Brown County
Art Renaissance
September 10, 11, 12

For the past eleven years the annual Art Renaissance Weekend has marked the beginning of the fall season in Brown County. A collaborative event sponsored by many of the county’s arts organizations, the event showcases past and present Brown County art, offers a painting demonstration, presents baroque music, and invites all artists to participate in the16th annual Great Outdoor Art Contest at the T.C. Steele State Historic Site, among other events. This year marks the Brown County Arts and Cultural Commission’s grand opening of the Arts Information Center in the Heritage Building on South Van Buren Street.

Several exhibits and sales offer something for every art collector, with new artwork featured at the Waldron Gallery’s annual exhibit of the Small Painting Society; the “Artist Colony Today” showcase of work by resident Brown County artists at the Brown County Art Gallery; the yearly Artists Colony Inn and Gallery historical art sale; and a special art sale and exhibit to benefit the Nature Conservancy.

This year the Brown County Art Guild sponsors Duo Geminiani, an internationally known baroque duo featuring Stanley Ritchie on violin and Elizabeth Wright on harpsichord, on Friday, September 10 at 7:00 p.m. Be sure to arrive early for this popular free event since space is limited.

Robert Eberle, of Painting Indiana fame, demonstrates his landscape painting techniques on Saturday, September 11, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the downstairs gallery of the Artists Colony Inn. Presented by Indiana Heritage Arts, the demo-painting will be auctioned off at the end of the evening.

To confirm that the Brown County art colony is alive and well, the Brown County Art Gallery continues an annual tradition of inviting the county’s resident artists to display their work during the Art Renaissance Weekend, and more than 70 have answered the summons. Free admission allows enthusiasts to view a variety of artwork, to purchase at reasonable prices, Friday and Saturday, September 10 and 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, September 12 from noon to 5:00 p.m.

The 16th annual Great Outdoor Art Contest at the T.C. Steele State Historic Site attracts artists throughout the state to use their outdoor painting skills to compete for prizes determined by a jury. Originally created to celebrate the birthday of “Hoosier Group” artist T.C. Steele, the event actually falls on his birthday, September 11, this year. Artists must pre-register to participate by calling 812-988-2785. Spectators can enjoy live musical entertainment, tours of the studio and house, and the fascinating experience of watching competitors produce artwork on-the-spot.

Visitors and art enthusiasts have traditionally gathered to celebrate Brown County’s unique heritage and to support the county’s art organizations and artists during the Art Renaissance Weekend. September kicks off the surge of visitors to the county who enjoy the fall splendor and appreciate those who attempt to capture it on canvas. All are welcome. For more information about events, call 812-988-6185 or e-mail at bcag@kiva.net.