Hoosier Impressionist T.C. Steele was renowned around the world for his plein-air paintings that perfectly captured the rustic natural beauty of the Indiana landscape.
En plein air, or “in open air” as it translates from French, was Steele’s preferred style of painting, and he established the tradition of open-air artistry in Brown County in the early 1900s. Now, 100 years since Steele’s passing, the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites continues that legacy through the Great Outdoor Art Contest.
Now in its 38th year at the T.C. Steele State Historic Site, the annual art competition is the longest running event of its kind in Indiana. Co-sponsored by the Indiana Plein Air Painters Association as part of Brown County Art Colony Weekend, the event invites plein-air painters of all experience levels to come from across the state to the historic site in Nashville and create artworks amidst the same scenery that inspired Steele.
Artists begin arriving at the site in the early morning hours before spreading out through the grounds and gardens to paint. Visitors are encouraged to wander and engage with the artists, igniting a sense of wonder about the creative process. At the end of the day, the completed works will be judged by Indianapolis-based Impressionist artist C.W. Mundy, whose art is also represented in the ISMHS collection.
The Great Outdoor Art Contest is one of several events that reflects our commitment to support Indiana’s living artists by introducing them to new audiences that can connect with and appreciate their works. Similarly, through our partnership with the Hoosier Art Salon annual exhibition, we have the opportunity to highlight a much broader mix of working artists who identify as Hoosiers.
For 102 years, the Hoosier Art Salon has been a cornerstone of Indiana’s artistic landscape, and it is known as the state’s preeminent juried art exhibition of works by Indiana artists.
Going back to the first exhibition, held in 1925 at Marshall Field & Company department store in Chicago, Hoosier Art Salon has helped many celebrated Indiana artists — Steele, Mundy, Marie Goth, Lois Main Templeton and Frank V. Dudley, to name just a few — gain regional and even national exposure. As the host of the annual juried exhibition for 32 years now, we have played an important role in revealing the artists’ stories.
September 2026 This year’s exhibition includes nearly 140 works — paintings, sculptures, glass creations, fabric works and more — by 123 artists who represent 38 Indiana counties and beyond. All the artworks are available for sale, offering art enthusiasts the chance to acquire a one-of-a-kind piece from a Hoosier creator. Our curators also purchase work from the exhibition each year, ensuring that ISMHS’ permanent collection continues to reflect the wide range of perspectives and experiences of our state.
If you have the chance, please join us for these experiences and create your own connections to both the established and emerging artists of Indiana.
