Brownie’ s
Featuring some of your old favorites and some tasty new ones
Dine In or Carry Out
Helmsburg GENERAL STORE
Owners: Sharon & Leonard Richey
Pizza & Wings, Groceries, Ice Large Selection Domestic / Craft Beer & Wine Tobacco Products Camping Supplies, Live Bait & Tackle Hunting & Fishing Licenses Check Station, Firewood
State Road 45 and Helmsburg Road Intersection •( 812) 929-7797
5730 N State Rd 135 • Bean Blossom • 812-720-3743
Daily Specials • Breakfast till 2:00 7 am to 8 pm • closed Thursdays Owners Paul and Tania Lattimore
Building Fine Log Homes for over 40 Years
HONESTY • INTEGRITY • HANDCRAFTED QUALITY 3497 Clay Lick Road • Nashville, IN •( 812) 988-2689 mikenickelslogcabins. com
ILLYANA COX continued from 55 school, you’ re suddenly up against professional artists,” she said.“ I haven’ t really seen a community system after that.” The transition from celebrated student to struggling professional was abrupt.
The gap widened when business entered the picture. Like many young creatives, Cox wants to paint— but she also wants to support herself through her art. Learning about LLCs, tax compliance, and pricing has been daunting, she said.“ Pricing your work is hard,” Cox said.“ It’ s your heart.” Calculating hourly value can feel discouraging, and she said underselling is a constant fear.
Cox dreams of finding a business mentor and believes the artists who prevailed over this season in their own careers could offer community classes on the business side of art, mentorship programs, and contests specifically for emerging artists.
Despite the challenges, Cox said she believes staying in Brown County is not only possible, it’ s right. While many young people feel they must leave their hometowns to succeed, she sees Brown County as a“ gem.” Tourists come here looking to buy art, she said. Artists are everywhere. Her family is here. So is a shared sense of care— for the environment, for the land, for each other, Cox said.
Looking ahead five years, she hopes to paint on larger canvases, explore impressionism blended with realism, and find gallery representation. She dreams of selling prints and originals, having enough financial stability to donate generously, and building a life rooted in passion without burning herself out.“ Patience,” she said.“ It’ s a journey.” Cox said she believes emerging artists like herself are proof that Brown County’ s artistic legacy is alive and evolving. But her story also points to what’ s needed next: the community must invest not only in celebrating art, but in teaching young artists how to survive as business owners.“ Talent is already here,” she said.“ With the right structure, the next generation won’ t just pass through— they’ ll stay, thrive, and build something lasting.”
Illyana Cox’ s work is available at brand. site / illyanaseye and on Instagram @ illyanaseye. •
56 Our Brown County March / April 2026