Brown County Art Guild

Changing Seasons Special Exhibition & Sale
2025-07-18 - 2025-11-09
Experience the magic of colors, light, and moods within a new collection of artwork that celebrates each year’s cyclical nature. Through a blend of abstract and representational approaches, discover how our artists symbolize life’s seasonal journey, from rebirth and renewal to periods of rest and contemplation.

New Exhibitions pARTy
2025-07-26 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis)
Guests can anticipate a vibrant atmosphere to enjoy refreshments, listen to music, and experience artwork. It’s a chance to meet the artists, other art enthusiasts, and potentially acquire pieces. Whether you collect art or simply appreciate it, you are welcome to join us for this special evening. This event is free to the public.

Artist is In - Guild Artist Demonstration Series
2025-08-09 - 2025-08-10
August 9, 1 – 3 pm – Jeff Hagen, Watercolor Fusion
August 10, 1 – 3 pm – Rick Wilson, Oil
A favorite every year, select Guild artists will demonstrate their techniques and creative process in the gallery, offering visitors a chance to watch art being made firsthand. Each artist will present a different medium, providing a unique glimpse into the range of possibilities using various artistic methods and materials.
All ages welcome, free and open to the public

Art Colony Weekend
2025-09-12 - 2025-09-14
Art Colony Weekend is a perfect opportunity to experience the fall splendor of Brown County. Learn more about the Midwest Art Colony artists, enjoy cocktails while viewing a beautifully curated historic collection, and attend an auction filled with award winning art to purchase. Mark your calendars now for this annual celebration!
EVENT SCHEDULE AND DETAILS

EVENT SPONSORSHIP

A Founders Exhibition - Painting Partners
2025-09-12 - 2026-01-18
Marie Goth and V.J. Cariani, along with Genevieve Goth Graf and Carl Graf, were immeasurably connected as they journeyed through life. All four encouraged one another in their painting pursuits, particularly en plein air. Each couple was aligned in their commitment to the growing arts movement in Brown County, and their individual successes were undoubtedly attributed to the flourishing art colony as a whole.

Art Colony Weekend - A Founders Exhibition - Exhibition Opening
2025-09-12 11:00 - 19:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis)
Friday / September 12
11 am – 7 pm
Brown County Art Guild
Free and open to the public
Marie Goth and V.J. Cariani, along with Genevieve Goth Graf and Carl Graf, were immeasurably connected as they journeyed through life. All four encouraged one another in their painting pursuits, particularly en plein air. Each couple was aligned in their commitment to the growing arts movement in Brown County, and their individual successes were undoubtedly attributed to the flourishing art colony as a whole.

Art Colony Weekend - Gallery Hop
2025-09-12 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis)
Free and open to the public.
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. The Brown County Craft Guild, Hoosier Artist Gallery, Spears Gallery, and Second Story Gallery will also offer unique and exquisite items for sale.

Art Colony Weekend - Brown County Art Colony Auction
2025-09-13 - 2025-09-14
Saturday / September 13
12 – 4 pm Art auction preview
Sunday / September 14
12 – 1 pm Art auction preview
1 – 5 pm Art auction
Location: Brown County History Center
70 Gould St, Nashville, IN 47448
Free and open to the public
Looking for that special piece to finish an arrangement or round out your collection? Art auctions remind us that the value of art is not just in its price, but in the stories, history, and emotions it embodies. Join us for a dynamic afternoon and watch buyers compete for pieces. The works of Midwest Art Colony artists will be featured along with award-winning artists of today. Their endurability remains, regardless of the era in which they were painted.

Art Colony Weekend - Community Paint Together
2025-09-13 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis)
12 – 4 pm
Village Green, Main & Jefferson
Free and open to the public
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.

Art Colony Weekend - Guild Speaker Series - Bryan P. Jackson
2025-09-13 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis)
Bryan P. Jackson, CAI/CES
Auction Tips and Painting Care – Q & A Session
Saturday / September 13
1 – 2:30 pm
Brown County History Center
Free and open to the public
Join Bryan for a casual conversation about the current climate of fine art auctions and the best approach to purchasing artwork. Learn about protecting and preserving the acquired pieces. It can take a lifetime to amass a collection of treasured works. Caring for them to maintain their condition and value is just as important. The auction is also available for preview, 12 – 4 pm.

Art Colony Weekend - Founders Party
2025-09-13 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis)
Saturday / September 13
6 – 9 pm
Brown County Art Guild
$40 per person
Fall is in the air! Celebrate the lasting presence of the Art Guild at our annual autumnal bash. Mix and mingle while touring the art-filled galleries and artisan shoppe. Discover the beauty of artistic expression in key artwork by Guild members, including Painting Partners – A Founders Exhibition. Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres while listening Amanda Webb’s band, Sustayn. Awaken your passion for art!
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Unlocking Gouache: A Beginner's Guide to Opaque Painting
2025-11-01 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis)
Spend a day with Guild member artist and instructor, Donna Shortt. An award-winning painter, Donna will deftly lead the group through methods of painting with gouache. How to use the paint to design compositions for larger works in any medium. How to use it in a Plein Air setting and in a studio setting. She will talk about all the different supports one can paint on. How to frame and varnish will be discussed as well.
Event Details and Registration

Guild Artist Exhibition
2025-11-14 - 2026-03-14
A new exhibition showcasing works from our award-winning artist members who demonstrate a life-long devotion to their craft. On view will be a diverse collection of fine art, with a focus on fresh perspectives and techniques.

Flowers in Winter
2025-11-14 - 2026-03-14
Guild Artist Special Exhibition & Sale
This exhibition invites you to discover a world of silent resistance and vivid life. Our artists capture the resilience of flowers against the cold…transforming a season of dormancy into a time of quiet persistence, fragility, and beauty.

Small Wonders
2025-11-14 - 2026-03-14
Petite Artwork for Sale
November 14, 2025 – March 1, 2026
Investing in original art has never been more accessible. Stop into the Guild this holiday season to find the perfect tiny piece that brings a little bit of joy to your friends, family or yourself. Tiny canvas, big emotion, which little gem will speak to you?

Champagne Dreams
2025-11-22 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis)
Saturday, November 22
1 – 4 pm
Raffle drawing of Curt Stanfield painting 3 pm
The Art Guild is known for its long tradition of supporting Indiana’s art scene. What better way than to promote art and artisan wares at a special event before the holidays. Come one, come all and peruse dozens of beautiful items throughout the gallery. Eat, drink and be merry!

Patron & Young Artist Exhibition Reception
2026-02-14 14:00 - 16:00 UTC
The Brown County Art Guild invites you to our upcoming Patron & Young Artist Exhibition Reception, a celebration of creativity and community spirit! Join us on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at our gallery, where you can immerse yourself in the beautiful works created by talented local artists.
Take the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice Award, allowing your voice to be heard in recognizing the remarkable talents of our artists. We are honored to have Guild Artist Members, Mark Burkett & Jeanne McLeish as the exhibition judges. The presentation of the awards begins at 3:00 PM.
This event is free to the public, and light refreshments will be served. We look forward to welcoming you to an afternoon filled with art, community, and celebration!
The Patron & Young Artist Exhibition will be on display from January 23 – February 14, 2026.

Tri Kappa Exhibition
2026-02-22 - 2026-06-26
Join us in celebrating 125 years of Tri Kappa and its rich art collection.
Since its inception in 1901, Tri Kappa has served as a cornerstone of Indiana’s cultural landscape, fostering a legacy of charity, culture, and education that spans generations. The Guild will showcase a curated selection of paintings from the Tri-Kappa collection, highlighting the talents of Indiana artists, past and present. Discover works that reflect the beauty, creativity, and enduring spirit of our state’s artistic heritage.

Spring Exhibition Party
2026-03-28 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis)
Spring brings refreshing new art from the Guild Artist members.Join us for an afternoon celebrating our newest exhibitions — art, atmosphere, and first looks! Live piano music & light refreshments will be served. Free to the public.

Guild Artist Demonstration Series
2026-04-11 00:00 - 2026-04-12 23:59 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis)
All ages welcome, free and open to the public
Saturday, April 11- Dianna Porter
Sunday, April 12 – Corrine Hull
1 – 3 pm
All ages welcome, free and open to the public

A favorite every year, select Guild artists will demonstrate their techniques and creative process in the gallery, offering visitors a chance to watch art being made firsthand. Each artist will present a different medium, providing a unique glimpse into the range of possibilities using various artistic methods and
materials.

Saturday, April 11 – Dianna Porter, Oil
Join us as Dianna demonstrates her approach to painting with oils and the creative process she brings to the canvas. Watch as she explores brushstrokes, layering, application techniques, and color mixing—revealing what’s possible with this rich and expressive medium.

Sunday, April 12 – Corrine Hull, Gouache
Corrine will be demonstrating the versatility of the gouache medium, sharing her techniques, explaining how gouache differs from acrylics and oils, and offering insight into her creative process. Watch as she brings a beautiful piece to life with this unique and expressive medium.

Art in the Garden - Countryside Blooms & Brushes
2026-05-30 17:00 - 20:00 UTC
Experience the beauty of Art in the Garden – Countryside Blooms & Brushes!
An unforgettable annual evening awaits in the heart of Brown County. Join the Guild Artist Members as they paint en plein air, capturing the beauty of the countryside & spring flowers in real time. Wander the Austin Historic Farm, savor delicious food & relax to the sounds of live music. Original artwork will be available for purchase. It’s a celebration of art, nature, and community!
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026
Cost: $100 per person
Time: 5 – 8 pm
Live music, heavy hors d’oeuvres by Nashville House Catering, cash bar, Guild artist demonstrations, paintings & art for sale. Rain or shine.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

T.C. Steele Memorial Exhibition
2026-07-03 - 2026-09-04
The T.C. Steele Memorial Exhibition at the Brown County Art Guild commemorates the 100th anniversary of Steele’s passing and honors his enduring artistic legacy in Brown County from 1907 to 1926. This special exhibition features a remarkable collection of landscapes, floral still lifes, and portraiture from regional museums, public libraries, and private collections – celebrating the beauty, light, and spirit that inspired one of Indiana’s most beloved painters.
Thanks To Our Sponsors

Founders Exhibition – Frederick W. Rigley
2026-09-11 - 2026-11-01
September 11 – November 1, 2026
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.
As a founding member of the Brown County Art Guild, Rigley helped establish an institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the artistic traditions of the region. His work captures the enduring beauty of Brown County while reflecting the values that shaped the early Guild—craftsmanship, observation, and a profound connection to place.
By gathering these seldom-seen works, the exhibition offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore Rigley’s artistic contributions and gain a deeper understanding of the artists whose vision helped build one of Indiana’s most respected cultural organizations.

Guild Artist Exhibition & Sale
2026-07-24 00:00 - 2026-11-07 00:00 UTC | Brown County Art Guild, 48 S Van Buren St, Nashville, 47448, United States
Summer brings fresh inspiration, and our Guild Artists have been busy creating new work to share. Join us for the Guild Artist Exhibition & Sale, featuring an exciting collection of original paintings and fine art.

Discover new landscapes, still lifes, contemporary works, and more as you explore the Guild Galleries. Whether you’re an avid collector, art enthusiast, or simply looking for inspiration, this exhibition offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the creativity that continues to thrive in Brown County.

The Art of Brown County - Scenes & Views
2026-07-24 - 2026-11-07 | Brown County Art Guild, 48 S Van Buren St, Nashville, 47448, United States
Special Exhibition & Sale
The Art of Brown County – Scenes & Views is a special exhibition and sale that celebrates the familiar vistas, treasured locations, and fresh perspectives that honor both the natural beauty and rich artistic heritage of the area.
Find the places you love reflected in original works by the artists of the Brown County Art Guild. Every painting tells a story of Brown County& Nashville, Indiana with color, light and texture.

Artist is In: Guild Artist Demonstration Series
2026-08-15 - 2026-08-16 | Brown County Art Guild, 48 S Van Buren St, Nashville, 47448, United States
Artist is In: Guild Artist Demonstration Series
Saturday, August 15 – Luke Buck, Watercolor & Whiskey
Sunday, August 16 – Pamela Newell, Pastel
1 – 3 pm
All ages welcome, free and open to the public
A favorite every year, select Guild artists will demonstrate their techniques and creative process in the gallery, offering visitors a chance to watch art being made firsthand. Each artist will present a different medium, providing a unique glimpse into the range of possibilities using various artistic methods and materials.
Luke Buck
Join Guild Artist Member, Luke Buck for a fascinating demonstration exploring his unique watercolor and whiskey technique. Luke will create a painting live while discussing his artistic process, inspiration, and approach to the medium. This free event is open to the public and offers a wonderful opportunity to learn from one of the Guild’s talented artists. And if you’re familiar with Luke’s work, you’ll know he sometimes hides a red cardinal within his paintings—see if you can spot one this time!
Pamela Newell
Join Guild Artist Pamela Newell for a free pastel demonstration and discover the beauty of this vibrant and expressive medium. Learn how colors are layered, blended, and mixed to create rich, luminous works of art. Pamela will share insights into the pastel materials she loves most, discuss her creative process, and answer questions from attendees. From stunning garden scenes inspired by her own landscapes to beautiful views captured during her travels in France, Pamela’s artwork showcases the versatility of pastel.

Gallery Hop
2026-09-11 17:00 - 19:00 UTC
Friday, September 11
5-7pm
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.

Great Outdoor Art Contest - T.C. Steele State Historic Site
2026-09-12 07:00 - 16:00 UTC
7 am – 4 pm
T.C. Steele State Historic Site
Admission fee
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.

Art Colony Weekend - Community Paint Together
2026-09-12 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Indiana/Indianapolis)
12 – 4 pm
Village Green, Main & Jefferson
Free and open to the public
The Artist Associates of Brown County proudly presents the opportunity for everyone to take up a brush – young and old, novice and experienced. Families are welcome. The 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.

Guild Speaker Series
2026-09-12 13:00 - 14:30 UTC
Rick Kelley
Brown County Art History/Q&A
Saturday, September 12
1pm – 2:30pm
Brown County Inn
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.
This event is free and open to the public.
