INDIANAPOLIS — From the natural beauty and hidden depths in his landscapes to the subtle, understanding glances in his portraits, John Wesley Hardrick’s paintings captured the essence of life in Indianapolis. Now through June 29 at the Indiana State Museum, visitors can see 25 unique paintings by the acclaimed artist and lifelong Indianapolis resident. Learn the story of Hardrick’s life, artistic process and his community as you explore a digital choose-your-own-adventure story, snoop through the pockets of an artist’s smock and flip through photos of the Norwood neighborhood.
Hardrick (1891-1968) was an academically trained artist and trailblazer. He studied under impressionists from the Hoosier Group and became one of the first Black students to attend the John Herron Art Institute, which is now the Herron School of Art + Design. Hardrick earned national recognition for his portraits and was celebrated for his ability to highlight beauty in the extraordinary and the mundane.
Indiana State Museum hours are are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.-Sun. Admission is $19 for adults, $13 for children, and $17 for seniors. The museum is located at 650 W. Washington St. Visit www.indianamuseum.org for more information and to purchase tickets in advance.