Steeped in rich art heritage, Brown County has and always will be a haven for artists! Drawn to the area’s breathtaking vistas, lush scenery, and interesting characters, artists migrated to the region nearly a century ago to establish their own art colony, one of the first of its kind in the Midwest.
This September, Brown County will pay special tribute to its historic past and present-day art heritage during Art Colony Weekend, September 8-10!
Brought to you by the Brown County Art Guild in conjunction with T.C. Steele State Historic Site, Art Colony Weekend will be a fun-filled weekend celebrating the rich artistic history and exciting future of art in Brown County.
During Art Colony Weekend, art will come to life through several unique events, including the 29th Annual Great Outdoor Art Contest, a Village Art Walk, opportunities to interact with local artists, the Villagescape Paint Out, a Community Paint-Along, and much more!
A highlight of the weekend will be the 29th Annual Great Outdoor Art Contest and local tastings at the T.C. Steele State Historic Site on Saturday, September 9 from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Experience the tradition of plein air painting as registered artists paint on the T.C. Steele Site grounds during a live painting contest! Judges also will offer two painting demonstrations during the day, designed for beginning artists and those who would like to get started painting in the great outdoors.
Aside from plenty of painting, there also will be an outdoor afternoon concert by the Amanda Webb Band, a beer garden provided by Salt Creek Brewery, and a catered lunch by Hotel Nashville. The contest is co-sponsored by Pygmalion’s Art Supplies and the Friends of T.C. Steele State Historic Site.
“The Outdoor Art Contest is a lot of fun for people of all ages,” said Rachel DiGregorio, Office Support Manager at the Brown County Art Guild. “It’s an exciting festival atmosphere with tons of things going on all in one spot…plus it’s really cool to see the artists working!”
Following the Outdoor Art Contest on Saturday will be the Village Art Walk in downtown Nashville from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. on September 9. Enjoy a free, self-guided tour of 15 galleries featuring original, local and regional fine arts and crafts! Demonstrations, music, and refreshments also will be featured at many galleries.
Be sure to stop by the Brown County Art Guild on Saturday evening from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. for their Artist Reception and Wet Paint Sale, where you will be able to admire and purchase paintings from the Outdoor Art Contest, as well as see the Guild’s special “Painterly Companions” exhibit, sip on some craft beer from Quaff ON! Brewing Company, and listen to live music by Amanda Webb.
“The Guild’s reception is a must-do,” said Rachel. “You’ll be able to see what artists worked on at the Outdoor Art Contest and a lot of our Guild artists will have freshly painted works on display too.”
“Aside from getting to mingle and chat with the artists themselves, you’ll get to see T.C. Steele’s palette, which has never been exhibited before,” she added.
That’s not all though…come back Sunday, September 10 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!
Roberta Chirko, Gallery Manager at the Brown County Art Guild, expects the Villagescape event to be one for the books! “Indiana’s finest plein air painters are going to be entering a competition for thousands, so it’s their time to shine,” she said. “They’re definitely going to be turning out some great paintings!”
After being inspired by downtown artists, try your own hand at painting during the Community Paint-Along on Sunday from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at the Village Green. Large panels will be available, along with all materials. Feel free to paint a section with your very own design!
Many other fun events will be going on throughout the weekend as well, including a Friday night Gazebo Party at Hotel Nashville, an Art of Tea class at Sweetea’s Tea Shop, Moonlight and Magnolias comedy play at the Playhouse, and more!
“I would encourage everyone to come out for Art Colony Weekend,” said Rachel “It’s an awesome opportunity for people to meet our talented artists, see art in action, and actually participate in some art themselves!”
Experience art firsthand during this one-of-a-kind Brown County weekend. Make plans to attend Art Colony Weekend, September 8-10, and get lost in the wonderful world of art!