Visitors can explore the creative expressions of artists from across Indiana and beyond as the 102nd annual Hoosier Art Salon exhibition returns to the Indiana State Museum from Aug. 21 through Oct. 25.
Known as the state’s preeminent juried art exhibition of works by Indiana artists, the 2026 exhibition will include 137 paintings, drawings, sculptures, glass creations and more. All artworks in the exhibition are available for sale, offering art enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire a unique piece from a talented Hoosier creator.
“We are always excited for August knowing that the Hoosier Art Salon exhibition will deliver a distinctive experience, with a variety of participating artists highlighting all that encompasses the art of today,” said Paula Katz, senior curator of art for the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites.
A record-setting 284 artists applied for this year’s exhibition, entering a total of 528 original artworks. Of those, this year’s Hoosier Art Salon judges selected 123 artists for the exhibition, representing 38 Indiana counties. Artists from five other states plus New Zealand — all with Indiana connections — are also included in the exhibition.
Among the talented artists featured this year are eight former best-of-show winners, including Carol Strock-Wasson, who won the top award in 2025, along with 17 artists whose works will appear in the juried art exhibition for the first time.
“Our three independent jurors brought different perspectives to the selection process, resulting in a diverse and engaging exhibition,” said Brandon Emkes, chair of the Hoosier Art Salon annual exhibition. “We’re excited to share the exceptional work of Hoosier Art Salon artists with the Indiana arts community.”
The Hoosier Art Salon legacy began in 1925 when the Daughters of Indiana opened the doors to the first exhibition at Marshall Field & Company department store in Chicago featuring 253 works by contemporary Indiana artists. In 1942, the annual exhibition moved to downtown Indianapolis, and in 1990 it had its first opening at the Indiana State Museum where it has been ever since except for a stint at the Indiana Historical Society from 2011-16.
This year, Hoosier Art Salon will award $58,000 in monetary prizes to top artists, including a $6,000 award for the best-of-show winner. In addition, last year’s event generated more than $79,000 in sales for participating artists. To qualify for entry, artists must either be a current Indiana resident or have previously lived in the state for at least one year.
The Hoosier Art Salon exhibition is free for members and included with museum admission, which is $23 for adults, $17 for youth (ages 3-17) and $21 for seniors. Visitors can go to IndianaMuseum.org to learn more and save by purchasing admission in advance.
Additional sponsors for Hoosier Art Salon include the Indy Arts Council, Efroymson Family Foundation, Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, Inc., Bowen Engineering Endowment, Flanner Buchanan, Lake City Bank, Tri Kappa and Psi Iota Xi.
