In 1967 a group of twenty two men formed The Penrod Society®. The volunteer organization was designed to support the cultural and educational activities of Indianapolis-area artists, students, and arts organizations. “Penrod” pays homage to Penrod Schoefield, a literary character from Indianapolis novelist Booth Tarkington.

The Society is an Indianapolis-based, all-volunteer, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, whose mission is to support arts, cultural, and educational activities and institutions in Indiana.  The Society supports artists, students, arts organizations, and various other not-for-profit organizations whose missions and programming include arts, cultural, and educational activities.  At its core, the Society is a 52-year-old brotherhood of professionals who work together for the betterment of Indiana. 

Over its 52 year history, the Penrod Arts Fair® has become an Indianapolis tradition. Each year, over 20,000 fair patrons visit the Newfields campus on the first Saturday after Labor Day. The Penrod Arts Fair® showcases hundreds of artists, and offers live music, performing arts and local cuisine. Proceeds from this one-day celebration provide grants for Indianapolis-area arts and community organizations.

In addition to launching the Penrod Arts Fair, The Penrod Society® was also instrumental in creating the Economic Club of Indianapolis and the Prelude Awards.

https://www.penrod.org/arts-fair