Carnegie Museum Reception Saturday

The Carnegie Museum opens America @250: Expressions of Freedom, Moments That Made Us, and Montgomery County Then & Now: Centennial Farms & Heritage Barns, with an opening reception on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

America @250: Expressions of Freedom is a regional juried art show featuring artists of all ages and levels of experience who have submitted works that reflect what freedom means to them. The show is an opportunity for visitors to participate in a meaningful civic celebration highlighting perspectives, histories and creative expressions unique to our region. The show features 20 works of art by 18 artists, including Hannah Allen, Gabriella Boros, Liam Bernhardt III, Will Bernhardt, Sandy Condon, Abigail Corman, Sonja Curcic, Sarah Enz, Jazerick Garman, Buddy Goree, Kyle Morgan, Karen A. Patton, Victoria J. Ridgeway, Rhonda Seward, Kathy Steele, Michael R. Stevenson, Tom Vice and Carol Willard. The exhibit is open through Saturday, July 18.

Also featured is a history display titled Moments That Made Us, which highlights central themes contained within the Declaration of Independence, along with moments in U. S. History that demonstrate these ideas. Developed from an exhibition of the same name created by History Colorado, Moments That Made Us provides a meaningful way to spark conversation, inspiration and connection as our nation reflects on the last 250 years.

Expressions of Freedom is one of several local events commemorating 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, allowing us to reflect on our nation’s past and look ahead toward the future. The Semiquincentennial of the United States is an opportunity to explore the nation’s history, celebrate the diverse cultures that shape our communities and create lasting memories.

As a companion to the exhibit, Wabash College Artist-in-Residence Akirash will host an Expressions of Freedom adult art workshop at the Museum on Sunday, April 19, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Akirash, is a Lagos-born, Austin-based interdisciplinary artist whose work spans sculpture, installation, mixed media, video and performance. Adults and teens are invited to meet the artist and work on a special art project inspired by his art.

Also opening Saturday is a new local history exhibit, Montgomery County Then & Now: Centennial Farms & Heritage Barns, which features the agricultural history of Montgomery County since its founding in 1822 through today. From agriculturalists like the Runyan family whose farms celebrated centennial and bicentennial milestones, to historic barns around the county, to hundreds of local families participating in FFA and 4-H, Montgomery County has a rich and dynamic connection to the farming community.

Two talks will be held at the Museum in conjunction with the Centennial Farms & Heritage Barns exhibit. First, Randy Miles, barn assessor and Indiana Barn Foundation board member will speak Saturday at 2 p.m. His presentation is titled, Heritage Barns of Montgomery County and West Central Indiana: Cultural History and Role of the Indiana Barn Foundation. Then on Thursday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m., Tommy Kleckner, Indiana Landmarks will present his talk, Historic Barns: Icons of Agricultural and Cultural Heritage.

The Carnegie Museum is located at 222 S. Washington St. in beautiful downtown Crawfordsville. Admission is free, and the museum is wheelchair and stroller accessible. The Carnegie Museum is open Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

These are two of the wonderful works of art on display for two different exhibits.

Photos courtesy Carnegie Museum