Weather cooperates at downtown art fair

By TIM BROUK
tbrouk@journalandcourier.com

The Saturday morning rain wasn't steady but the number of art fans and sales of paintings, prints, photographs, sculpture and jewelry were.

The 34th 'Round the Fountain Art Fair drew thousands of people.

The traditional opener to the downtown Lafayette outdoor festival season, 'Round the Fountain featured about 100 artists from the Midwest and beyond.

Many art fairgoers carried umbrellas, but the rain that was forecast was light and gone by early afternoon.

Some artists had to put the flaps down on the sides of their booths to get away from water, but the afternoon sun and mild temperatures allowed people to view and purchase art the rest of the day.

"The response has been great and sales have been good so far," said Todd Lundeen, a photographer from West Bend, Wis.

Saturday was Lundeen's first appearance at 'Round the Fountain.

Many customers and passersby were impressed by huge prints of his vibrant, serene portraits from around the world.

For the past 15 years, Lundeen has traveled to the Far East to photograph people in their exotic environments. His subjects sit on docks in swamps, relax in tiny villages or pray in lush gardens.

"I had photographed all over the world, but when I went to Thailand, it struck me as the most beautiful place I've ever been," Lundeen said. "There is an enormous amount of diversity with the people there."

Rockford, Ill., artist Keith Grace uses torn pieces of text from magazines in his acrylic and oil paintings. His style is illustrative and his "Hip Dog Cool Cat" series has proved popular at art fairs all over the country.

"This is the only fair I'm doing in Indiana this year," Grace said.

"It's been good and steady. There's always been at least someone in my booth the entire time."

Saturday's 'Round the Fountain saw the amount of Greater Lafayette artists selling works double compared to 2006.

Lafayette's Linda Lauter enjoyed her first appearance at 'Round the Fountain. She had attended in 2006 as a buyer.

Lauter, a pastel and pencil portrait artist, said her greeting cards and tote bags were selling well and she was happy to see more local artists getting booths.

"I think they should have lots of Lafayette artists next year," Lauter stated.

Jim Bodenmiller, a 'Round the Fountain committee member for the past 33 years, said new artists like Lundeen and Lauter help keep the art fair going and the art fans attending and buying.

Lafayette's Trent Stephan purchased a black and white photograph from Michigan artist R.C. Fulwiler for his sister in Florida.

Stephan and his wife, Stephanie Stephan, are frequent 'Round the Fountain attendees.

"I think there's good, quality work here every year," Trent Stephan said.