August 2026 Newsletter - Hancock County Arts

Jul 31
7 min read

*This month's thumbnail art on landing page by Frank Hockett ("Yellow Moon-Blue Haze")

Featured Exhibit: bicycle pARTs II

July 30th - August 29th

"I thought of that while riding my bicycle." -- Albert Einstein on the Theory of Relativity (allegedly)

This exhibit features artists using the bicycle as inspiration for creating works in any media. The bicycle is explored using traditional or contemporary media and aesthetics to celebrate this beloved mode of transportation and the joy, challenges, and philosophical depths of cycling.

Artist Reception: Friday, August 14th, 6:30 - 8:30pm (open to the public)

Hancock FLAT 50 fans, catch this exhibit while you are in Greenfield!

Friday, August 28, 5-9 pm
Saturday August 29, 10 am - 2 pm

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Art War - August 7th, 5-8pm

Sidewalk at Twenty North Gallery

Artists are invited to paint anything that inspires them during a one-hour competition (three sessions) held on the sidewalk in front of the gallery, in view of the community. The work is then judged by the public for the prize of best artwork created that evening. Join in or vote for the best painting.

All you need do is bring an easel, a 16 x 20" canvas and your painting medium. We will have easels and tables available, but you are welcome to use your own. To celebrate our 250th anniversary, we just ask that you add the American flag into your scene. It will be a fast-paced painting exercise. You may choose your image but will need to paint from memory - not using phones, pictures, etc. Have some fun with it!

Folks love to see painters at work. Grab a brush and join us!

Contact us at hancockcountyarts@gmail.com to sign up for a session.

https://www.hancockcountyarts.org/event-details/its-an-art-war-call-for-entries

This event conveniently coincides with the annual Chocolate Walk hosted by the Greenfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Greenfield Main Street. You can buy tickets for the 2026 Chocolate Walk at: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/17th-annual-chocolate-walk

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Chalkfest - September 19th, 12-4pm

Downtown Greenfield at the Living Alley (35 W. North Street - parking lot west of the gallery)

HCA invites artists, students, art clubs, and families to participate in our highly anticipated Annual Chalkfest 2026! The featured artist will be the dynamic muralist, Carl Leck (http://carlleck.net/).

The festival takes place on Saturday, September 19th, from Noon to 4:00 PM. It transforms downtown Greenfield's Living Alley into a vibrant, collaborative outdoor gallery. As we celebrate our nation's semiquincentennial, this year’s official theme is "AMERICA 250!". This is a fantastic, hands-on opportunity for all to showcase their talent and design a large-scale community masterpiece together.

Secure Your Square:

🔹 3x3 ft Square: $5

🔹 5x5 ft Square: $10

🔹 10x10 ft Square: $15 (Highly recommended for art clubs or other groups!)

Awards given for 5 groups:

· K thru 3 · 4 thru 8 · 9 thru 12 · Adult

· Group & Business Teams. It's a great family time for creativity!

All winners will be notified by Sunday, September 20th.

📝 How to Register:

Spaces fill up quickly, so we strongly encourage digital pre-registration. https://www.hancockcountyarts.org/chalkfestform

We are looking for local business community partners to help power this event. We have designed five micro-sponsorship packages that directly fund critical event components, offering your business prominent exposure to local residents. These micro-sponsorships are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If your business or association is interested in claiming one of these packages to show your civic pride for "AMERICA 250!", please reply by email or call us at 317-967-2461.

Thank you for your continued support of Hancock County and the local arts!

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A Pause for Words

By Harold Schaefer

August

Summer’s breath held,

the sky, a warehouse piled high

with incredibly white clouds,

a heavy air blanket buzzing,

earth, green, fulsome as if,

waiting for something grander still.

Tree limbs genuflect

heavy with apples,

while cicada sirens

metallic rattle

warnings never heeded,

as orange buses roll down

county roads walled in

by corn unable

to contain

the inevitable rush away from all this.

Harold Schaefer has a B.A. degree in Fine Arts and English from I.U. His poems have appeared in "Keeping the Flame Alive", "Flying Island", "Indiana Writes" and other publications. His poetry can also be found in the Indiana Poetry Archive. He lives in Greenfield, Indiana.

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August 2, 7:30-9:30 Free Concert and Fireworks at Riley Park Shelter House

Featuring Brandywine Wind

The Hancock County Visitor and Tourism Center is hosting John Hancock Day at the Riley Park Shelter House to celebrate the 250th anniversary of John Hancock's signing of the Declaration of Independence. This free event is open to the public and will have booths, kids' activities, and the Penny Lane Photo Bus. Bring lawn chairs!

Riley Park Shelter House is located at 280 Apple Street in Greenfield.

For more information go to https://www.facebook.com/events/907149312434139

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Want To Lead an Art Class?

HCA is seeking accomplished artists and teachers who would like to help us expand our class offerings. If you are interested, contact us at: hancockcountyarts@gmail.com

Creativity and Community: Studio Opportunities in Greenfield

Open Painting - Tuesdays 9 am-noon, Broadway Flats Studio, 210 S. Center Street, Greenfield, All welcome. Artists, bring your projects and come out to work, exchange ideas, and enjoy the company of other artists.
Figure Drawing - ON BREAK. Watch for updates in future newsletters.

If you have a studio opportunity you would like to share here, please email us at at: hancockcountyarts@gmail.com

Gallery and Special Events Meeting

Join us where art meets conversation—a couple hours to shape the gallery and Hancock County Arts. Always the 1st Wednesday of each month. Come Wednesday, August 5, 6:30 pm at the gallery.

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Volunteer Opportunities

Would you like to meet new people and support your community?

Hancock County Arts (HCA) is a non-profit organization that has been

supporting the arts for 27 years. We are a 100% volunteer-led organization,

so community engagement is vital.

We have one-time opportunities, on-going projects, and family-friendly options.

Volunteer with us! We have a variety of activities where we could use

your unique skills and talents. Volunteer commitments run around 2-3 hours a month. HCA is a great place to meet nice people and make new friends while supporting your community.

https://www.signupgenius.com/findasignup

Once in the site, search with our email: hancockcountyarts@gmail.com

and two areas will appear for you to review!

You can always email us, too! hancockcountyarts@gmail.com

“Arts and culture are vital to the city’s economic growth,

community identity, and quality of life.”

Hancock County Arts (HCA) has created relationships with visual, performing, and literary art groups. You, as volunteers, are an integral part of the success of HCA. There are a number of

ways to volunteer, either by working behind the scenes or interacting with the public.

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TwentyNorth Gallery Art Intake Dates and Exhibitions

September - America 250 Celebration - Artist Reception - September 11th

Art Intake August 31 - September 1, 3 - 6 pm

All media, processes, subjects, themes, and aesthetics will be presented in this showcase of art celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and founding of the USA.

On view: September 3 - 26 (coincides with Riley Festival October 1 - 4)

Call for Entries for America 250 Celebration - Intake 8/31 & 9/1 | Hancock County Arts

October - Members' Exhibition - Artist Reception - October 9th

Art Intake September 28 - 29, 3 - 6 pm

All media, processes, subjects, themes and aesthetics will be presented in this showcase of HCA artist members.

On view: October 1 - 31

November/December - Small Works 2026 - Artist Reception - November 13th

Art Intake November 2 - 3, 3 - 6 pm

This show calls for small-scale, two-dimensional artworks no larger than 8" x 10" (80 square inches), with the intention of providing original art at accessible price points for collecting or gift-giving.

On view: November 5 - December 19

Coming in September

Friday, September 11, 2026 - America 250 Exhibition reception in the gallery from 6:30 - 8:30pm.

While downtown stop by the Hometown Heroes, a special community event honoring the 25th Anniversary of 9/11, supporting the spirit of America 250, and paying tribute to the brave men and women who serve as first responders every day in our community.

The event will take place in downtown Greenfield, with North Street closed between State Road 9 and Pennsylvania Street, along with the north section of the Living Alley, creating a patriotic, family-friendly gathering space filled with activities, tributes and community fun!

More information - https://www.facebook.com/events/994277169994660

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FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

"Hancock County Arts" https://www.facebook.com/HancockCountyArtsCouncil/

Likes, shares and comments help the algorithm spread the word about HCA!

"Hancock County Arts Community Page, Indiana Art Lovers" https://www.facebook.com/groups/315137957535339

Hancock County community groups are welcome to publicize events and classes here.

"Hancock County Arts Literary Community"

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1452375805833065

A page devoted to the literary arts in Hancock County.

"Hancock County Arts" Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/hancockcountyarts/

As with Facebook we try to promote our events, artists and classes.

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Art Lovers /Art and Culture Supporters

See more art! You can view more HCA Member artwork at Wooton Hoy, LLC, 13 N. State Street, Greenfield, and at Greenfield Christian Church Gallery, 23 North East Street, Greenfield.
Show art at your business! If you are interested in hanging artwork at your business, let us know.
Donate to Hancock County Arts (Click Here)
Are you Passionate about Art? Or describe yourself as having controllable diversion with Art? Open committee meeting is first Wednesday each month at 6:30pm.
Wheelchair access at back of gallery (west side). For other accessibility accommodations, please contact us at 317.967.2461 or hancockcountyarts@gmail.com at least one week prior to visiting.