June 2026 Newsletter - Hancock County Arts
- May 31
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 2
June/July - Will Vawter Juried Exhibition: June 13th - July 25th at TwentyNorth Gallery. The 2026 Annual Will Vawter Juried Exhibition honors the legacy of renowned American artist Will Vawter by showcasing a diverse selection of artworks from contemporary artists. This juried exhibition features two-dimensional works, with pieces selected on artistic excellence, creativity, and technical skill. The exhibition celebrates both established and emerging talent, offering a platform for artists to present their work in the spirit of Vawter's artistic tradition.
During the Vawter exhibit, the gallery will be open 11am - 5pm on Saturdays.
Reception and Awards Ceremony: June 12, 6-9 pm (open to the public)
Art Intake for Will Vawter Exhibition: June 6, 12-5 pm
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Feeling Lucky? June 13th Drawing for Santana/Doobie Brothers Tickets
HCA is raffling two tickets to see Santana and the Doobie Brothers at Ruoff Music Center on June 21, 2026. The package includes VIP parking and is valued at $500. The drawing will be held at 7pm on June 13th. Raffle tickets are $10.00 each and may be purchased at the gallery or contact us for more information.
Gallery will be open June 13th, 11-5.
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2026 Plein Air Paint-Out - June 6th in Eastern Hancock County
Tours available 10:30-2:00
Artists are invited to participate in HCA's 2026 Plein Air Paint-Out, to be held on June 6th in Shirley, IN. This juried event is an opportunity for artists to paint outdoors in locations in and around Shirley (eastern Hancock County). The event will feature art classes and a demonstration.
Participants will register at the Shirley Friends Church, located at 101 S. Main St., Shirley, IN 47384.
Registration is 8:30-10:30am. Painting will end at 2pm. Artists should be aware that the Paint-Out coincides with the Vawter show intake day. For more information and to pre-register and buy tickets, follow this link:
The following free classes will be offered during the Paint-Out:
The Octagon House Shelter-
11:30 Doris Althaus, Children's Acrylic Painting (Shelter)
The Shirley Friends Church-
10:30 Greg Gearlds, Painting Demo
11:30 Cathy Wilburn, Mixed Media
12:30 Greg Gearlds, Loosen Up and Paint
Plein Air Paintings at Thrive Center June 18th - July 24th
The Eastern Hancock plein air paintings will be on display and for sale at the Thrive Center in Greenfield from June 18th to July 24th. The Thrive Center, located at 971 W. US Hwy 40, is open 8am-4pm Monday through Friday.
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A Pause for Words
"Dandelions" By Harold Schaefer
Wild at heart, bristling yellow,
Ubiquitous in extremis,
mesmerizing a child's eye,
encircling small wrists,
suns that laurel sweaty foreheads
in simple splendor.
Outlaw, you overwhelm lawns,
fill the snifter with summer wine,
calm the frantic dreams of
squandered time,
when all seemed in abundance,
mere blades of grass among dandelions.
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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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
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Hancock County Children's Choir Heading to Carnegie Hall in June 2027!
The Hancock County Children's Choir (HCCC) announces that they will have the honor of performing at Carnegie Hall in June 2027. Fundraising has begun, and HCCC is hoping to get a jump start on community involvement from supporters of the arts and any organization that would like to make a tax-deductible donation to help cover some of the costs of this trip. To make a donation, please contact Chrystal Sisson, HCCC's Development Associate, at 317-620-0096, or email info@hccchoir.org.
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TwentyNorth Gallery Art Intake Dates and Exhibitions
August - bicycle pARTs II - Artist Reception - August 14th
Art Intake July 27 - 28, 3 - 6 pm
"I thought of that while riding my bicycle." -- Albert Einstein on the Theory of Relativity (allegedly). In this exhibition, artists follow Einstein's path and use the bicycle as inspiration for creating works in all media. The bicycle, or some of its mechanical parts, is explored, using traditional or contemporary media and aesthetics to celebrate this beloved mode of transportation and the joy, challenges, an philosophical depths of cycling.
On view: July 30 - August 29
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)
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
Other Key Events in 2026
August 14 - Art War, 6 - 8 pm. Artists are invited to paint anything that inspires them during a one-hour competition (two 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. This event conveniently coincides with the annual Chocolate Walk hosted by the Greenfield Area Chamber of Commerce.
August 29 - Hancock FLAT 50 bicycle race. Celebration of the bicycle continues!
September 12 - Chalkfest, 12 - 4 pm.
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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"
A page devoted to the literary arts in Hancock County.
"Hancock County Arts" Instagram
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.
Special thanks to the Daily Reporter for their ongoing reporting of the talent,
experiences and the possibilities of all art in Hancock County
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P a r t o f t h e A r t s !
Our Mission
Promoting and Celebrating Arts
for Hancock County
Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 11 till 2
20A N State Street, Greenfield, IN 317.967.2461
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