The Richmond Art Museum

As an Indiana native, I always enjoy exploring my great state to see what it has to offer. Indiana has an excellent art scene to offer.  I’m originally from Southern Indiana, but moved to the area for school a few years ago. I am continually amazed at how many talented artists have hailed from Indiana. The Richmond Art Museum, or RAM, encourages appreciation for the arts by providing education to the public.

The Richmond Art Museum was founded in 1898. RAM has a remarkable permanent collection of 19^th and 20^th century American Impressionists, Taos School, the Hoosier Group and the Richmond School artwork on display. The most notable piece is the William Merritt Chase Self-Portrait. There is an interesting story that goes along with the Self-Portrait. William Merritt Chase was an Indiana-born artist. The Self-Portrait was commissioned for the Richmond Art Museum. The piece was supposed to be a standard portrait size. By the time Chase had finished, the piece was a whopping 52 x 63 inches. Chase said, “I painted that picture for you people in Richmond. I thought you deserved something good. I have been interested in what you have been doing in the west for art." Critics have called Self Portrait his masterpiece.

William Merritt Chase's Self-Portrait

Along with the paintings, RAM also has sculptures and ceramics available on display; many were created by Indiana artists.  In the lobby stands a sculpture called Tortoise Boy. It was created by Janet Scudder in 1907.

The Tortoise Boy

RAM has a number of exhibits through-out the year. The latest one is the 114^th RAM Annual Exhibit, which will take place November 8 - December 19, 2012.  This exhibit is the oldest juried art competition in Indiana. The competition is open to artists who live or have lived in a 100-mile radius from Richmond.

RAM has some exciting works to look forward to over the next year. Artists Greg Hull and Nhat Tran will create installation pieces for RAM. Greg Hull is originally from Richmond, Indiana and is a professor at Heron School of Art and Design. Nhat Tran is known for her work in Urushi Art.  Urishi is the Japanese name for lacquer that is created from the sap of the Rhus Vernicifera tree. Both artists have created installation artwork at the Indianapolis International Airport.

Piece by Carol Strock Wasson

October was membership month at RAM. RAM had a painting giveaway contest for new members. The prize was a beautiful pastel piece by Carol Strock Wasson.  Any new RAM members at any membership level had a chance at winning. The drawing took place on October 31.

I encourage you to get out and explore the wonderful art that Indiana has to offer!

RAM offers various art classes that are open to the public. The Richmond Art Museum is open Tuesday-Friday 10 am to 4 pm.  It is located at 350 Hub Etchison Parkway in Richmond, Indiana. There is no charge for admission, but donations are accepted. 

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Richmond Art Museum

Ashly Edwards is a senior at Ball State University studying Travel and Tourism.  She interning at the Richmond/Wayne County Indiana Convention & Tourism Bureau in Richmond, Indiana for the fall of 2012.  Ashly was born and raised in Bloomfield, Indiana. She is very passionate about food, history, science fiction and travel.