Hoosier Made: Your Window into the Local Makers Community
If you’ve ever wished you could peek inside a space where the best local artists gather under one roof, Hoosier Made is exactly the place. Every week there’s something new, and every item is hand made.
Founded by Kimberly Howe Ferguson, Hoosier Made was born from a realization that not every artist needs, or wants, the pressure of running a full storefront alone. What many do need is a place to be seen. Hoosier Made provides that support for artists to showcase what they love doing.
The Spark
Kimberly Howe Ferguson
Kimberly is a wife, a mom of two, a serial entrepreneur, and the owner of the historic Patterson Building (the big yellow building in downtown). After hearing from multiple small businesses and artists looking for space, she noticed the traditional model didn’t always work for solo makers.
“I loved the idea of a collaborative space,” Kimberly shared. “A place where artists and makers could showcase their work without having to take on everything that comes with running a store.”
That idea wasn’t new to her. Growing up with grandparents who owned a shop planted the seed early on. It just took time and the right moment for it to grow. Hoosier Made became the answer to both a personal dream and a community need.
Curated by Artists
What you’ll find inside Hoosier Made isn’t dictated by trends or one person’s taste. The shelves are curated by the artists themselves and by the people who walk through the doors.
Inventory decisions start with the makers Hoosier Made partners with and are guided by customer requests. If shoppers are asking for something specific, the shop actively seeks out local artists who can create it. Every item just has to be made from makers in state.
“I love that my personal taste isn’t everyone’s taste,” Kimberly stated. “Items surprise me all the time. Our community is filled with so much talent…variety really is the spice of life here.”
Something New Every Single Week
One of the most “Only in DWNTWN” things about Hoosier Made? The shop is constantly changing.
Artists bring in new pieces weekly, meaning no two visits are ever the same. While the store gets a full seasonal reset, there’s always something fresh waiting on the shelves. Find a new batch of pottery, a one-of-a-kind furniture piece, or a handcrafted gift you didn’t know you were looking for.
Fan favorites include:
Pottery (especially noodle bowls)
Plants and macramé hangers
Handcrafted soaps and bath products
Personalized and customizable gifts
Customization is a big part of the experience. Names, dates, and special wording can often be added, with most custom work done directly by the artist. This ensures the process is especially personal from start to finish.
For Gifting and More
Hoosier Made welcomes a wide mix of shoppers. Many walking through the door are locals searching for meaningful gifts, regulars restocking their favorite soap, and visitors wandering down from nearby hotels looking for something that feels truly Indiana.
Many leave with items they couldn’t find anywhere else, and that’s the point.
Even if you’re not local, Hoosier Made makes it easy to stay connected. Customers can request shipping for items they see on Facebook by messaging them directly or by email. Following along on social media is the best way to catch new arrivals, special promotions, and upcoming events. The Hoosier Made Instagram will be launching in early 2026.
Looking Ahead
The future of Hoosier Made is just as collaborative as its beginning. In 2026, the shop plans to expand its floor space to welcome even more local makers and grow its business collaborations to continue strengthening the creative ecosystem in DWNTWN Muncie.
Hoosier Made represents the best things you’ll ever find are made right at home.
