Hello Friends –
It is with mixed emotions I am writing to you as the impact and response to COVID-19 has been profound to all of us.
First, let me say on behalf of the board of directors, we have been thinking about members and their families and hoping each of you are safe and well. We plan to continue our communication efforts and remain in touch, and hoping to see you soon as the Governor’s “stay-at-home” guidelines are lifted. To that end, let me communicate some highlights this spring.
In February, we held our Annual Member Art Show now in its 8th year. We partnered with the Brown Country Art Gallery and this proved to be an excellent move. Not only were they great partners, the Bob & Barbara Stevens Art Education Studio provided the perfect environment of combining light and wall display areas to create a successful show with over 43 entries.
Unfortunately, as COVID-19 developed into a pandemic, the 35th Annual Wildflower Foray was cancelled. This three-day event has been a cornerstone of spring activity in the Brown Country art and outdoor community. The primary focus is on the natural history and environmental concerns relating to Brown County, especially as they relate to wildflower and bird populations. We plan to be a partner next year, and will communicate the activities as soon as the planning committee announces them in early 2021.
Looking ahead on a positive note, we are happy to announce as part of the Indiana University Bicentennial, a historical marker program has been initiated under the direction of IU historian Dr. James Capshew. These markers note significant people, places, events and organizations that have an extraordinary impact on the university, state, nation and world.
T.C. Steele will be honored by a marker as Indiana University’s first professor of painting. Appointed in 1922, Steele and his wife, Selma, furnished a large studio in Franklin Hall, and students were encouraged to observe the painter at work.
In closing, we continue to be excited about the future of “Friends” and have some exciting plans we are developing and will share with you as the year continues.
All the Best,
P. Garrett Adams
Click here to to learn more about the Steele painting featured in this issue, Morning – Old Schofield’s Mill.