Epsiode 1
Guest:
Marty Krause, Curator, Indianapolis Museum of Art (retired)
Subject:
Steele’s Study in Munich, Germany at the Royal Academy of Painting from 1880-1885
The interview will discuss Steele and his family’s journey by the steamship S.S. Belgenland to Germany in 1880, where he along with other Indiana artists, studied at the Royal Academy of Painting in Munich. Never before had artists gone directly from Indiana to study abroad. His painting techniques and styles learned during this period that influenced his work at this time will be covered. The discussion will also feature the concept and implementation of the international exhibition between the Indianapolis Museum of Art and Wallraf-Richartz Museum in Cologne, Germany in 1991. This exhibition is chronicled in the book “The Passage – Return of Indiana Painters from Germany 1880-1905” authored by Mr. Krause.
Epsiode 2
Guest:
Diana Thompson, Director of Collections, National Academy of Design, New York City
Subject:
Steele’s induction into the prestigious National Academy of Design in New York City
The interview will discuss Steele’s induction as an Associate National Academician (A.N.A) in 1913, and the history behind the academy and its role today. Founded in 1825, the academy promotes art and architecture in America though exhibition and instruction, and is the leading honorary society for visual arts and architects in the United States. Each year, new National Academicians are inducted into the membership by current members. This honor cannot be applied for or solicited. In keeping with the almost two-hundred-year history of the Academy, after induction each artist or architect selects from among their work and presents a piece to the collection. We’ll discuss Steele’s piece as a surprise to our guests.
Epsiode 3
Guest:
Dr. James A. Glass, Principal, Historic Preservation & Heritage Consulting, LLC
Subject:
Steele and the John Herron Art Institute
This interview will discuss the architecture and history of John Herron Institute and Steele’s affiliation with this institute and location. Upon return from Germany in 1885, T.C. Steele lived at Tinker Place in Indianapolis. This beautiful home was located at 16th and Talbot Streets in Indianapolis and arranged by his sponsor Herman Lieber (1832-1908). Steele built a studio on the grounds and opened it to the public. The Art Association (established in 1883) purchased the property in 1901 to create John Herron Art Institute. In the fall of 1905, the Tinker Place mansion was demolished to make space for the new Herron Art Institute. The cornerstone was laid in a ceremony in November 1905, with T.C. Steele as a featured speaker. The building was designed by Vonnegut and Bohn architects with a later building designed by Paul Phillipe Cret in 1929. The architecture of both will be discussed.
Episode 4
Guest:
Jim Ross, Co-owner of Eckert & Ross Fine Art
Subject:
T. C. Steele Paintings; sellers and buyers
This interview will discuss T. C. Steele through the eyes of art dealer Jim Ross of Eckert & Ross Fine Art in Indianapolis. Eckert & Ross has been the premier gallery of historic Indiana art for 47 years, and Jim has been with the gallery for 20 years. Topics will include Steele’s wide body of work, the market for Steele and other Hoosier Group paintings, what to look for in fine art, specifically Steele and the Hoosier Group. Mr. Ross will also discuss provenance, factors that drive pricing, current price ranges, and art as an investment. Restoration and care for fine art will be included, as well as some fun stories about Steele paintings Eckert and Ross have sold. Mr. Ross will also discuss how to buy a Steele painting, and how to see a Steele if you are looking for a broker to find a buyer for a Steele painting you may own. The research and work in the book, Hoosier Group – Five American Painters published by Eckert Publications in 1985 and a widely recognized expert body of literature on T. C. Steele, Otto Stark, J. Ottis Adams, William Forsyth and Richard B. Gruelle will be reviewed. Lastly, art shows, literature, and private/public showing will also be covered. Eckert and Ross are members of the Fine Arts Dealers Association.