MediaLink

Handcrafted and Homegrown by Hoosier Hands

Seven Southeast Indiana tourism bureaus received an Indiana Artisan Trails Development Grant and selected Sally McWilliams/MediaLink in the spring of 2009 to coordinate their project. The proposed project to promote tourism in the partnering counties included the development of an artisan trail(s) and the creation of an accompanying booklet showcasing local artisans and their products.

Following an initial audit of existing tourism and arts-related product within the counties, MediaLink presented three recommendations which subsequently guided the development project.

Create four (4) scenic self-directed trails to highlight artists, craftsmen and specialty food & beverage producers, and include arts-related retail and special events, public art, unique dining, quaint lodging, and “don’t miss” special attractions.

Incorporate prominent and distinct location features of the four micro-regions in the trail names to maintain the regional tourism focus of the arts project (Cliffs and Valley Artisan Trail, Canal and Rivers Artisan Trail, Towers and Spires Artisan Trail, and Forest and Farms Artisan Trail.)

Include other recognized Indiana arts-related trails or designations occurring within the project region (Indiana Artisan, Indiana Foodways Alliance, and the Indiana Wine Trail.)

MediaLink’s responsibilities included the following: concept creation; data and image collection, categorization and organization; initial mapping; copywriting; creative direction.

The 130-page book, Handcrafted and Homegrown by Hoosier Hands in Southeast Indiana, was published in February 2011 (ISBN 978-1-4507-2773-0.) “Consider it your little Black Book of regional artists: who they are, what they create and where to find their work.” Follow By Hoosier Hands on Facebook and Twitter to stay informed about Southeast Indiana’s artisans.