In a city well-known for hosting some of the largest conventions in the country, but not for its diverse and progressive taste in food, an experiment was born: Encourage food organizations and businesses from across Central Indiana to man information booths, and pair that “convention” atmosphere with works of art inspired by food, hands-on activities and of course, food itself.
The experiment was a success.
More than 2,000 Hoosiers turned out for the first FoodCon in Indianapolis this past weekend—a self-described unconventional convention, that showcased and explored the art and culture of food in Indiana.
A few of the unconventional attractions included vegetable music by Herron High School Jazz Band (inspired by, of course, the Vienna Vegetable Orchestra), a composting and rain barrel workshop presented by Butler University’s Center for Urban Ecology, a six-artist food-inspired group show in the Harrison Center’s main gallery, “The Tomato Project,” an initiative by a Herron High School student that encourages people to plant tomato plants in origami newspaper holders and donate the resulting fruit to food banks; and a multimedia piece about two local farmers markets.
Outside, visitors were treated to toasted marshmallows by a local gourmet marshmallow caterer, and could gaze at the stars through a telescope.
The convention piece included tables and booths set up and manned by representatives from organizations like 38th & Meridian St. Farmers Market, Slow Food Indy, Blooming Gardens CSA, LIFE Certified Farm & CSA, Traders Point Creamery, Goose the Market, Red Rosa Farm, Natural Born Juices, INShape Indiana, Farmers Feed Us, and the Indiana Humanities Council to name just a few!
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