Works of Three Prominent Indiana Artists at Peeler Center through October 12
July 8, 2003
July 8, 2003, Greencastle, Ind. - Paintings by three of Indiana's most prominent artists –- J. Ottis Adams, William Forsyth and T.C. Steele –- will be featured at DePauw University's Richard E. Peeler Art Center from July 26 through October 12. The exhibition, “Adams, Forsyth and Steele: Indiana Paintings from the Lilly Endowment Collection," is organized by the Indianapolis Museum of Art with funds from a Lilly Endowment Inc. grant. It highlights works by the three members of the Hoosier Group, which also includes the Paris-trained artist Otto Stark and the self-taught painter Richard Gruelle. (at top: John Ottis Adams, Sand Hill, Leland, not dated, oil on canvas; loaned by the Lilly Endowment Inc.)
Unlike many American artists who studied in Europe and then abandoned their hometowns for New York City, Adams, Forsyth and Steele returned to Indiana from their training at the Royal Academy in Munich to focus on the Hoosier landscape. Early works by all three artists feature the customs and pastimes of the German people and are executed with a dark palette and broad brush strokes. By the 1890s, they had all adopted an Impressionist style, and their paintings of American scenes became brighter and filled with texture.
“Adams, Forsyth and Steele” features familiar Indiana landscapes rendered by these accomplished artists, including tranquil scenes from Brown County and Butler's Hill, as well as paintings representing the artists' travels outside of Indiana. (at right: Theodore Clement Steele, Munich Haying, circa 1884, oil on canvas, mounted on board; loaned by the Lilly Endowment Inc.)
Special events scheduled in conjunction with the exhibition will include a slide lecture and gallery talk by independent scholar and art historian Laurette E. McCarthy on Friday, September 12 from 6 - 8 p.m., followed by a reception in the gallery.
The galleries at the Richard E. Peeler Art Center are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday 1–5 p.m. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Learn more about the Peeler Art Center by clicking here.
Over the years, Lilly Endowment has sought to recognize, encourage and develop creativity in the state. It takes great pride in Indiana's heritage of cultural accomplishment. 
To ensure that significant examples of the work of Hoosier artists stayed in Indiana for the benefit of its citizens, the Endowment acquired the works to be presented in this exhibition. (at left: William Forsyth, Bavarian Beer Garden, 1887, oil on canvas; loaned by the Lilly Endowment Inc.)
Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private philanthropic foundation based in Indianapolis that was created in 1937 by three members of the Lilly family: Josiah K. Lilly Sr. and his sons, Josiah K. Jr. and Eli, through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. In keeping with the wishes of its founders, the Endowment exists to support the causes of community development, education and religion. It affords special emphasis to projects that benefit young people and that promote leadership education and financial self-sufficiency in the nonprofit sector.
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