We are very excited about the significant level of activities taking place at the historic site. For anyone who has visited this summer, you have seen the construction of the new visitor center, which will be dedicated this fall. The public dedication date is Sunday, October 28 at 2pm EDT. The structural steel is being installed now, and construction is progressing very nicely.
We want to recognize Bob and Barbara Stevens of Columbus, Indiana for their generous donation to enable this long-term site dream to become a reality!
Another new addition to the site is the reconstruction of T.C. Steele’s Traveling Studio Wagon which is also progressing very nicely. The re-build of T.C. Steele’s roving horsedrawn painter’s wagon is being completed by Hoosier craftsmen at Woolywagons located in Russiaville, Indiana. The builders are currently waiting on the undercarriage and wheels which are being constructed by the Amish. Indiana has the world’s third-largest Amish population, and their beliefs prevent the use of electricity. Woodworking in Amish shops is often powered by hydraulic and pneumatic power that are run on diesel compressors. The Amish woodworkers pride themselves in their work and view their products as both pieces of art and functional design.
We project the Traveling Studio Wagon will be completed and on static display for the Great Outdoor Art Contest (GOAC) on Saturday, September 8. The Traveling Studio Wagon will be presented next to the formal garden for GOAC, and then moved up the hill where it will be remainnear the new visitor center.
On Saturday, September 8, we invite you to the annual Great Outdoor Art Contest. This event is the oldest plein air painting competition in Indiana and celebrates its 30th year this summer. Experience the tradition of plein air painting as registered artists paint on the T.C. Steele State Historic Site grounds, adjacent Yellowwood State Forest, and elsewhere in Brown County. This event is part of the Brown County Art Colony Weekend, and is hosted by The Brown Country Art Guild. Gates open for artists at 7:00 am.
In
David E. Steele,
President and board chair,
Friends of T.C. Steele State Historic Site, Inc.