The Midwest Museum of American Art: Elkhart, Indiana's Art Treasure

I wrote an article about the Ruthmere Museum in Elkhart, Indiana recently which is in a renovated historical house. The Midwest Museum of American Art is another art museum in Elkhart, Indiana. It was originally a neo-classical style bank building that has been renovated into the best art museum in the area.

Jane Byrn directs it and Brian Burns is the curator. There are numerous financial supporters of the Midwest Museum. The prices to visit the museum are very affordable. If you are a member of the Midwest Museum you can visit it for free. If you are a member of the Elkhart Art League you can be a member of the Midwest Museum for only $10.00 a year. Membership for the Elkhart Art League is only $25.00 a year. If you are members of both you will only pay $35.00 a year.

The Midwest Museum of American Art is a showcase of the 19th and 20th century American Art, with original paintings by Grandma Moses and Norman Rockwell. Along with the original Norman Rockwell the Midwest Museum houses a large collection of hand signed lithographs by this famous American artist. In all, the permanent collection numbers over 2,500 works with at least 600 on display at any time during the year.

Be sure to come and listen to the noon time talks each Thursday, which is given by many different artists. They share their knowledge in a very informal atmosphere that you will be able to enjoy and participate in.

There are many special exhibits that occur all year around. If you are a member you will receive information on all new exhibits and also other special events. Bus trips are available at affordable prices that often go to Chicago to visit special art events in the Museums in Chicago.

Group tours are available and can be booked at least a week in advance. You can call the museum at 574-293-6660 for information or to book a tour. It is a wonderful experience for all home-school, public or private school children, and adults as well.

You can visit their web site for information on all of the upcoming events. Be sure to visit the Midwest Museum now until the December 5th during the 32nd annual art show that opened October 8th. The best of show winner was Brandon Briggs for his oil painting. He is a phenomenal artist and a personal friend. He was actually a student of mine in his very early days. I could have predicted that he was going to be an award-winning artist and I was not wrong.

Many of my artist friends as well as teachers of mine have exhibited and won awards at the Midwest Museum. I am proud to say that I won a regional award on my pastel painting, called "Friends." It has been several years ago but I was very honored to win the award.

If you are interested in art, or are an artist yourself ,be sure to visit the Midwest Museum of American Art in Elkhart, Indiana. You will not be disappointed. You can enter their annual art show each fall. Even if you do not get accepted or do not win, it is a lot of fun to be a part of the art community.

Below is all of the information you will need to find more information about the Midwest Museum of American Art.

Midwest Museum of American Art

P.O. Box 1812

429 South Main Street

Elkhart, IN 46516

Phone (574) 293-6660

Email info@midwestmuseum.us

The Midwest Museum hours are

Tuesday through Friday 10:00a.m - 4:00 p.m

Saturday & Sunday 1:00 p.m - 4:00 p.m

They are closed all Mondays and Holidays. Certain Galleries may be closed for installation of special exhibits.

Admission

$4.00 Regular Adults

$3.00 Senior Citizens

$2.00 College Students

Adult supervision required for students 15 years of age and under. $1.00 for children 5 years to 12th grade. $7.00 family Admission (3 or more).

Free admission to the museum on Sundays. This service Free of charge provided by Robert and Peggy Weed. AAA and Mobile Guide discounts. AAM members admitted free.