LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) -- Local artists are having a hard time showcasing their work in this pandemic. People particularly feeling the effects are artists who sell their work for a living. Now one Lafayette neighborhood is working to solve the problem.
"Everything's been canceled and so I keep making stuff and so it's either sell it or move," said artist Chloe Harshman.
This year's canceled art shows is what sparked an idea in Harshman. The 84-year-old is planning an art show community sale in her neighborhood this Labor Day Weekend. It's happening on Chinook Lane in Lafayette and she's calling it "Art on the Lane." At least five neighbors are expected to participate, some will be selling original art pieces and others will be having a yard sale.
"I love this street and I've always thought it would be kind of fun to have a block party so this is kind of going to be in lieu of a block party and it's also going to be beneficial to those people who want to sell something," said Harshman.
Harshman is a stain glass artist who started making her crafts more than 10 years ago. She said she doesn't make it with the purpose of making money but rather because she likes the creative release it brings.
"It amazes me that somebody will actually spend money and take something that I've made home and put it in their house, that is just a great compliment," said Harshman.
Her neighbor Kim Cashman is an artist who heavily depends on her art to make a living, times have been tough.
"We can't have any fairs we can't be close, you know, there are too many people so we have to keep our distance, so we have to fend for ourselves almost," said Cashman.
Cashman makes crafts and furniture. She's hoping people show support.
"Anything anyone can do to try and pitch in is what we're trying to do so that's what we're doing here on the lane, trying to come out and have fun and get the crafts that they get for their people all the time anyway," said Cashman.
Harshman said they will be socially-distanced. Shoppers are encouraged to wear masks.
The event is:
Saturday, Sept. 5 from 9 to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 6 from 1 to 5 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 7 9 to 5 p.m.
