Traditional Arts Indiana at the Hoosier Outdoor Experience at Ft. Harrison

On September 19-20, 2015, the Hoosier Outdoor Experience will take place at Fort Harrison State Park from 10:00 am to 6:00pm each day. For the duration of the event, Traditional Arts Indiana will feature 8 Indiana artists and artisans from all over the state. TAI invites you to join us in this great opportunity to learn about Indiana artistry from regional tradition bearers.

One of the artists hosted by Traditional Arts Indiana is Katrina Mitten. Katrina was born in Huntington, IN, and she is a member of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. Katrina creates embroidered beadwork using seed beads. She has been practicing her craft for over 35 years.

Larry Haycraft

Larry Haycraft is a 4th generation hoop net maker. By tying small knots in twine, Larry makes hoop nets for local fishers around the Wabash River area in Pike County. His nets are used to fish for small catfish called fiddlers. Larry is from Petersburg, IN.

Stephen and Nancy Dickie are members of the country-bluegrass string band called Grease Gravy. Stephen plays the banjo and Nancy plays the fiddle. Stephen is the son of legendary Indiana musician Lotus Dickie. Stephen and his wife Nancy continue their family’s musical tradition that is deeply rooted in Southern Indiana.

Jon Bennett is an Indiana blacksmith who combines modern and traditional blacksmithing techniques in his work. One of the main inspirations for his work comes from the natural world.

Keith Ruble is a bowl hewer and log cabin builder. In addition to building log cabins from traditional practices, Keith also restores them. He is from Vigo County, IN.

Greg Adams is a rustic willow furniture builder based out of Lapel Indiana in Madison County. Also working with willows at the Hoosier Outdoor Experience is artist Viki Graber. Viki is a 4th generation traditional basket weaver. She learned how to make baskets by hand from her father. Viki’s work is currently featured in the exhibit entitled Willow Work: Viki Graber, Basketmaker on display at the Mathers Museum of World Cultures.

Viki Graber
If you are interested in learning more about Viki’s work and the material featured in the exhibit at the Mathers Museum, please check out this video of Viki weaving a basket.

The Hoosier Outdoor Experience is free and open to the public. Traditional Arts Indiana hopes to see you there!

 Duck decoy carver John Bundy will also be there!