Greetings exhibit-heads!

Sorry about taking an extra couple of weeks to post a new article, but after taking a vacation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where I was able to see a few amazing exhibits that I cannot wait to write about, I just needed a minute to refocus after seeing so many terrific exhibits. Before I get into my trip to Philly, (and furthermore discuss my new cheese steak habit) I want to focus on an art exhibit in Indianapolis, Indiana. Last time, you read about my experience at my alma mater, the Indiana State Museum Center of Science and Culture, and what an amazing job they did with the exhibit With Charity for All: The Lincoln Foundation Collection. While I was there I happened upon another exhibit right across the hall from With Charity for All entitled Heartland Art: Selections from your Indiana Collection.

I am by no means an artist. As you’ve seen in earlier posts like Textural Rhythms, and Without Sanctuary – both at one of my favorite sister institutions here in Cincinnati, THE National Underground Railroad Freedom Center – you would know that I embrace art exhibits although it isn’t every day that I get to manage one. (Of course, wait until I bring the blogs back to my home at Union Terminal and write about The Art of Caring) Heartland Art is different because it was more of a homecoming; seeing old friends, than it was critiquing an exhibit.

There were artists that I was familiar with such as John Domont and his “Contentment,” Susan Tennant’s “Woman Under Construction II,” as well as Adolph Shulz’s “Approaching Storm”, and the Hoosier Group consisting of William Forsyth, Otto Stark, John Otis Adams, and of course T. C. Steele. Even African American artist William Edouard Scott is represented in this exhibit.

My Professional Opinion:

If you missed With Malice Toward None, shame on you. If you missed With Charity for All, shame on you again, if you miss Heartland Art, you just aren’t paying attention. Fine Arts Curator Rachel B. Perry has once again done a phenomenal job of putting together an eclectic yet cohesive mix of works that speak to the strengths of Indiana’s artists from the late nineteenth century all the way to modern day in only 3500 square feet! The labels are fun, great looking, and not overwhelming with information. You have until February 13, 2011 to see it! Don’t procrastinate!

For more information:

The Indiana State Museum Center for Science and Culture

Website: http://www.indianamuseum.org Twitter: @indianamuseum

Grab Rachel’s Book T. C. Steele and the Society of Western Artists 1896-1914

http://www.iupress.indiana.edu/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=84462