By Krystal Shelter, Times-Mail
krystal@tmnews.com
Lawrence County was among eight Indiana communities that received an Indiana Artisan Trail Development Grant that will help tourism officials promote the area's natural limestone features and the Hoosier artisans that call this area home.
Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman announced that eight Indiana communities have received the grants, totaling $75,000. The grants will provide funding for the development of trails, which are geographic clusters of related businesses and attractions that promote Indiana artisans with an emphasis on tourism.
"I congratulate these eight communities for developing projects which encourage tourism in our state and support Hoosier artisans in their entrepreneurial efforts," Skillman said. "Developing artisan trails is an innovative way to promote economic sustainability in Indiana."
Projects funded by the grants will showcase local artisans and their products, as well as promote tourism in rural Indiana. The grants are administered through the Indiana Artisan program, which promotes Hoosier artisans and handmade products. The project is a joint venture between the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA), the Indiana Office of Tourism Development, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture and the Indiana Arts Commission.
The Lawrence County Tourism Commission received $8,250 to help develop the trail that will take visitors on a tour of the limestone belt through Owen, Monroe and Lawrence counties. The idea is to lead visitors to historic and significant spots in Lawrence, Monroe and Owen counties. The trail, Branneman said, will probably start at McCormick's Creek State Park in Owen County, highlighting the park's limestone canyon and other natural features, and be anchored at the south end by Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell. Along the way, visitors can stop and view original Indiana artisans in an effort that officials hope will one day create an "Indiana brand."
"There are features that are unique to Lawrence and Monroe counties that we would like to highlight," said Dave Branneman, executive director of the tourism commission. "Visitors to this area don't care about county lines. They have no problem leaving Monroe County and crossing into Lawrence County or vice versa. All visitors know about is Spring Mill State Park, not what county it's in, so we want to get them through this area and show them what we have to offer."
Lawrence County Tourism is working hand in hand with the Bloomington Area Arts Council and the Bloomington Convention and Visitor's Bureau to promote the trail, which will feature a number of venues including Carousel Winery, the Land of Limestone exhibit and Hoover's Candy Store.
"We are the lead organization on the project, but we're equal partners working with the arts council and the Bloomington CVB to highlight venues and artisans throughout Lawrence and Monroe counties," Branneman said. "The money will mostly be used for advertising and brochures, pointing visitors to the area and the different features along the trail."