The Heartland Art Center in Plymouth has long been a vibrant hub for creativity and cultural enrichment. Originally conceived in the 1970s, a group of local artists met in a high school classroom to discuss how they could support each other within the community. In the 90s, that idea became the Heartland Art Center.
Over the years the gallery has evolved into a thriving center for the arts and a cornerstone of Plymouth’s cultural community.
In March 2024, the Heartland Art Center took a significant step by relocating to the historic former Montgomery Ward building. Moving from its modest 2,000-square-foot venue to an expansive 23,000-square-foot facility has enhanced its ability to host larger exhibitions and events, and offer a wider range of educational classes.
To ensure the center’s long-term sustainability and move forward with renovations, the Heartland Art Center is planning to purchase the building and will be launching a capital campaign. Preserving the architectural beauty of the Plymouth landmark is a priority, with plans to conserve the classic Montgomery Ward windows and other timeless features. By securing a permanent home in downtown Plymouth, the center seeks to establish itself as a lasting regional institution for the arts, transforming the space into a state-of-the-art facility for creativity and collaboration while at the same time preserving its new home’s historic character. The location was most recently Downtown Discounts.
“Our new home at 214 North Michigan welcomed us on March 1, 2024,” says Heartland Art Center President, Anna Kietzman. “We are unbelievably grateful for the enthusiasm and support from the community. We could never have done this without the gracious partnership of Amanda and Jeremy Price of Downtown Discounts. They are truly wonderful people who are so community minded.”
With this expanded space, the art gallery has increased its capacity for ambitious exhibitions, showcasing contemporary, historical and cross-disciplinary works. The gallery traditionally holds two juried art shows each year, which are significant events for the regional art community. In May, the “Small Wonders” art exhibit showcased artworks no larger than 12 by 12 inches, attracting artists who rose to the creative challenge of working within the small format. In October the gallery hosted its largest juried show, highlighting the best artists from Northern Indiana and some from out of state.
One of the center’s primary goals is to foster community engagement through the arts. Beloved community events such as the Saturday Sounds series bring in music lovers from around the area, where live performances accompany art displays. The center conducted its vibrant 10th annual Arts in the Street Festival in July. An upcoming highlight is the second annual Black & White Gala & Auction, set to take place on November 15. This gala will feature live music, hors d’oeuvres and an art auction, with proceeds supporting the center’s future building renovation.
The Heartland Art Center emphasizes supporting artists as professionals, ensuring fair compensation for their work. The center provides a platform for local and regional artists to sell their work through their gallery and gift shop, which features everything from painting and pottery to jewelry and stained glass. By treating artists as professionals, Kietzman and her team strive to encourage perceptions of art as both a cultural and economic contributor to the community.
Kietzman expressed that the center’s ultimate goal for the new location is to create “a cohesive and functional space for artistic expression, drawing artists from this region and beyond to foster a vibrant exchange of artistic ideas and further enhancing the center’s impact on the local and regional arts scene.” One of the most exciting desired future projects is the establishment of an artist-in-residence apartment within the new location. This residency will increase the opportunity for artists from across the country to live and work in Plymouth. The center is also working toward developing an unofficial art block in downtown Plymouth, further cementing its role as a regional hub for the arts.
In addition to its extensive programming, the Heartland Art Center offers opportunities for individuals and families to become more deeply involved through membership. The center’s membership model emphasizes inclusivity and active participation. Annual membership fees are very affordable and offer a variety of ways to engage. Members enjoy benefits such as discounts on gallery purchases and art classes, as well as access to special events and exhibitions. For artists, membership offers the chance to showcase their work in the gallery and at regional exhibits.
The Heartland Art Center plays an important role in regional art collaborations. Just recently, the center partnered with The REES Theatre, Wild Rose Moon, and the Marshall County Historical Museum for Celebrate the Arts Week. The center hosted a pre-concert and happy hour event featuring local musician Byron Craft, and also treated an audience to a performance called “Images of Sound” featuring local musicians and the Marshall County Church Orchestra. Live painters created art in real time to the orchestra’s performance of Modest Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition”.
As the Heartland Art Center continues to grow, its mission remains focused on promoting artistic excellence, engaging the community, and creating opportunities for local and regional artists. With its larger space, expanded programming, and commitment to nurturing the visual and performing arts, the Heartland Art Center is poised to become a cultural beacon for Northern Indiana and beyond. By expanding its canvas as a regional hub for the arts, the Heartland Art Center ensures that Plymouth continues to be a vibrant destination for creative expression and cultural enrichment.
The Heartland Art Center remains open to the public, with gallery hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Families are encouraged to visit the center’s Kid’s Corner, which offers fun activities for aspiring young artists while parents explore the gallery or shop for unique gifts.
For more information, visit the Heartland Art Center at 214 North Michigan Street in Plymouth, or contact them at heartlandartistsgallery@gmail.com or 574-936-9515.
