Treasures of the Swope
Grant Wood (Anamos, Iowa 1891 – Iowa 1942)
Spring in Town, 1941
oil on panel, 24 x 22 1/2 inches
museum purchase, 1941.30
Grant Wood is best known for his iconic “American Gothic,” one of the most recognized paintings in the world. His painting “Spring in town” was one of first acquired by the Swope in 1941, months before the museum opened, and it is one of the most loved.
The painting captures a scene familiar to a small town, Midwestern America, the garden in the backyard, particularly prevalent during the Great Depression and then during the war years as a Victory Garden. And it is still true today when local gardeners plant potatoes and onion sets as the March sun warms the soil.
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Happening Now at the Swope:
Psychodiagnostik
The 100th Anniversary of the Rorschach Test
2nd Floor Lobby Gallery
January 29 – May 9
In 1921, Hermann Rorschach wrote his book Psychodiagnostik, containing the results of his studies on mental patients, and the ten cards that became the foundation of the Rorschach test. While still a medical student, he wondered why different people saw different t hings in art, and began showing inkblots to children and analyzing their responses. View ten selections from the Swope’s permanent collection. What do you see?
54th Annual Student Art Exhibition
Hulman and Schell Galleries
April 10, 2021 – May 16, 2021
Due to the uncertainty from the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Annual Student Exhibition will be a little different. Works by elementary and middle school students of Vigo County will be celebrated online, while the juried portion of high school student works will continue to be displayed in the Swope’s Carrie Schell Gallery. This year’s distinguished juror is long time Wabash Valley Exhibition participant and award winner, sculptor, and educator—Rob Millard-Mendez. The exhibition is sponsored by Old National Bank. Click here for more information about the Annual Student Art Exhibition.
Leroy Neiman’s Indy 500
April 2 – June 20, 2021
An exhibition of 13 works by LeRoy Neiman depicting the 1962 Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. These paintings are from a commission he received in 1962 from Indianapolis arts patron Harrison Eiteljorg. Neiman is regarded as one of the most notable contemporary artists specializing in sports subjects. The exhibition is sponsored by Sycamore Engineering, Inc., and Morgan Stanley.
Living with Art: King and Lamis
April 9 – June 27, 2021
Polly King (1901-1993) was a prolific painter that practiced many styles throughout her life—from classicism to impressionism to abstract. She was also a collector and loved to paint interior scenes of her home that included works by other artists. One of her most prized works in her collection was one of Leroy Lamis’ first plexiglass constructions.