Discover the rich tapestry of Indiana's artistic legacy at the Indiana Historical Society, where the fusion of past and present comes alive through captivating exhibits. From the monumental mural project of 1914 to contemporary ceramic creations, Indiana's art scene is celebrated in a series of exhibits that honor the state's creative spirit. These displays not only showcase the talents of local artists but also underscore the importance of preserving these cultural treasures for future generations.
The Indiana Historical Society's exhibit, "The Art of Healing," offers a retrospective glance at the works of sixteen distinguished Indiana artists, including T.C. Steele, Carl Graf, and Otto Starke. In 1914, these artists embarked on an ambitious endeavor, producing an estimated quarter-mile of mural artwork for one of the nation's oldest county hospitals in Indiana. These murals, hidden within the hospital's walls, represent a historic and unparalleled artistic venture.
Each mural in the Wishard art collection was crafted to commemorate the opening of new hospital wings, providing solace and inspiration to patients. The artists involved in this extensive project not only worked on the murals but also lived within the hospital during its creation. This immersive experience resulted in invaluable artworks that were highly regarded by project supervisor and renowned Hoosier artist William Forsyth as "the most ambitious and monumental work yet undertaken by Indianapolis artists." The collection features pieces by William Forsyth, Wayman Adams, William Edouard Scott, J. Ottis Adams, and T.C. Steele.
The exhibit not only celebrates these artists' contributions but also highlights the ongoing restoration efforts required to preserve these timeless artworks. Visitors to the History Market gift shop at the Indiana History Center can support these efforts through tax-deductible donations or by purchasing related merchandise such as calendars, note cards, magnets, and screensavers. Once restored, the murals will be reinstalled in the public areas of Wishard Memorial Hospital, a testament to Indiana's leading public healthcare institution.
Another fascinating exhibit at the Indiana History Center is "The Common Clay: Creating Old and New Ceramics," which delves into the history of pottery in Indiana. The display features early 20th-century pottery from Overbeck, Muncie, and Brown County, as well as later works by Karl and Gordon Martz and Richard Peeler, who were active in the state during the latter half of the century. The exhibit also showcases the creations of Robert Wood and his students from Buffalo State College, including college professors, public school art teachers, and full-time ceramic artists with national acclaim.
The Indiana Historical Society, established in 1830, has been dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting the state's history. Since relocating to its new headquarters in 1999, the society has become a premier destination for special events in Indianapolis. Admission to the museum is complimentary, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Indiana's historical narratives and enjoy dining at the Stardust Terrace Cafe along the historic Central Canal. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., with the library closed on Sundays. Located at 450 West Ohio Street in Indianapolis, the Indiana Historical Society invites guests to explore its scheduled exhibits and events by contacting the museum office at (317) 232-1882 or 1-(800) 447-1830. For more family-friendly travel destinations in Indiana, visit USA Travel Magazine.
The Indiana Historical Society's exhibits not only provide a window into the state's artistic past but also serve as a call to action for the preservation of these cultural assets. By engaging with the exhibits and supporting the restoration projects, visitors play a crucial role in ensuring that Indiana's artistic heritage remains vibrant and accessible for years to come.
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