Indianapolis is home to several art museums reflecting diverse cultures across the city. Photo by Julian Cirnigliaro.
ABIGAIL OAKLEY | STAFF JOURNALIST | aloakley@butler.edu
Not only can art be an expression of the individual artist, but local art can also reflect the region and its values regarding certain places or times. Although not always recognized, it is an important part of any city.
Alexandra Alva, a second year biology student, said art museums have a cultural impact in all cities.
“It helps us become more culturally aware,” Alva said. “You experience new things and different forms of expression. “
Indianapolis is home to many museums and art galleries. Some are very well known, while others are mainly known to the art scene. Here is a list of some of Indianapolis better museums and art galleries.
Harrison Center for the Arts
The Harrison Center is a local art center focused on cultural and community development. They have seven art galleries, as well as studio spaces for artists. They have exhibitions that change monthly and often focus on local artists. The Harrison Center also includes interactive exhibits such as a human hamster wheel and an LED tetherball.
What makes this center unique is its dedication to the community. Lexi Harford, a major junior in art and design, noticed this dedication while she was an intern at Harrison Center.
“They’re trying to make it interactive, more for the city,” Harford said. “They are focused on creating and sustaining this community. It’s more than art.
The Harrison Center has partnered with many local organizations to host events such as the House show and The art of networking. Like many local art galleries, concert halls, and theaters in Indianapolis, they also participate in First Fridays. Every first Friday of the month, galleries and studios are open with special discounts or free to the public, often with special exhibitions.
Gallery tours and additional information about Harrison Center exhibitions and events are available on their website. harrisoncenter.org.
Eiteljorg Museum
The Eiteljorg Museum has an extensive collection of Native American artefacts and Western art. Exhibits range from contemporary art to artefacts from the indigenous nations of the region.
Eiteljorg was founded in 1989 with the mission of inspiring and fostering understanding of cultures. Since its founding, the museum’s collection has included the works of notable artists such as Andy warhol and Georgia o’keeffe.
The unique range gives visitors to the Eiteljorg an insight into Western culture past and present. The Eiteljorg is one of the two museums east of the Mississippi River to combine Native American and Western American art. The museum’s collection of Native American art has always been classified as one of the best in the world.
Olivia Lighty, junior student in Communication Sciences and Disorders, commented on the unique collections of the Eiteljorg.
“[The Eiteljorg] offers something different from other museums, ”said Lighty. “There are works of art that people don’t really talk about that much.
You can find more information about their collections and events on their website. eiteljorg.org.
Indianapolis Museum of Art (Newfields)
A list of art museums in Indianapolis wouldn’t be complete without the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The museum itself is well known for its range of exhibits and is contained within Newfields, including the museum as well as a network of beautiful gardens. The museum’s regular exhibits include everything from classical European and American arts to indigenous Latin American, ancient Mediterranean and modern arts.
Some of Newfields’ current exhibitions include “Happy world: on a cloud, “Private Eye: the imagistic impulse in Chicago art” and “Juan de Pareja: a painter’s story. ”
More information and tickets can be found on their website discovernewchamps.org.
These museums each offer something unique to add to the Indianapolis arts scene. They keep the local culture alive while providing the opportunity to experience other cultures. Harford encourages people to visit art museums and galleries.
“Go ahead,” Harford said. “It’s a really welcoming environment. [Many local places] Have fun. So just be open to it.
From oil paintings to artifacts, there is something for everyone on the Indianapolis art scene.
