Shown is an oil-on-linen painting by Sarah E. Shaw of Indianapolis titled “Etoile.” Images provided.

By Darla McCammon
and DeeAnna Muraski
Guest Columnists

Darla McCammon and DeeAnna Muraski

WARSAW — In a recent Art in Action column, we discussed the immersive art exhibits at Fort Wayne and Indianapolis museums. We want to expand on another special exhibit at the 152-acre Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields.

As we mentioned, the Lume “Dali Alive” immersive experience takes up the entire fourth floor; but, the exhibit we want to focus on is located on the first floor. The Bret Waller Exhibit/Gallery is conveniently located by the entrance pavilion and a short jaunt across the hallway from the museum/garden gift shop.

The gallery focuses entirely on Indiana artists of note. Since the Indianapolis Museum of Art is the eighth largest museum in the United States, it is quite an honor for it to carve out such a generous space to highlight Indiana’s best and brightest talent. The exhibit is named after the former Indianapolis Museum of Art director from 1990 to 2001.

Another exhibit to see, as a companion for the Art in America series we recently finished, is the “Work in Progress: Conversations about American Art.” The installation focuses on how critics, artists and the public have approached American art.

One last exhibit to gush is in the Clowes Pavilion, named after an ardent beneficiary family. This is a must-see as it houses many of the Old Masters, which transcend you from time and place into a world seemingly light years before electronics. Getting to see a Rembrandt in close proximity nullifies the entry cost and leaves you mesmerized.

A side note of interest on the Indianapolis Museum of Art is that it was initially started as an art association (similar to our Lakeland Art Association) headed by a female, May Wright Sewall, leading the charge to add culture and educate. I feel she and my mother, Darla McCammon, are kindred spirits. The Indianapolis Museum of Art is now a designated National Historic Landmark.

To Go

Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, corner of North Michigan Road and West 38th Street, three miles north of downtown Indianapolis. It is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; closed Monday. Learn more at discovernewfields.org.

The Garden at Newfields: Harvest Nights. Glowing gourds and friendly spirits get you in the fall mood with a family-friendly outdoor walk, from Sunday, Sept. 29, through Saturday, Nov. 2. Winterlights will follow with more than 2 million lights, from Saturday, Nov. 23, through Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, to ring in the holiday season.

Beer Garden. In case you have a spouse not into art, you might get a quick convert if you have them hang out at the beer garden. Within walking distance of the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

Lilly House. Yes that Lilly. Also referred to as Oldfields, the museum was updated to historic specifications and on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Not quite the caliber of Hearst Castle and Biltmore, but it is impressive and interesting.

Taproot Brewhouse, 130 N. First St., Pierceton. Classes fill up very fast so get on the list as soon as the class posts. At 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, there is a Bob Ross class with certified instructor. On Sunday, Oct. 13, there will be acrylic painting of a lighthouse on wood by Cr-8-UR-Canvas with Susie Schaetzle. At 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, is a Bob Ross painting class.

Darla McCammon is an artist, columnist and author. DeeAnna Muraski is executive director of Operation Read USA Inc. Send an email to the mother/daughter team at [email protected].

Darla McCammon looks at a contemporary art display.