This exhibition is made possible through the generous support of

Stephanie M. Engelbrecht

Step into the captivating realm of the Mid-States Arts and Craft Gallery, where the visions of artists from Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and Missouri intertwine. Each brushstroke, each crafted piece, echoes their unique perspectives on the world. This gallery is more than a collection of art; it's a gateway to understanding. It invites you to delve into the past seven decades, exploring the diverse lenses through which our surroundings have been observed. Here, art becomes a bridge, connecting generations and illuminating the ever-changing tapestry of our shared human experience. Let us embark on a journey of enlightenment, where the vibrant legacy of artistic interpretation awaits, waiting to broaden our horizons and deepen our connection with the world around us.

The Mid-States Arts and Craft Exhibitions are a foundation to the Museum’s annual exhibition schedule. Originally called the Tri-State Art Exhibition, it accepted various artworks for review by a jury of art professionals. Entries grew over the years, leading to the creation of a separate craft exhibition in 1960. Until 1994, both the Mid-State Craft Exhibition and the Mid-States Art Exhibition were presented annually. However, they later became biennial events, merging into a single regional juried competition.

First limited to artists residing within a fifty mile radius, it expanded to the states of Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and Missouri. The exhibition's awards allowed the Evansville Museum to acquire over 500 works and counting for the Mid-States Arts and Craft Collection. At the conclusion of each respective Mid-States Art and Mid-States Craft Exhibitions, purchase award winners will be displayed here for two years until the next class is rotated into the gallery. 

We celebrate all participating artists and thank the our patrons for their generous funding of purchase awards.

Carlos Francisco De Gamez, 1789 Beatles, Group Integration, Division of Labour, wool felt, 2018.003.0001

Tanmaya Bingham, Ernest, colored pencil and paint on panel, 2023.003.0001

Carolyn Plochman, The Birds, oil on board, 1965.465.0000