Art Colony Weekend
Calling all art enthusiasts to join in on the fun! Art Colony Weekend is a perfect opportunity to experience the fall splendor of Brown County. Learn more about the Midwest Art Colony artists, enjoy live music while viewing a beautifully curated historic collection, and attend an auction filled with award-winning art to purchase. There are a variety of events over three days from which to choose.
FRIDAY
September 11, 2026
Friday, 11 am – 7 pm
Gallery Hop
Begin the weekend celebration by touring participating galleries in the village of Nashville. The Art Guild will showcase a new Founders Exhibition along with striking artwork by its current artist members. Live painting by Art Guild Members in the Guild galleries, music & refreshments. The Brown County Craft Guild, Hoosier Artist Gallery & Spears Gallery will also offer unique and exquisite items for sale. Free & Open to the public.
Friday, 11 am – 7 pm
A Founders Exhibition – Exhibition Opening
The Brown County Art Guild proudly presents the Founders Exhibition: Frederick W. Rigley, honoring one of the Guild’s founding artists and an important figure in the development of Brown County’s artistic legacy. Drawn from private collections, this exhibition brings together a rare selection of paintings that reflect Rigley’s deep appreciation for the landscapes, light, and character of southern Indiana.
SATURDAY
September 12, 2026
Saturday, 7 am – 4 pm
Great Outdoor Art Contest
T.C. Steele State Historic Site
The oldest plein air painting competition in Indiana celebrates its 38th year! Gates open at 7 am for artists to have their canvases stamped and then off to work. The artwork will be judged at 2 pm with award announcements beginning at 3:30 pm. A separate admission fee applies for those observing throughout the day or attending the awards ceremony.
Saturday, 12 – 4 pm
Community Paint Together
The Art Alliance of Brown County proudly presents the opportunity for everyone to take up a brush – young and old, novice and experienced. Families are welcome. The large canvas will await those who want to make their mark on this year’s masterpiece. A creation like no other, the project aims to encourage the imaginative spirit and hidden talent within all of us.
Saturday, 1 pm – 2:30 pm
Guild Speaker Series
As part of the 2026 Art Colony Weekend and in conjunction with the Art Colony Auction Preview, join us for a fascinating journey into the history of one of America’s most celebrated art colonies. Brown County historian and resident Rick Kelley will share his deep knowledge of the Brown County Art Colony and the remarkable artists who came to these hills seeking inspiration, community, and a place to call home. Through engaging stories, personal insights, and historical anecdotes, Rick brings the past to life, revealing the people, places, and events that shaped Brown County’s rich artistic legacy. Rick will invite audience members to ask questions and share in the conversation. The auction is also available for preview, 10am-1pm
Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm
Brown County Art Gallery
Enjoy the exhibition, Theodore Clement Steele: Indiana’s Master Impressionist from Munich to Brown County and at 2:00pm view the live play, “Selma and the Painter” featuring Broadway actress Jill Tasker as TC Steele’s wife Selma Steele. It is a tale of Selma’s life in Brown County with T.C. and the history of the House of the Singing Winds. Free – Limited Seating
SUNDAY
September 13, 2026
Sunday 12 – 4:30 pm
Brown County Art Colony Auction
