They’ve been around for nearly two decades, but this year, the Hendricks County Arts Council has officially changed its name to the Hendricks County Arts Collective (HCAC), and artists and patrons are embracing the new direction.
“We wanted to move beyond the traditional arts council model, and the feedback we were getting was the word ‘council’ was a little off-putting,” said Anne Johansson, president of the board. “We moved to this collective brand for a more collaborative and inclusive spirit, and we’ve seen the numbers grow exponentially. It’s been a good change.”
With help from new member and graphic artist Madison Pence, HCAC established a new logo and website. The organization held a kickoff meeting this spring and refocused its mission toward shared ownership among artists, patrons and community members.
HCAC is an independent volunteer organization, and it plans to concentrate on a few main pillars: art exhibitions at Hendricks Live! and other locations, educational workshops and public art.
Not only are patrons able to take classes from photographers, painters, sculptors and mixed media artists — the artists themselves are getting support, too.
“We’ve heard from artists who say, ‘I don’t know how to price my art,’ or ‘I don’t know how to file my taxes as an independent artist,’ and we’re looking at providing programs that support them as well,” Johansson said.
The public art piece was launched through the first-ever “Hues of Hendricks County Public Art Initiative.”
Renowned artists were chosen to create five vibrant public art installations in communities across the county.
“The funds come from the state’s READI 180 in Color grant — economic development funds specifically for public arts — and are distributed through the Arts Council of Indianapolis,” Johansson said. “We raised $90,000 and received a $90,000 matching grant. So, we’re putting $180,000 back into the county in public art.”
Four murals and one large-scale art installation are underway in five towns: Coatesville, at the A&D Hardware Building; downtown Danville’s East Alley on the back corner of the Gallery on the Square building; an art installation in downtown Plainfield on the Center Street Parking Garage; the Lizton Fire Station; and along Broadway Street in North Salem.
“Each project celebrates the character of the community, and they’ll all be completed by the fall,” Johansson said. “We had an open call out for artists in March. There were 40 artists who applied from all over the world, and we had to choose five.”
HCAC selected experienced muralists Anthony Brooks, Angie Jerez, Andrey Kravtsov, Andrea Myers and Efren Rebugio Jr.
Each completed piece will be added to HCAC’s Mural Trail on its website, giving residents and visitors a chance to explore local art and perhaps plan a sightseeing or photo-op trip.
The Arts Collective is also partnering with Hendricks Live! for an annual juried art exhibition, with cash awards for winners. It’s open to all Indiana artists over age 18 with original work to display.
Opening Night Reception and Awards will be presented at 7 p.m. Aug. 6, and the exhibit will remain open to patrons for viewing or purchase through Sept. 21.
“Main Street Plainfield and downtown Plainfield has completely transformed. Now, with Hendricks Live!, it’s really a different place. All of the performing arts groups — from the theater to ballet to the symphony — have a home now,” Johansson said. “We’re able to collaborate on these things because of this new space. It’s been a real game changer.”
Along with the kickoff and name change, HCAC introduced memberships for artists and patrons, with a tiered pricing structure.
“We’ve restructured to be member driven. If you’re a member, you have a vote and a say at how the funds are spent, and I think it’s a little more accessible to people. We want to make connections with individuals and with community partners like parks departments and town leadership too,” Johansson said.
Memberships include networking opportunities, exclusive events and workshops, a platform for artists to showcase their work, and a collective voice advocating for the arts.
Studies show that public art and its support greatly increase a sense of community and enhance the local economy as residents and visitors enjoy art and community activities.
“It really builds a sense of pride in your community — that sense of place. It inspires young people and brings color, both literally and figuratively, to the town,” Johansson said. “It’s important because without people getting involved and improving things and inspiring others, your community dies.”
Not all of HCAC’s activities are covered by membership fees. Sponsorships are always welcome for exhibitions and other events. For more information, visit hendrickscountyarts.org/collective.
