September 2026 Newsletter - Hancock County Arts
- 15 hours ago
- 6 min read
September's Exhibit: "America 250 Celebration"

September 3 - 26th. This showcase of art celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence features all media, processes, subjects, themes, and aesthetics.
InTake: Aug 31, Monday and Sep 1, Tuesday from 3 pm till 6 pm
Artist Reception: Friday, September 11th, 6:30 - 8:30pm (open to the public).
Also that day, a family-friendly "Hometown Heroes" event will be happening on North Street between State Road 9 and Pennsylvania Street, including the north section of the Living Alley. For more information go to: https://www.facebook.com/events/994277169994660
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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. Chalk will be provided at the registration table or you may bring your own.
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 have secured all of our micro-sponsors for our Chalkfest.
Thank you for your continued support of Hancock County and the local arts!






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Art Call-out for All HCA Members Exhibit
HCA Members are encouraged to submit a piece to the October Member's Exhibition. All media, processes, subjects, themes, and aesthetics are welcome. The intake dates are September 28th and 29th, 3-6pm. The exhibit will be on view October 1st - 31st. The Artist Reception for this show will be Friday, October 9th at 6:30 - 8:30 pm.
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Winners of "bicycle pARTs II" Show

HCA's August exhibit, "bicycle pARTs II," had outstanding participation. The following works were recognized:
1st Place: Gale Sturm, "Wheels in Motion"
2nd Place: Gary Schmitt, "Allez!"
3rd Place: Linda Vandagriff, "Grandpa's Pond"
Honorable Mention: Laurie Rice, "Love of My Life"
Honorable Mention: Brittany Stump, "Mackinac Island"
Honorable Mention: Denise Yoder, "Shift Gears"
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Chocolate Walk/Art War Winners
1st place: Gale Sturm, "Constitution"
2nd place: Judith Gearlds, "Hang in There"
3rd place: Linda Vandagriff, "Old Stone Bridge"
Congratulations to our winners and to everyone who participated!
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A Pause for Words
By Lylanne Musselman
A Universal Trait
(a Garfield tribute)
Garfield the cat, lover of lasagna,
a sloth of a cat, who is so sarcastic,
obviously born with Hoosier humor.
We can all think of those with that wit,
that sometimes others from different states
or different states of mind don’t get,
they deem it cruel or are never in on the joke:
take his Jon insults and Odie pranks (please!).
Garfield the cat, hater of Mondays,
that may be his most universal trait,
any school kids, workers of all stripes,
despise the start of a new week, they’d
all rather pull that comforter up over their head,
snuggle in like a fat cat, take a nice nap.
Lylanne Musselman is an award-winning poet, visual artist, and playwright. She lives with her cats and creates in Eaton, IN. She is a member of Hancock County Arts. Musselman instructs writing classes at Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis and at the University of Indianapolis.
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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, You can check out our Education tab here or feel free to 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 Seeking Kick-off Donations
for June 2027 Carnegie Hall Trip
The Hancock County Children's Choir (HCCC) is fundraising for its June 2027 Carnegie Hall trip. If you would like to make a tax-deducitible donation to HCCC, please contact Chrystal Sisson, HCCC's Development Associate, at 317-620-0096 or info@hccchoir.org.
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Gallery and Special Events Meeting
In September, the monthly HCA Gallery and Special Events Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, September 3, at 6:30 pm at the gallery. All are welcome.
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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.
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
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"
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
Have you thought about being...
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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