The Carnegie Museum opens America @250: Expressions of Freedom, Moments That Made Us and Montgomery County Then & Now: Centennial Farms & Heritage Barns, with an opening reception from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
America @250: Expressions of Freedom is a regional juried art show featuring artists of all ages and levels of experience who have submitted works that reflect what freedom means to them. The show is an opportunity for visitors to participate in a meaningful civic celebration highlighting perspectives, histories, and creative expressions unique to our region. The show features 20 works of art by 18 artists, including Hannah Allen, Gabriella Boros, Liam Bernhardt III, Will Bernhardt, Sandy Condon, Abigail Corman, Sonja Curcic, Sarah Enz, Jazerick Garman, Buddy Goree, Kyle Morgan, Karen A. Patton, Victoria J. Ridgeway, Rhonda Seward, Kathy Steele, Michael R. Stevenson, Tom Vice and Carol Willard. The exhibit will run through July 18.
Also featured is a history display titled Moments That Made Us, which highlights central themes contained within the Declaration of Independence, along with moments in U.S. history that demonstrate these ideas. Developed from an exhibition of the same name created by History Colorado, Moments That Made Us provides a meaningful way to spark conversation, inspiration and connection as our nation reflects on the last 250 years.
Expressions of Freedom and Moments That Made Us are two of several local events commemorating 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, allowing us to reflect on our nation’s past and look ahead toward the future. The Semiquincentennial of the United States is an opportunity to explore the nation’s history, celebrate the diverse cultures that shape our communities and create lasting memories.
As a companion to the art show, Wabash College Artist-in-Residence Akirash will host an Expressions of Freedom adult art workshop 2-4 p.m. April 19 at the museum. Akirash is a Lagos-born, Austin-based interdisciplinary artist whose work spans sculpture, installation, mixed media, video and performance. Adults and teens are invited to drop in at the museum between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to meet the artist and work on a special art project inspired by his art.
Also opening Saturday is a new local history exhibit, Montgomery County Then & Now: Centennial Farms & Heritage Barns, which features the agricultural history of Montgomery County since its founding in 1822 through today. From agriculturalists like the Runyan family whose farms celebrated centennial and bicentennial milestones, to historic barns around the county, to hundreds of local families participating in FFA and 4-H, Montgomery County has a rich and dynamic connection to the farming community. The exhibit will run through Oct. 31.
Two talks will be held at the museum in conjunction with the Centennial Farms & Heritage Barns exhibit. First, Randy Miles, barn assessor and Indiana Barn Foundation board member will speak at 2 p.m. April 26. His presentation is titled, “Heritage Barns of Montgomery County and West Central Indiana: Cultural History and Role of the Indiana Barn Foundation.” Then on Sept. 10, at 7 p.m., Tommy Kleckner, Indiana Landmarks will present his talk, “Historic Barns: Icons of Agricultural and Cultural Heritage.”
The Carnegie Museum is located at 222 S. Washington St., Crawfordsville. Admission is free, and the museum is wheelchair and stroller accessible. The Carnegie Museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
