May 2026 - Hancock County Arts
- May 1
- 7 min read
May Open Exhibition: April 30th - May 23rd at TwentyNorth Gallery. All media, processes, subjects, themes, and aesthetics will be presented in this showcase of artists who will share their current works from their studio practices.
Artist Reception: Friday, May 8th, 6:30 - 8:30 pm (open to the public)
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Fundraiser Alert! June 13th Drawing for Santana/Doobie Brothers Tickets
HCA is raffling 2 tickets to see Santana and the Doobie Brothers includes VIP Parking, at Ruoff Music Center on June 21, 2026. Ticket &Parking value: $500. The drawing will be held at 7pm on June 13th. Raffle tickets at $10.00 each may be purchased during gallery hours beginning on May 7th at the gallery.
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Call for Artists
2026 Annual Will Vawter Juried Exhibition
Register by 11:59pm, May 25th, 2026, through:
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.
Two-dimensional works in oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, pastel, drawing media, fiber, and mixed media.
Accepted works delivery: June 6, Noon - 5 pm
Reception and Awards Ceremony: June 12th, 6 - 9 pm
On view: June 13 - July 25
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Don't Miss Art Historian Katie Grant's Plein Air Lecture
May 21st, 7-8pm!
In anticipation of the 2026 Plein Air Paint-Out, the Gallery is providing an opportunity for members and the public to learn more about the plein air technique. HCA is delighted to welcome Katie Grant, who will discuss the history of plein air on May 21st, 7-8pm. Katie is a Hancock County native who received her degree in Art History from the Herron School of Art and Design at Indiana University Indianapolis. During her time at Herron, Katie focused on art historical theory and art prior to the 20th century.
Katie has been a volunteer with Hancock County Arts since April 2025 and enjoys engaging with other art enthusiasts in the community. Outside her work at the gallery, Katie also works at the IU Indy Herron Art Library, where she assists students in accessing library resources and conducting research. She has also joined the team behind the BUTTER Fine Art Fair, collaborating in artist relations and community engagement.
The lecture will be held at the Gallery on May 21st, 7-8pm. Sandy Hall, Donna Shortt and Amy Blackwell, all experienced plein air artists, will join Katie to answer any questions to help you on your plein air adventures.
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2026 Plein Air Paint-Out - June 6th in Eastern Hancock County
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 3pm. Artists should be aware that the Paint-Out coincides with the Vawter show intake day.
Paintings will be on display at the Thrive Center in Greenfield from June 18th to July 24th. For more information and to buy tickets, use the link below.
Also offering free classes:
The Octagon House and Shelter-
10:30 Katie Grant, Lecture on Plein Air
11:30 Doris Althaus, Children's Acrylic Painting (Shelter)
1:00. Katie Grant, Lecture on Plein Air
The Shirley Friends Church-
10:30 Greg Gearlds, Painting Demo
11:30 Cathy Wilburn, Mixed Media
12:30 Greg Gearlds, Loosen Up and Paint
Pre-register online
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A Pause for Words
"Nothing To Save" By Lylanne Musselman
Work most waking hours,
try not to spend on frivolous things,
like a package of hamburger, or
those new shoes you need.
Cancel basic cable, and make sure
you budget bills each month.
Grimly watch gasoline prices climb.
Collect all the notices of hikes
in utilities, insurance, and those dues
of organizations you belong to. If lucky
you'll sell a painting here or there,
or maybe some poetry books. Pray
that you or your cats don't take ill,
depleting any extra money
that might be sitting in the bank.
Know you'll never retire.
Lylanne Musselman is an award-winning poet, visual artist, and playwright, who lives with her cats and creates in Eaton, IN. She is a member of Hancock County Arts. Musselman instructs writing classes of all stripes at Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis and at the University of Indianapolis.
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Gallery and Special Events Meeting - Open to Public
May 6th, 6:30pm
Join us where art meets conversation—a couple of hours to shape the gallery. Always the 1st Wednesday of each month. This month we are planning for our Annual Will Vawter Exhibit/Plein Air and Summer Celebration, which takes 40 volunteers to make happen. Come to help imagine and bring to life our biggest event of the year! The Gallery is located at 20-A N. State Street in Greenfield. Please RSVP below:
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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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TwentyNorth Gallery Art Intake Dates and Exhibitions
June/July - Will Vawter Juried Exhibition - Reception and Awards Ceremony - June 12th, 6 - 9 pm
Art Intake June 6, Noon - 5 pm
Register by May 25th, 2026, through:
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.
On view: June 13 - July 25
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
June 13 - Summer Celebration, 2 pm - 6 pm A music festival in the gallery and the North Street Living Alley to celebrate our talented musicians.
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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