INDIANAPOLIS – Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch along with Treasurer Kelly Mitchell, and the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC), hosted a reception and showcase for the 2017 Hoosier Women Artists May 19 at the Indiana Statehouse. The annual competition was announced in March and today’s 34 honorees were selected out of over 200 entries.
HWA was established in 2008 as a way to celebrate the importance of the arts in Indiana’s communities and showcase the work of talented female artists throughout the state. The contest celebrates a wide variety of visual arts including drawing, painting, mixed media, and photography. Entries were juried by a panel of visual Indiana arts professionals and then selected for display by Lt. Governor Crouch and Treasurer Mitchell.
In addition to the inclusion of the Indiana Arts Commission as a co-sponsor, new for the 10th year of the contest, pieces of art were also selected by First Lady Janet Holcomb, for her office in the Governor’s Residence. Secretary Connie Lawson, Auditor Tera Klutz, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick each chose pieces to display in their respective offices in the Indiana Statehouse as well.
Winners of the Hoosier Women Artists contest will have their pieces displayed in the offices for one year to be enjoyed by the thousands of school groups, visitors, and staff who explore the historic structures annually.
“I am thrilled that these artists truly represent Hoosier women from across the state, and across every walk of life. As I have said before, there is no better way to tell the story of our great state than through the eyes and artistic expression of Indiana’s women, their unique perspectives, interests, and personal experiences,” said Lt. Governor Crouch.
“As always, the amount of talent and creativity Hoosier women possess and display is impressive. I am honored to celebrate their skill by displaying these beautiful works of art in our office during the coming year,” added Treasurer Mitchell.
The impressive list of 2017 Hoosier Women Artists, representing communities and professions all across Indiana, includes:
Visitors to the Indiana Statehouse are encouraged to stop by rooms 242 and 333 to view the art during normal business hours.
This year, artwork chosen for display at the Statehouse and Governor’s Residence may also be featured in a special exhibition running from August 3, 2018 through October 27, 2018 at the Haan Mansion Museum of Indiana Art, titled Hoosier Women Artists: Works Selected for the Statehouse. The Haan Museum showcases outstanding paintings by Indiana’s most notable artists, including TC Steele and other Hoosier Group artists.
SOURCE: News release from the Office of Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch