There is nothing spooky about celebrating the art of Halloween with pumpkin carving, pumpkin painting and decorating your own bags for the big night of trick-or-treating this month. Come to the Carmel Arts & Design District from 5 to 9 p.m. this evening for Allied Solutions’ Meet Me on Main.
This month will feature the popular pumpkin carver Lee Saberson, who will create fun jack-o-lanterns in front of Old Town on the Monon. The Art Lab will have mini pumpkin painting kits in the breezeway next to Sub Zero, and the Indiana Design Center will offer a kids’ craft project for Halloween.
Meet Me on Main is the City of Carmel’s monthly, second Saturday event along Main Street and Range Line Road to highlight local galleries, restaurants and design-related businesses in the Carmel Arts & Design District. Art galleries and businesses will feature special events to help you experience the wonderful art-related and design-related features in the District. Live music will play in the streets and prize giveaways will be offered.
In addition to the hands-on art projects, there will be an opportunity to register to win one of three $100 gift cards by visiting participating merchants and dropping your name and contact information into a special drawing that will take place the following week. The gift cards will be from select Arts District businesses. Be sure to visit as many galleries and shops as possible to increase your chance to win.
Below are some of the special attractions featured today:
All Things Carmel
The gift shop is featuring new fall chocolate creations from Indiana-based Donaldson’s Finer Chocolates along with a variety of new fall-themed gift items. (All Things Carmel, 110 W. Main St., #104)
Art Studio of Carmel
The studio will be open and will feature student artwork. (The Art Studio, 30 N. Range Line Road)
Carmel Arts Council
The final Art in the Garden of the year will feature Ilene McHone, an award-winning cake decorator who began Classic Cakes. She will be demonstrating how to make a variety of fondant creations such as animals, flowers and food items. Children are invited to participate. The Children’s Art Gallery will feature student artwork from Towne Meadow Elementary, Clay and Creekside middle schools, and Carmel High School. The Community Art exhibit will feature art from the City of Carmel’s “Sister City” Kawachinagano, Japan. (Carmel Arts Council, 40 W. Main St.)
Carmel Café
The café and chocolate company will offer samples of some of its fall products like pumpkin pretzels and caramel corn. (Carmel Café South Bend Chocolate Company, 43 W. Main St.)
CCA Gallery & Gifts
The gallery’s featured artists for October are Carol Bell, ceramics, and Gail Wiener, photography. They will have a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday. Visitors can check out the beautiful display of their work, meet them in person and find out what inspires them. (CCA Gallery, 111 W. Main St., #135)
Chapman State Farm
Come for a special Halloween game and take home free “take and make” Halloween-themed bracelets and magnets. (Chapman State Farm, 14 W. Main St.)
Indiana Artisan Gallery
Enjoy a treat for the eyes and taste as leather-crafter Kerry Moncrieff will demonstrate how he handcrafts sporrans, purses, phone cases and more, while beekeeper David Mullins will offer samples of his honey that’s been aged in rum or whiskey barrels. (Indiana Artisan Gifts & Gallery, 22 N. Range Line Road)
Indiana Design Center
Holder Mattress and Rusted Window will offer a family event with complimentary refreshments and a kids’ craft. Kids can design a canvas trick-or-treat bag with stencils, stamps and markers. Enjoy special offers in the shops as well. (Indiana Design Center, 200 S. Range Line Road)
Peace Water Winery
The winery will feature artist Regina Bunting. Her artwork is displayed throughout the winery but mainly in the “Peace Pod.” (Peace Water Winery, 37 W. Main St.)
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A map of the gallery locations and more information about Meet Me on Main activities can be found at CarmelArtsAndDesign.com.
Public parking is available in the Carmel Lions Club lot (141 E. Main St.), Sophia Square parking garage (entrance off of 1st Ave. NW), Indiana Design Center parking garage (200 S. Range Line Road) or on-street. Click here to download the Arts & Design District parking map.
About the Carmel Arts & Design District
The Carmel Arts & Design District is the Midwest’s premier arts and design destination. Home to more than 200 businesses, including art galleries, restaurants, antique dealers, design showrooms, boutiques and creative service providers, the Carmel Arts & Design District promises to stimulate the senses. The Indiana Design Center is housed in the Carmel Arts & Design District. In addition, hundreds have taken advantage of the wide variety of housing opportunities and call the Carmel Arts & Design District home.