The Heart Of Penrod

More than $5.5 million in grants supporting the arts distributed since 1967

INDIANAPOLIS (April 1, 2026) – Penrod, an Indianapolis-based, all-volunteer, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, whose mission is to support arts and cultural initiatives and organizations in central Indiana, today announced it awarded $315,000 to 90+ Indiana arts organizations for 2026, including Riley Children’s Art Therapy Program, ArtMix, St. Mary’s Early Childhood Center, Big Car Collaborative, and more, through their annual grant program. 

In 2025, grant applications increased by 30%, while total funding requested rose by 60%, underscoring the pivotal role Penrod plays in supporting the arts community in central Indiana. Grant recipients were chosen following an open call for entries in December 2025 and a formal grant application process that closed at the end of February. Penrod’s team gathered, reviewed, and selected the grant recipients from there, ensuring those awarded grants align with Penrod’s overall mission to improve the community through the arts. 

The most recent cohort of grant recipients covers over 50 zip codes including youth arts education programs, museums and theaters, cultural festivals and heritage groups, public art and placemaking, and other nonprofit organizations focused on expanding access to the arts. Grants are funded by sponsorships, donations, and 100% of the proceeds from annual events, including the Penrod Arts Fair, Evening with Penrod, and Easel by Penrod. 

“We’re proud to continue making a meaningful impact in Indiana’s arts community,” said Tom Askey, Chair of the 2026 Penrod Arts Fair. “Our events make this support possible, helping uplift local organizations and expand access to the arts, especially at a time when many arts programs continue to face funding gaps.” 

In addition to their annual grant process, the organization made its first-ever allocation from their Legacy Fund in 2025, awarding more than $100,000 to support public art projects. Since Penrod’s founding in 1967, the nonprofit has distributed more than $5.5 million in grants to deserving art and art-adjacent organizations creating an impact in central Indiana. 

 For more information about Penrod and the annual grant program, visit penrod.org.

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About Penrod

Penrod is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Indianapolis with a mission to support arts and cultural initiatives and organizations in central Indiana. Penrod is led by members of The Penrod Society, a fellowship of professionals who dedicate time to uplifting the community through art. The organization is well-known for its signature event, the Penrod Arts Fair, the largest single-day art fair in the country. For more information on Penrod’s events and philanthropic initiatives, visit www.penrod.org.

INDIANAPOLIS – Penrod, in collaboration with the Stutz Artists Association, announces the second annual Easel by Penrod at Stutz on March 7. The return of the organization’s premier spring event aims to bring together the community for a vibrant, arts-forward night in support of Indianapolis artists and arts education.

Guests are invited to immerse themselves in a high-end experience that celebrates creativity, elegance, and the spirit of giving back. The evening will feature open artist studios throughout the Stutz, live music, unique entertainment, and art concepts. Patrons will enjoy a curated variety of light hors d’oeuvres and an open bar offering premium bespoke cocktails, champagne, and beer.

Easel by Penrod provides a unique opportunity to view and purchase original artwork by talented local artists, directly supporting the Central Indiana arts community. Proceeds support a broad array of arts, cultural, and educational activities and institutions throughout Central Indiana via an annual grant process. This year, event proceeds will also fund two Art Educator Impact Awards for two art educators for use in their classrooms. Recipients demonstrate a meaningful commitment to access, inclusion, and educational excellence—using visual arts, music, theater, dance, or multidisciplinary approaches to create lasting impact in classrooms and communities.

“Following the success of last year’s Easel, Penrod is excited to bring the community together again for a second year in celebration of our vibrant arts community,” said Tom Askey, Chair of the 2026 Penrod Arts Fair. “While Penrod is best known for its signature event, the Penrod Arts Fair, we believe it’s essential to continue investing in initiatives like this—both to grow support for our annual grant program and, new this year, to directly fund two deserving art educators and their classrooms with the first-ever Art Educator Impact Award.”

Easel by Penrod is a 21-and-over event from 6:30-11 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, (tickets available here) at the iconic Stutz building in downtown Indianapolis (1060 N. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis). Valet and nearby self-parking will be available. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.penrod.org.

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About Penrod

Penrod is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Indianapolis with a mission to support arts and cultural initiatives and organizations in central Indiana. Penrod is led by members of The Penrod Society, a fellowship of professionals who dedicate time to uplifting the community through art. The organization is well-known for its signature event, the Penrod Arts Fair, the largest single-day art fair in the country. For more information on Penrod’s events and philanthropic initiatives, visit www.penrod.org. 

Largest single-day arts fair in the country features over 1,000 visual and performing artists for ‘Indiana’s Nicest Day’

INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 5, 2025) – Known as “Indiana’s Nicest Day,” The Penrod Society’s 58th Annual CBIZ Penrod Arts Fair and 12th Annual Merchants Bank Evening with Penrod Presented by VALEO Financial Advisors are back this September at Newfields on Sept. 5-6. The Penrod Arts Fair is the largest single-day arts fair in the country and marks Penrod’s longest-standing event. 

This year’s fair features over 1,000 visual and performing artists from across the country, five stages of entertainment, more than 50 arts-related nonprofit organizations, an extensive children’s area, and local food and beverages for all to enjoy from Indianapolis staples such as Bazbeaux Pizza, Indi Taco, Market Square Popcorn Company, Nicey Treat, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Slapfish, Tinker Coffee Co., and more. 

Attendees of Evening with Penrod, held the night before the fair, will have the exclusive first opportunity to purchase art from more than 100 artists who will be featured at the Penrod Arts Fair. This gala-style preview event offers a wide assortment of local food from Rootstock Hospitality, a myriad of bespoke beverage options, unique live art experiences, and a series of musical performances. An “art drop” service will also be available for convenient pickup of purchased art before leaving the event. Each Evening with Penrod ticket includes admission to the fair the following day.

“Penrod was built on the belief that our events can uplift the central Indiana community through the arts, and we’re looking forward to furthering our mission with another year of the arts fair and Evening with Penrod,” said Ryan Stephens, Chair of the 2025 Penrod Arts Fair. “Proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorship support Penrod’s grant program, and proceeds from art purchases go directly to artists, fueling artists’ ability to continue creating meaningful art.”

Evening with Penrod is a 21-and-over event from 6-11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5 (Evening with Penrod tickets available here). The Penrod Arts Fair is open to all ages and takes place 9 a.m.-5 p.m. the following day, Sept. 6 (Art Fair tickets available here). Children ages 10 and under attend free. Both events are held in the gardens of Newfields (4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis). On fair day, paid parking onsite at Newfields is subject to availability upon arrival. Penrod also offers a free shuttle service between the Lafayette Square Mall parking lot and Light of the World Church.

From the success of last year’s events, Penrod awarded more than $300,000 to 85 organizations in central Indiana, including a permanent art display at a hospital, instruments for a public charter school’s music program, a small theater production, and more.

The Penrod Arts Fair has become a long-standing Indianapolis tradition since 1967, growing into the largest single-day arts fair in the nation, hosting over 20,000 patrons each year. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.penrod.org.

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About Penrod

Penrod is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Indianapolis with a mission to support arts and cultural initiatives and organizations in central Indiana. Penrod is led by members of The Penrod Society, a fellowship of professionals who dedicate time to uplifting the community through art. The organization is well-known for its signature event, The Penrod Arts Fair, the largest single-day art fair in the country. For more information on Penrod’s events and philanthropic initiatives, visit www.penrod.org.