17, and from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday, April 18. Admission and parking are free. For a minimum pledge of $25 to either purchase artwork during the show or give as a gift in support of the program, guests get the chance to attend a special purchase award sponsor preview reception from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, April 17.

The purpose of the art fair is to support the arts, promote artists and to benefit the friends of the Nappanee Public Library and Library Foundation. Funds are used throughout the year to bring community enriching, educational and entertaining programs.

For more information or to become a purchase award sponsor, call (574) 773-7919 or go to www.nappaneelibrary.org. You can also become a fan on Facebook by searching “Spring into Art.”