Bringing Indiana Art By Indiana Artists to the Community
Photographer: Brandy Hornback
Art isn’t just for art fans. Hoosier Salon Art Gallery in Carmel is working hard to prove that to everyone in the community.
“There’s a misconception that only rich people visit art galleries and only they appreciate it,” says Mike Sinon, Manager of Hoosier Salon Art Gallery. “But we want to show people that art is accessible to everyone. The art world is ever changing and there’s something in it for everyone. Every person in Indiana could find a painting or work of art that speaks to them. They just don’t know where to look.”
Hoosier Salon art gallery opened in Carmel just a few years ago, but the organization has been around since 1925. It was started by the Daughters of Indiana whose mission was to promote Indiana artists and their works. They opened a gallery in Chicago at Marshall Fields Department Store, then brought the art back home to Indiana, moving to various venues and finally settling at the Indiana State Museum. Now, the art is at the Hoosier Salon in Carmel and at a sister gallery in New Harmony.
Having one of the most historic and storied collections of Hoosier art by Hoosier artists is reason enough to want to check out the gallery. But Sinon and the staff give guests a lot more reasons.
The Carmel gallery has two sides in the building. One side is a consignment shop filled with the works of hundreds of Hoosier artists.
“We keep it eclectic,” Sinon says. “We have many different types of art to appeal to all tastes.”
The other side of the gallery is strictly for shows and exhibitions, and Hoosier Salon holds plenty of those throughout the year.
For starters, on the second Saturday of each month, the gallery holds Second Saturdays. The event, which brings in about 300 guests, features a gallery walkthrough of the works of featured artists, food and wine and live music. Some special art shows feature the works of two or three chosen Hoosier artists, but sometimes the gallery holds a show of a group of artists.
One popular exhibit was May through June’s Plein Air Happening. During the exhibit, the gallery invited artists Legrand and Rudolech to engage in a little competition to paint 30 paintings of plein air, or outdoor scenery, in less than two days. The artists drew their subjects out of a hat and worked away, creating paintings showing scenery that changes by the light of the day.
In July, Hoosier Salon will be hosting Beauty in Bloom. The floral-themed show will feature the works of Diane Lyon and Beth Clary Schwier. Both Hoosier artists waited until later in life to promote their art and take on their craft full-time.
“Few artists can work on their craft full-time as beginners and market themselves right away,” Sinon says. “We want to educate people all over the state who are full-time artists taking on the burden of being self-employed.”
Don’t miss Carmel on Canvas, Plein Air Paint out, hosted by Hoosier Salon, September 14-15. Artists who’ve registered to participate in the event engage in two days of plein air (outdoor) painting in the Carmel Arts and Design District. Artists can win prizes if their painting is selected by a restaurant to hang in their building. More than $11,000 in prizes is up for grabs in four categories, professional, non-professional, teen and children.
The largest and most famous exhibit involving Hoosier Salon is the annual exhibition. The 94th Annual Exhibition will be held at the Indiana State Museum August 3-October 14.
Don’t miss your opportunity to experience the finest Hoosier art by Indiana’s finest artists. Visit Hoosier Salon today at 22 N. Rangeline Road in Carmel. For additional information on paintings, artists and upcoming events, visit the gallery’s website at hoosiersalon.org.
