Art Renaissance Weekend
September 9, 10, 11, 2005

by Rachel Perry

The late Margaret Colglazier, a visionary, looked around the Brown County community in the early 1990s and noticed that several arts organizations sponsored annual events to launch the fall season. Colglazier, who was then director of the Brown County Art Guild, called a meeting of representatives from local non-profit arts organizations one evening in the late summer of 1993 to plan the first Brown County Art Renaissance Weekend.

For the past twelve years, the annual Art Renaissance Weekend has flourished, growing into a significant event to showcase past and present Brown County art. This year exhibits, sales, tours, a concert and art demonstration offer something for every art enthusiast. New artwork is featured at the Waldron Gallery’s annual exhibit of the Small Painting Society and in art galleries throughout the county.

The Brown County Art Guild sponsors the Peaceful Valley Chamber Players on Friday evening, September 9. Due to past overwhelming response, the concert will take place at the Nashville United Methodist Church at 7:00 p.m., followed by a wine and cheese reception at the Guild. Paintings from their historical permanent collection, as well as works by current Guild members, create a visual feast to augment the organization’s famously delectable hors d’oeuvres.

Indiana Heritage Arts will present “An Evening with Ronald O. Elkins” on Saturday, September 10 from 7:00 to 9:00 at the Artists Colony Inn. The program features a painting demonstration by popular pastel and oil painter, Ron Elkins. His painting will be auctioned off at the end of the evening. IHA is also sponsoring a workshop “Essential Elements of Landscape Painting,” by Indiana painter Robert Eberle on September 7, 8 and 9.

To confirm that the Brown County art colony is alive and well, the Brown County Art Gallery hosts the local Art Alliance exhibition “Live from Brown County” showcasing the variety and quality of art that is being produced by living Brown County artisans. Works by members of Art Alliance Brown County include pottery, oils, watercolors, sculpture, mixed media, photography, holography, acrylics, stained glass and textiles. Free admission allows enthusiasts to view this diverse artwork and to purchase at reasonable prices on Friday and Saturday, September 9 and 10 from 10:00 to 5:00 and Sunday, September 11 from noon to 5:00.

The 17th annual Great Outdoor Art Contest at the T.C. Steele State Historic Site attracts artists throughout the state who use their outdoor painting skills to compete for prizes determined by a panel of judges. Originally created to celebrate the birthday of “Hoosier Group” artist T.C. Steele, the event encourages artists to capture the ambiance of the day on canvas, as Steele did. Artists must pre-register to participate by calling (812)988-2785. Spectators will enjoy live music, tours of the studio and house filled with Steele’s original paintings and personal belongings, and the fascinating experience of watching competitors produce artwork on-the-spot.

September kicks off the surge of tourists who relish 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 <bcag@kiva.net>.