Brown County Art Gallery Spring Things
~ by Lyn Letsinger-Miller
A welcome arrival of spring will bring both a rebirth of the historic Brown County Art Gallery as well as a celebration of tradition.
A major capital fund drive to expand the Gallery has broken ground and visitors will see many changes under construction. Much needed additional exhibition space along with a working Art Education Studio will grow throughout 2015 with a target completion date of October. Two important collections, one honoring internationally known woodblock artist Gustave Baumann, the other Nashville bird artist William Zimmerman, will make their home in the renovated Gallery. The Artists Association, Indiana Heritage Arts and the Gallery Foundation Permanent Collection will have room to stretch out. The new studio promises to be a“ state of the art” place for hands-on learning.
While construction is underway, two major spring events will take place as usual.
The annual Victorian Tea enters its 21 st year with a nod to Downton Abbey lovers on Sunday, April 12. The event includes elaborate décor, a large variety of tea foods, door prizes and a raffle, along with a program entitled,“ Fashions through the Downton Abbey Era,” presented by Kelley Gallett Richardson, curator of the Indiana University Sage Collection. All Gallery Art Association paintings will be 10 % off for the day and there will also be artisans offering handmade jewelry, glass items, and soaps for sale.“ Royal” artist Jodie Friend will create a special painting to be raffled and will also provide eight mini paintings for the special Lady Grantham table. Paid reservations are required at $ 35 per person for general seating and $ 75 per person for Lady Grantham table including individual pieces of art work for each reservation. Doors open at 12:30 with tea served from 2 to 4 p. m. Call the Gallery at( 812) 988-4609 for reservations. Tickets sell out quickly. Proceeds benefit the non-profit Gallery Foundation.
Young Indiana artists take center stage on April 25 with the opening of the annual Mabel B. Annis Student Art Competition. Established nearly two decades ago by an Indianapolis industrialist in memory of his mother, this competition is open to Junior and Senior High School students from five surrounding counties. Students and their teachers bring over 100 entries ranging from painting, drawing, printmaking, and sculpture. The show is judged with cash prizes and ribbons. There is also a People’ s Choice award. A reception will be held on Sunday, April 26 from 2 to 4 p. m. The show will remain on exhibit until May 8 during regular Gallery hours. Some students offer their works for sale. Indiana Heritage Arts provides two awards for art teachers and the Gallery Foundation provides the administrative work for the exhibit.
Events coming this summer include the annual Indiana Heritage Arts Exhibition and Sale which opens June 6 – 20 and the annual Nashville Paint Out set for June 27. Follow the Gallery on“ the historic Brown County Art Gallery” Facebook Page and on the website < www. browncountyartgallery. org >. •
50 Our Brown County • March / April 2015