In the late 1800s through early 1900s, the art world recognized Brown County, Indiana as a premier art colony. Many of the period’s leading artists captured breathtaking landscapes and pioneered new schools of artistic expression in the hills of southern Indiana.

In 1954, Marie Goth, V.J. Cariani, Carl Graf, Genevieve Goth Graf, C. Curry Bohm, Dale Bessire, Georges LaChance and ten other notable artists formed the Brown County Art Guild to preserve the caliber and camaraderie of the art colony while rooting their gallery in the broader community.

The Guild purchased the historic Minor House, built in 1857, for its beauty and location in the heart of downtown Nashville, Indiana. The town became the center of the Brown County art scene and a growing attraction for serious collectors and enthusiasts. 

As the original Guild members passed away, they bequeathed significant works of art to Guild founder Marie Goth. Upon her death in 1975, Marie left this historic collection to the Guild as the centerpiece of its permanent collection. Her gift also enabled the Guild to restore and expand the Minor House to better function as an art venue.

Recognized by the state of Indiana as a vital part of the historic and current center of art in Indiana, the Guild receives funding from various sources, including the generous patronage of people who value Indiana’s artistic heritage and culture.