Art Colony Weekend reminds us that Brown County continues to be an arts community. It is a living tradition, sustained by artists, galleries, collectors, organizations, residents, and visitors who value creativity and the unique sense of place that has attracted artists to the hills of Brown County for generations.
For more information and full event schedule visit browncountyartguild. org. •
The county’ s art heritage will be spotlighted on
September 11 – 13, 2026, as the Brown County Art Guild presents its 12th annual Art Colony Weekend, a three-day celebration of art, history, and tradition.
For more than a century, artists have been drawn to Brown County’ s distinctive landscape and rural character. This weekend shares that legacy while inviting everyone to experience the creative spirit that continues to thrive in the community.
This year features a Founders Exhibition at the Brown County Art Guild, honoring the work and influence of the Guild’ s founding artists, and recognizing the role early artists played in establishing Brown County’ s nationally recognized identity as“ The Art Colony of the Midwest.”
The Great Outdoor Art Contest is a signature part of the weekend. Artists work outdoors amid the historic landscape of the T. C. Steele State Historic Site.
The Community Paint Together offers a different kind of artistic experience, inviting people of all ages and skill levels to pick up a brush and become part of a collaborative work of art. It reflects an important part of Brown County’ s creative culture: Art is not only something to admire, but something everyone can experience and share.
The Art Colony Auction adds another dimension to the weekend, bringing together the history of Brown County’ s art colony and the work of contemporary artists. It is an opportunity to discover and acquire paintings that reflect the spirit of Brown County. 44 Our Brown County • Sept./ Oct. 2026
Great Outdoor Art Contest
The Great Outdoor Art Contest will return for its 38th year at the T. C. Steele State Historic Site, continuing the creative tradition of Indiana’ s oldest plein air painting contest. The event offers a unique opportunity to observe artists from across Indiana as they create plein air paintings amidst the picturesque landscapes that inspired renowned Hoosier artist T. C. Steele.
From 7 a. m.-4 p. m. on Sept. 12, 2026, visitors can get an up-close look as artists from around the state compete in one of Brown County’ s most beloved celebrations of Hoosier painters. The Great Outdoor Art Contest is co-sponsored by the Indiana Plein Air Painters Association and is part of Brown County Art Colony Weekend.
Plein air painting, or painting“ in the open air,” allows artists to capture the natural light and movement of the environment. Steele, who was praised for his vibrant outdoor scenes, established the plein air tradition in Brown County, and the historic site continues that artistic legacy through this competition.
During the Great Outdoor Art Contest, artists will arrive beginning at 7 a. m. to have their blank canvases stamped before heading out across the scenic grounds