Heroes from the Heartland

Join the Indiana State Museum as we honor Hoosier veterans who have selflessly served and continue to serve our country. Visit the Heroes from the Heartland section on the level two to learn about the state’s military history and see artifacts from our collection that share important stories of service. Plus, each day offers a different variety of activities, workshops and performances. View a list of activities below.

Price: Included with museum admission

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Events and workshops for veterans

Veteran Art Workshops

Facilitated by licensed mental health counselor associate Brooke Neubaum

Nov. 1, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Create sculptures loosely based on kintsugi, the Japanese art of breakage and repair. Kintsugi embraces the history of objects by using gold lacquer to repair pottery. In this group, we will be breaking pottery and creating entirely new objects from the pieces. Optionally, participants may submit their pieces at the conclusion of the group to be part of a pop-up veteran art exhibition at the museum.

Nov. 2, 5 – 7 p.m.

Learn about the art of collage, and creating our own collages based around the theme of identity. The word collage originated from the French word meaning “to stick”, and often represents the process of creating artwork by assembling and attaching other objects or images onto a collective surface to create something new. Optionally, participants may submit their pieces at the conclusion of the group to be part of a pop-up veteran art exhibition at the museum.

Nov. 3, 3 – 5 p.m.

Learn about block printing techniques and create our own block prints of “identity symbols”. Identity symbols are personal symbols we develop that represent one or more identities we hold (such as veteran, parent, Hoosier, etc.). Optionally, participants may submit their pieces at the conclusion of the group to be part of a pop-up veteran art exhibition at the museum.
Printmaking With Combat Boots

Hosted by Linda Adeniyi

Nov. 2, 3:30 – 5 p.m., Nov. 8 and 10, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Each participant will create a print (from the sole of a combat boot) and write their “journey” throughout the print in the negative spaces. Their “journey” is a personal story about themselves.
Healing Plants

Hosted by Adam Head

Nov. 2 and 9, 6 – 8 p.m., Nov. 10, 2 – 4 p.m.

Destress by sowing seeds and creating life through planting. Learn about different herbs and their healing properties and uses.
For Those Who Have Lost Weaving Workshop

Nov. 4, 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Are you experiencing grief and loss of a veteran close to you? You are not alone. Join art therapist Lauren Daugherty and others who share your experience in a weaving exercise. Basic weaving techniques will be demonstrated. No previous weaving or art-making experience necessary. Open to adults ages 18+.
Veteran’s Day Community Art Project

Hosted by Art Therapist Katy Wagner

Nov. 8, 9 and 10, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Participate in a buffet of artful remembrance and honoring of Veterans. Explore the symbolism in the Veteran community throughout history with related fun facts and origin stories. Learn and explore different symbols and their meanings together to create a mixed media collaboration mural!