Discover the History of the Brown County Art Colony

The Brown County Art Colony began taking shape in the early 1900s, when professional artists, writers, and photographers found inspiration in the region’s rolling hills, forests, and rural landscapes. William McKendree Snyder was among the earliest known artists to paint in Brown County. In 1907, celebrated Indiana painter T.C. Steele and his wife, Selma, established a home and studio amid the hills near Nashville, surrounded by spectacular gardens. Other artists soon followed, forming a creative community known for its interpretations of Brown County’s people and places. They were especially drawn to the area’s luminous natural light and unspoiled landscapes, which they captured through the lens of American Impressionism.

The colony earned regional and national recognition as its artists exhibited throughout the Midwest and across the country. Its influence grew during the American Regionalist movement of the late 1920s through the 1940s, attracting collectors and travelers to Nashville. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt also visited and brought Brown County artwork back to the White House, helping establish the area as a nationally recognized destination for art and tourism. The Brown County Art Gallery was founded in 1926 to give artists a place to exhibit and sell their work. In 1954, several prominent artists established the Brown County Art Guild to preserve the artistic standards, works, and community spirit of the original colony. Together, these institutions have sustained Brown County’s artistic legacy for generations. Today, numerous galleries and artisan venues carry this tradition forward. Visitors can explore historic galleries, tour T.C. Steele’s home, studio, and gardens, and discover how the original colony continues to shape Brown County’s identity.

Experience Brown County’s Living Artists’ Colony

Brown County is more than a destination for viewing artwork. It is a place to witness the creative process, meet the makers behind each piece, and explore the landscapes that have inspired generations of Indiana artists. Begin in downtown Nashville, Indiana, where historic institutions and independent galleries display works by early members of the Brown County Art Colony alongside those of today’s painters, potters, sculptors, and craftspeople. Throughout the walkable village, visitors will find paintings, ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, textiles, photography, glasswork, and other original creations. Venture beyond town to discover working studios tucked along wooded roads and rolling hillsides. Meet local makers, learn about their methods, and find one-of-a-kind pieces in the settings where they were created. Many area studios also offer private tours and viewings by appointment.

You do not need to be an experienced artist to participate in Brown County’s creative culture. Hands-on classes and workshops invite beginners, families, groups, and seasoned makers to try something new. Paint a canvas, shape pottery, design jewelry, pour a candle, build a terrarium, or spend an afternoon at a craft bar. Whether you leave with a newfound skill or a handmade keepsake, these activities offer a personal connection to the county’s enduring artistic heritage. Exhibitions, demonstrations, workshops, studio tours, and seasonal celebrations provide year-round opportunities to engage with the local arts scene.

The Brown County Art Gallery presents notable exhibitions, including the Indiana Heritage Arts Annual Exhibition and the Collectors’ Showcase. Each September, the Brown County Art Guild hosts Artists’ Colony Weekend, honoring the history and ongoing influence of the Brown County Art Colony. In October, the Back Roads Studio Tour leads visitors through the countryside to meet regional creatives and step inside their working studios. From Nashville’s downtown galleries to countryside studios and immersive workshops, Brown County invites visitors to do more than admire its artistic legacy. Here, they can see how that tradition continues to grow, change, and inspire. Download the Studio Tour Map Here.

Art Exhibits, Workshops, & Events

Plan Your Brown County Art Colony Itinerary

There is no single way to experience Brown County’s art colony. Let your interests guide your visit, from historic galleries and working studios to immersive workshops and the sunlit landscapes along Brown County’s scenic back roads. Explore the galleries of downtown Nashville, meet artists in their studios, or try a hands-on class. Set aside time to tour T.C. Steele’s home and gardens, attend a seasonal exhibition, and photograph the landscapes that have inspired generations of artists.