Did you know that Brown County is one of America’s original art colonies? Did you know it’s also home to one of the oldest art galleries in the nation? That’s right, around here art is more than just something to admire, it’s a way of life…and it always has been!
Dubbed the “Art Colony of the Midwest,” Brown County has deep artistic roots, stretching all the way back to the late 1800s! A long-standing haven for the arts, it’s still living up to the title today.
That’s exactly why this September Brown County will celebrate its historic past during the 4th annual Art Colony Weekend, September 7-9.
This fun-filled weekend will be chock full of arts and entertainment and is the perfect kick off to Brown County’s busy fall season! A celebration of all things art, this special weekend, brought to you by the Brown County Art Guild, is one that should not be missed!
During Brown County Art Colony Weekend, art will come to life through several unique events that are sure to delight the inner artist in everyone.
To kick off the weekend festivities, a Prelude pARTy will be held at the Brown County Library on Friday, September 7. Take a tour of the library’s permanent art collection, while you enjoy some live music, a silent auction, wine, and refreshments. There will even be local artisans displaying their skills as they create wonderful works of art right in front of you! The party will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Be sure to get your tickets at the Brown County Library or the Brown County Visitors Center!
If you’re looking for a jam-packed day of art, then Saturday’s the day for you. A highlight of the weekend will be the 30th Annual Great Outdoor Art Contest at the T.C. Steele State Historic Site on Saturday, September 8 from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Experience the timeless tradition of plein air painting as registered artists paint on the T.C. Steele Site grounds during a live painting contest!
Aside from plenty of painting, there also will be an outdoor afternoon concert by Stephen and Nancy Dickey and Friends, a beer garden, and food. There’s not much better way to spend the day than admiring amazing art, relaxing to music, and taking in the beautiful Brown County scenery!
A new addition to this year’s weekend is AGAIN – A Festival of New Art Made with Old Stuff. Head to the Emerald Pencil in the downtown Village on Saturday to see works by artists using found, scrounged, rescued, reimagined, and reinvented objects. Stop by anytime from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Also, on Saturday will be the Community Paint Together. After being inspired by the artistic buzz around town, try your own hand at some art during this fun, free, and interactive event. Large panels will be available, along with all materials from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at the Village Green. Feel free to paint a section with your very own design!
The fun continues into the evening with a dazzling art exhibit and entertaining live show. Head to the historic Brown County Art Gallery to admire the entire permanent Indiana Heritage Arts (IHA) collection. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., join the Art Gallery as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. Meet the masterful artists behind the IHA paintings while you’re at it!
After checking out the exhibit, pop on over to the Brown County Playhouse at 7:30 p.m. for Mellencougar. A tribute to America, rock n’ roll, and John Cougar Mellencamp, this show will be a great way to wrap up your Saturday. The performance also will feature special guest Toby Myers, a bass guitarist who played with the Mellencamp band back in the day! Be sure to get your tickets online or at the Playhouse box office…this is going to be a must-see event!
Come back Sunday, September 9 for the Villagescape Paint Out from 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. Painters will be out and about in the downtown Village showing their true talent as they create masterpieces before your very eyes!
Then, you can round out the weekend with Jackson’s Auction at 2:30 p.m. at the Brown County History Center.
Get lost in the wonderful world of art as you experience this one-of-a-kind Brown County weekend. Mark your calendars now and make plans to attend Art Colony Weekend, September 7-9!
Be sure to check out our other fun September events while you’re at it…there’s pretty much a festival each and every weekend!