to paint. Visitors are encouraged to wander through the gardens and grounds throughout the day to watch as the artistic process unfolds in real time. Lunch will be available for purchase in the visitor center. Artwork judging led by artist C. W. Mundy will begin at 2 p. m., followed by an awards announcement at 3 p. m. Tickets for spectators are $ 5 per person. Additionally, visitors who want to tour historic buildings like The House of the Singing Winds and Steele’ s large studio can purchase site admission at $ 12 for adults, $ 10 for seniors, and $ 7 for youth ages 3-17.
In honor of the 100th anniversary of Steele’ s passing, visitors can see rarely seen artworks and condolence letters addressed to his widow, Selma Neubacher Steele, while exploring the large studio.
Artists interested in competing can apply online at IndianaMuseum. org •
Brushstrokes and Backstories
America 250 Celebration
America’ s 250th birthday will be celebrated on
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, with an afternoon of Brushstrokes & Backstories at the Pioneer Village in the heart of Nashville, next to the county courthouse. History comes alive through art, music, storytelling, and traditional craftsmanship from noon to 5 p. m.
Sponsored by the Town of Nashville’ s Arts and Entertainment Commission in collaboration with the Brown County History Center, this unique celebration invites everyone to step back in time to experience the creativity and traditions that have shaped Brown County for generations.
Set against the historic backdrop of the Pioneer Village, guests will enjoy a variety of live demonstrations, performances, and interactive experiences.
The afternoon will feature live music performed by The Hammer & The Hatchet and The Lazy Susan String Band.
Plein air painters will be at work on site throughout the event.
Attendees will get a chance to see traditional arts and crafts demonstrations and hear Brown County tales shared by storytellers in period costumes.
The event will provide opportunities to meet local artists, musicians, and historians.
“ Brushstrokes & Backstories celebrates the people, traditions, and creativity that continue to define Brown County,” said NAEC President Melanie Voland.“ By bringing together visual artists, musicians, historians, and the community, we’ re creating an experience that honors our nation’ s history while showcasing the vibrant culture that continues to thrive here today.”
For more information follow Nashville’ s Cultural District’ s Facebook page, Arts Village Brown County, or call( 812) 320-0872. •
The Good People Good Times Music Festival is set to return September 11 – 12, 2026, at Explore Brown County, located at 2620 Valley Branch Road, bringing together an lineup of live music, latenight performances, immersive art, workshops, camping, and family-friendly activities for a two-day celebration.
Good People Good Times continues to grow as one of the Midwest’ s independent music festivals. The 2026 edition features more than 30 artists spanning jam, funk, rock, electronic, bluegrass, psychedelic, and experimental genres across multiple performance experiences.
Festival headliners include Manic Focus, Mike Love, Keller Williams, and Mihali, alongside a supporting lineup featuring Derick Howard & X-Runa, EarthCry, Chalk Dinosaur, Marvel Years, Fungi Flows, 65N Pickers, Dustin Smith & The Daydreamers, Indyca, Chirp, Act Casual, Mind at Large, Mic Sparkplug, Catnap, UltraViolet, Colt Ball, Moronni Lane, Evan Sturgeon, Sunny Side Down, Phoria Solo, DJPJ, and many more.
Tickets, camping, schedule: gpgtmusicfest. com •
Sept./ Oct. 2026 • Our Brown County 45