What started as a small collective of artists putting on a unique show has grown over the past 24 years to 40 artists specializing in everything from collectible ornaments, antique jewelry, leathercrafts, stained glass, chocolates, knitwear, and much more.
Over the years, the Gathering of Artist has grown from a few carefully selected artists and craftspeople and their works to about 40 juried vendors. There are no mass-produced things at the Gathering — only handcrafted or vintage items will be found on the tables. The show was originally done in the Benton House, but got to be so large that it was moved down the road a little, to the Bona Thompson Memorial Center, where it takes up the first floor, plus the gallery on the second floor.
More than a craft show, the Gathering of Artists is a community gathering, where people have come for years to buy ornaments, handbags, handcrafted jewelry, at affordable prices. The entire Bona Thompson Center will be transformed into an early holiday wonderland, complete with glittering lights and a big Christmas tree festooned with handcrafted ornaments. The Friday evening preview is usually packed with people enjoying hors d’oeuvres from Alan’s Catered Events and shopping for everyone on their holiday lists.
This year, the Gathering is bringing together a number of great local artisans and craftspeople, including Elizabeth Heeter. Elizabeth was a participant in last year’s Gathering, and this year she’ll be bringing an eclectic mix of greeting cards, prints of original artwork, and paper lanterns with holiday and nature inspired themes. Elizabeth’s inspirations are local and from nature. Hot off her big success with her Halloween inspired “Vampire Squirrel,” she has created Benton House cut-out lanterns, plus a re-visioning of the Circle of Lights at Monument Circle.
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Cheryl Ann Lorance’s prints, etchings, and other artistic works will be at the Gathering. This is a view of University Ave. in Irvington.
Cheryl Ann Lorance will be displaying her wares for the first time this year. A fine artist with a Masters from Ball State, Cheryl’s offerings will include cast bronze sculpture, etchings, prints of original works, and her line of body care products, Mount Sapos. Cheryl has lived in Irvington for a couple of years, returning to the Hoosier state after 16 years in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She’s very excited to be part of a long-standing east side tradition. “The set-up is beautiful. It’s like a really pretty mall.”
Tom Gerardot has been doing the Gathering for three years now, and loves bringing his metalwork garden art to Irvington from his home in Fort Wayne. He specializes in copper and brass work, which looks great in the many gardens in the area. In October, he came to the Irvington Farmer’s Market, where he said many people recognized his work from the Gathering. Close to retirement, he said he’d like to devote more of his time working in metal — and he’s already signed on to be a vendor at the Irvington Farmer’s Market in 2016. His pieces are very affordable, ranging from $25-$30.
This year’s Gathering of Artists will be held Nov. 20 from 6-9 p.m. on Preview Night. Admission that evening is $5 at the door, and includes hors d’oeuvres and the chance to do early shopping. On Nov. 21, the hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and admission is free. The Bona Thompson Memorial Center is located at 5350 University Ave., which is at the corner of Downey and University in Irvington.
