Westfield has an independent streak-independent art, that is. The Numa Arts & Cultural Event showcases the finest work of painters, potters, dancers and musicians, plus up-scale refreshment, a community cook-off and family fun from noon to 10 p.m., Saturday, September 18 at Penn and Union streets in downtown Westfield.

As Indiana's newest city takes shape, the volunteer-driven Numa Arts and Cultural Event aims to differentiate our community by developing culturally-aware patrons of the arts-indy art. Numa has become one of Westfield's most widely anticipated Saturday's each year. This year promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

Numa's juried art exhibit and sales area, adjacent to Asa Bales Park, features local, regional and national independent artists offering their finest watercolor, oil and acrylic paintings, hand-thrown and fired clay creations, whimsical metal garden art, and exquisitely beaded and wired jewelry for sale.

Applications for individual exhibits and gallery booths, as well as plein aire/demonstration only opportunities set up throughout the park, are available through July by logging on to http://www.dwna.org/events/numa/.

Eclectic musical and performance art offerings for this year include native American flutes, Gene Deer's blues, a roving calypso band, Brian Paulson's jazz, Ryan Anderson's drum circle, Dances of Universal Peace accompanied by Branches Breath, and headlining reggae act, The Ark Band.

Storytellers and magicians entertain the youngsters, while Numa's community canvas project promotes the community's arts and culture in the Creative Kids area. Mad Science and airbrush face painters will also be back this year.

Fabulous food, microbrews and other beverages are available for sale thanks to local eateries and fine dining restaurants. Plus, local and regional groups will compete in a community cook-off. Sampling is optional.

Numa is located along Union Street, north of Indiana Highway 32 to Penn Street, just west of Westfield City Hall. Parking is plentiful and free. Early-bird tickets are available for $4 and $10 "show your Numa support" buttons are for sale each Friday from 4-8 p.m. at the Westfield Market on Indiana 32 across from Gallery One36. These buttons include one early-bird admission to Numa and a small, tax-deductible donation. At the gate tickets are $5. Children 12 and under are free. Numa is a family-friendly event, but please leave your pets at home.

Proceeds will benefit the Heart and Soul Free Clinic of Westfield.

Numa is still seeking corporate sponsorships at various levels of financial commitment.

Please contact Teresa Skelton at 317-508-3392 or email Numa at numaevent@comcast.net if you are interested in supporting local arts and culture.

To volunteer for this event, email Volunteer contact: Jayne Jackson.

Numa is made possible through the efforts of the Downtown Westfield Neighborhood Association and its volunteers.