The Hoosier Art Salon was established in Chicago in 1925 by Indiana women with a vision, looking to promote the Hoosier art scene in a larger city and as a means of connecting these artists with patrons. The first exhibition was held at the Marshall Fields and Company Galleries in Chicago, and notable artists such as T.C. Steele, J. Otis Adams, Leota Williams Loop, and Will Vawter contributed to the success of this groundbreaking exhibition. 

The Annual Exhibition was held in Chicago from 1925 until 1942, when the Hoosier Art Salon found its permanent home in Indianapolis, primarily hosted at the Indiana State Museum.  The Annual Exhibition of the Hoosier Art Salon is the premier juried art show in the State of Indiana and continues to connect artists with collectors and patrons. 

In August 2024, the Hoosier Art Salon will celebrate its 100th Annual Exhibition at the Indiana State Museum—an event you won’t want to miss! A year-long celebration will highlight historic and current artists in venues across the state and inspire creativity in the next generation through a partnership with the Indiana Art Teachers Association.

For the artist, inclusion in the Hoosier Art Salon Annual Exhibition is a prestigious recognition, and signals patrons that the individual’s work has reached a level of professionalism and stature. Annually, the Hoosier Art Salon allocates thousands of dollars in monetary awards directly to its participating artists.

The Hoosier Art Salon works actively to build bridges in underserved populations and communities, promoting artists of all ages and backgrounds. Workshops held throughout the year help aspiring artists hone their craft. Building on its vibrant history, the Hoosier Art Salon continues to showcase art that embodies the rich culture of our great state. The Salon thrives in New Harmony where it maintains a gallery and hosts over 30 special shows featuring the work of its talented members each year.