About This Festival
Arts in the Park – Shelby County Arts Fest
Location & Area Overview
Arts in the Park is held annually at Blue River Memorial Park (725 Lee Blvd., Shelbyville, Indiana) in the heart of Shelby County, a central region of Indiana known for its blend of small-town charm and community engagement. The park features open green spaces, playgrounds, and amenities that lend themselves to family-friendly gatherings—making it an ideal setting for a lively, accessible arts festival. The town of Shelbyville is recognized for its robust slate of community events, from summer concerts and pool parties to library programs and nature experiences, suggesting a civic culture that values connection, recreation, and the arts. Blue River Memorial Park is also equipped for accessibility, welcoming attendees of all abilities.
Event Vibe
Arts in the Park is a free, family-friendly festival with a warm, inclusive atmosphere. The event centers on bringing people of all ages together to celebrate creativity through hands-on art, music, and performance. Expect a bustling but relaxed environment, where visitors can move freely between interactive art stations, live performances, and family activities. There’s a noticeable emphasis on participation—the event isn’t just for spectators, but for anyone wanting to get hands-on with creative projects. Food trucks, community partners, and local radio broadcasts add to the festival’s lively, communal feel. The vibe is upbeat, social, and decidedly intergenerational, with something interesting for toddlers, teens, adults, and seniors alike.
Activities & Event Schedule
Arts in the Park offers a diverse range of activities, spanning visual, performing, and literary arts. While a 2025 detailed, timed schedule is not readily available, activities generally run concurrently throughout the event from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, allowing attendees to explore at their own pace. Some activities may repeat, and others may be available for a limited time—event signage and staff can provide guidance on the day.
Art & Craft Activities
- Group Step-by-Step Painting Classes: Led by local artists, these sessions guide participants through creating their own artwork.
- Flute Making: Hands-on workshops where budding musicians can craft and decorate their own simple flutes.
- Puppet Making: Creative sessions for crafting puppets, often tied to performances by local puppeteers.
- Balloon Art: Demonstrations and interactive stations, often hosted by local balloon artists.
- Face Painting: A classic festival favorite for children.
- Origami and Spanish Tissue Flowers: Paper crafting workshops with colorful, tactile results.
- Sidewalk Chalk Art: Open spaces for anyone to contribute to large collaborative chalk murals.
- Library Art Projects: Collaborative art activities hosted by Shelby County Public Library staff.
- Crafts with Girls, Inc. and Purdue/4-H: Community organizations lead additional family-friendly making activities.
Performing Arts & Live Entertainment
- Dulcimer Music: Live performances highlighting a traditional Appalachian instrument.
- Puppet Shows: Professional puppeteers (such as Roz Puppets) provide family-friendly entertainment.
- Dance Performances: Local dance academies (e.g., Style Dance Academy) showcase a range of styles.
- Music by Blue River Community Choir: Choral performances add a communal, musical touch.
- Live Radio Broadcast by WNAP: Local radio presence adds to the festival’s dynamism.
Family & Community Activities
- Kite Flying and Decorating: Demonstrations by experts, plus opportunities for attendees to decorate and fly their own kites.
- Barnyard Party Pals Petting Zoo: A hands-on animal encounter for younger children.
- Bubbles: Interactive bubble stations for creative, unstructured play.
- Fire Safety Demo: Educational demonstrations by local fire officials, sometimes featuring Kasey the Fire Dog.
- Food Trucks: Local vendors serve a variety of foods for purchase (note: food is not free, but activities are).
Event History & Founding
Founded as part of the broader Shelby County Arts Fest, Arts in the Park emerged as a community-driven initiative to make the arts accessible to all residents, regardless of age or background. Established by a coalition of local artists, educators, and civic organizations, the event was designed to fill a gap in hands-on, family-oriented arts programming in the region. Its founding principles emphasize inclusivity, creativity, and community building. Over the years, the festival has grown in scope, now drawing regional attention and partnerships from libraries, schools, and arts organizations.
Arts in the Park stands as a testament to Shelbyville’s commitment to fostering a vibrant local arts scene, underscored by annual traditions that encourage participation, learning, and celebration. While the exact founding year is not specified in public materials, the event’s continuity and growth reflect its importance in the cultural calendar of Shelby County.
Sample Rough Schedule (Typical Event Format)
| Time | Activity/Area | Location in Park |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Gates Open: Art & Craft Stations Begin | Main Lawn, Pavilion |
| 9:15 AM – 10:00 AM | Flute Making Workshop | Art Tent 1 |
| 10:00 AM | Puppet Show | Main Stage |
| 10:30 AM | Step-by-Step Painting Class | Art Tent 2 |
| 11:00 AM | Dance Performance | Main Stage |
| 11:30 AM | Kite Flying Demonstration | Open Field |
| 12:00 PM | Dulcimer Music | Music Area |
| 12:30 PM | Fire Safety Demo with Kasey the Fire Dog | Community Tent |
| 1:00 PM | Library Art Project | Library Tent |
| 1:30 PM | Blue River Community Choir Performance | Main Stage |
| 2:00 PM | Event Concludes | All Areas |
(Note: This schedule is illustrative; actual timings may vary. Activities like face painting, balloon art, origami, bubbles, and food trucks run continuously throughout the event.)
Summary Table of Main Activities
| Activity Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Visual Arts | Painting, origami, chalk art, tissue flowers, drawing |
| Performing Arts | Music (dulcimer, choir), dance, puppet shows |
| Crafts | Flute making, puppet making, balloon art, face painting |
| Family Fun | Kite flying, petting zoo, bubbles, fire safety demo |
| Community Engagement | Library projects, Girls, Inc., 4-H, food trucks |
Arts in the Park is a cornerstone of Shelby County’s cultural life, embodying the region’s dedication to accessible arts education, family-friendly programming, and community celebration. The event’s diverse activities, welcoming atmosphere, and strong local partnerships make it a highlight for residents and visitors alike.