Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, along with the Indiana Arts Commission, recently announced the 2024 Hoosier Women Artists awardees at a celebration in the Indiana Statehouse.
“As public officials, we are blessed to work in this stunning building every day,” said Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “But the opportunity to display the art of Indiana’s outstanding female artists makes it somehow even more beautiful. I am very proud to have played a role in giving a platform to these talented Hoosier women the past eight years.”
Since 2008, the Hoosier Women Artists program has celebrated and further expanded the important role art plays in our communities by showcasing the work of talented female artists throughout the state.
For the first time in program history, participants will be awarded a $125 honorarium in recognition of their participation in the program.
“We are grateful for the chance to partner with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor to uplift the talented women artists of Indiana and celebrate the work that artists do to make Indiana a place where people want to live, work, play, study and stay,” said Miah Michaelsen, executive director of the Indiana Arts Commission.
Honored artists will have their pieces displayed in the offices of Crouch, Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner, Comptroller Elise Nieshalla, Chief Justice Loretta Rush, Health Commissioner Dr. Lindsay Weaver and First Lady Janet Holcomb.
“This program recognizes and celebrates the incredible artistic talent and dedication of Hoosier women, each of whom are making a positive impact on their communities through their art,’” Jenner said. “I continue to be inspired by the hard work and care that has gone into each of the beautiful pieces we get to see today, and I want to thank Lt. Gov. Crouch for spotlighting the talent of Hoosier women artists through this program. Congratulations to each of this year’s artists, and thank you for sharing your work.”
Pieces in the 2024 exhibition represent many mediums and art styles including painting, photography, digital art, paper quilling and other multimedia styles.
“What a privilege to take part in today’s ceremony, showcasing the gifted work of Hoosier female artists,” Nieshalla said. “Our office is honored to have the opportunity to display their works of art that will serve as a daily reminder of the beauty Indiana offers.”
The work entitled “Braille Series 1” by Andrea Worthington of Zionsville is one of two pieces that will hang in Nieshalla’s office.
Any artist living in Indiana who identifies as female is allowed to submit one piece of artwork annually.
“Each year, I look forward to displaying the works of talented Hoosier women artists in the Governor’s Residence,” First Lady Janet Holcomb said. “Indiana is home to many amazing artists, and I take advantage of every opportunity I have to support and showcase Hoosier creatives.”
Of the 161 pieces that were submitted to the program this year, 29 were selected to be displayed in the Statehouse and at the Governor’s Residence where they will be admired by thousands of visitors for the next year.
Pieces were scored by a panel of three judges including Susannah Koerber, chief curator and research officer, Indiana State Museum; Danicia Malone, founder and director, Rokh Research and Design Studio; and Robin Ligon Williams, artistic director and curator, Nola World Music and Artwerks.
