Indiana Artisan

The Indiana Artisan program was formed in 2008 as a joint venture between four State agencies, including the Indiana Arts Commission, to recognize, promote, support, and market the work of the "best of the best" Hoosier artists and craftspeople. The program is also designed to promote value-added food products that are made in Indiana. In 2010, Indiana Artisan became a stand-alone 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation.

In 2008 John Bower was included in the very first, select group of 31 artists and craftspersons to be named an Indiana Artisan. At that time, his black-and-white photography and his Indiana photography books were officially juried into the organization.

In 2009, Bower received an Indiana Artisan Business Development Grant to assist in the printing cost of promotional brochures.

In late 2011, John was appointed to be a member of the Board of Directors of Indiana Artisan. His 3-year term expired at the end of December 2014.

In 2016, John applied to Indiana Artisan to have his hand-colored photographs carry the Indiana Artisan designation, and they were juried in that summer.

“Indiana is home to hundreds of talented artisans and boasts a variety of unique handmade products,” according to Lt. Governor Becky Skillman. “Governor Daniels and I are committed to supporting Hoosier entrepreneurs and promoting Indiana-made products.”

Indiana Artisan has been inspired by popular, well-established programs in other states, such as “Kentucky Crafted” and North Carolina’s “Handmade in America.” Individuals selected for Indiana’s program must undergo a jurying process, which will be held every 6 months. According to Project Manager, Eric Freeman, in order to insure the success of the Indiana program, only high-quality arts, crafts, and value-added food products are included. “These are the very best of the best,” he says.

For more information, please visit www.IndianaArtisan.org.