Richmond art: a historic colony, a museum and more

<p dir="ltr">Even those who only dabble in Indiana's art history likely know about the <strong><a href= "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoosier_Group">Hoosier Group</a></strong> of painters, including <strong><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._C._Steele">T.C. Steele</a></strong>, who drew national fame. But another group of painters actually formed the state's first colony of artists.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <strong><a href= "https://richmondartmuseum.org/richmond-group/">Richmond Group Artists</a></strong> formed in the late 19th century in far-eastern Indiana, traveling along the Whitewater River and painting on weekends. In 1898, they founded the Art Association of Richmond.</p> <p dir="ltr">That evolved into the acclaimed <strong><a href= "https://richmondartmuseum.org/">Richmond Art Museum</a></strong>, which is generally considered to be the only independent art museum in the country that's housed in a public school: <strong><a href= "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richmond_High_School_(Richmond,_Indiana)">Richmond High School</a></strong>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Earlier this month, the art museum and its executive director, <strong><a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-dingwerth-5567b2131">Shaun Dingwerth</a></strong>, were named recipients of the <strong><a href= "https://www.in.gov/arts/programs-and-services/partners/governors-arts-awards/">Governor's Arts Awards</a></strong>. The awards are given by the <strong><a href="https://www.in.gov/arts/">Indiana Arts Commission</a></strong> and the office of the governor to honor outstanding contributions to the arts.</p>