The Penrod Society was formed in 1967 by a group of 12 young men so as to create a vehicle to support the cultural and educational activities of Indianapolis area artists, students, and arts organizations. The Penrod name is taken from Indianapolis native Booth Tarkington's character, Penrod Schoefield.
The Penrod Arts Fair has been held annually on the first Saturday after Labor Day since 1967. The Penrod Arts Fair attracts over 30,000 people to the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art to listen to music, watch performing artists and purchase thousands of dollars of art. All proceeds from this one day extravaganza provide grants that are allocated to Indianapolis area arts organizations.
The Penrod Society was also responsible and instrumental in creating the Economic Club of Indianapolis and the Prelude Awards. The Penrod Society annually allocates funds to the Children's Museum of Indianapolis to underwrite the Prelude grant scholarships to young Indianapolis artists.
The Penrod Society is an all volunteer organization with current membership of 100 active members and 150 associate, honored, and non-resident members.
Contact Information:
The Penrod Society
P.O. Box 40817
Indianapolis, IN 46240
(317) 252-9142
Last updated:
February 20, 2008
