PHOTOS BY BRIDGETT HENWOOD

Note: This article is about the 2013 Local Artists Showcase. Click here for information on this year’s event.

On a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon in late February, artists and art lovers gathered at the Bloomington/Monroe County Convention Center for the second annual Local Artists Showcase presented by Bloom Magazine and Ivy Tech Community College-Bloomington.

In all, more than 70 artists displayed their creations, including paintings, sculptures, textile work, jewelry, drawings, photographs, and ceramics. A total of 992 art lovers showed up to admire and buy.

“It is such a great representation of art for Bloomington,” commented artist Barbara Bonchek. “As you saw with the wonderful variety of quality art shown at the event, it is a way for artists to be brave and stick their necks out while they present themselves in a classy setting.”

With the proceeds from the $2 admission charge, local art will be purchased for permanent display at the convention center.

Once again this year, the event was organized by Bloom Associate Publisher Erica De Santis, with the help of Bloom Design Director Kaye Lee Johnston, Bloom Social Media Editor Lynae Sowinski, Ivy Tech staff volunteers, convention center staff, IU interns, and Bloom editors.

An added attraction this year was food from the Short Stop BBQ Train.

The third annual Local Artists Showcase will be held Saturday, February 22, 2014. Artists who would like to receive information about participating should contact Lynae Sowinski at [email protected].