Hoosier artist John Wesley Hardrick’s paintings were said to capture the “essence of life” in Indianapolis through displays of the city’s natural beauty, landscapes and portraits.
The Indiana State Museum is honoring the late Hardrick through an exhibition entitled “Through the Eyes of an Artist: John Wesley Hardrick.” The exhibition officially opened on Feb. 22 and will allow guests to admire 25 of his unique art pieces through June 29, 2025.
“When I think of an Indianapolis artist, I think of John Hardrick because he stayed here, and that is so significant,” Kisha Tandy, Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites’ curator of social history and co-curator of the exhibit, said in a statement. “His work helps to chronicle Black life in so many ways because he was painting the people of Indianapolis.”
Hardrick, who lived in Indianapolis from 1891-1968, was a renowned academically trained artist and trailblazer, according to a press release. Hardrick studied under impressionist artists from the Hoosier Group before becoming one of the first Black artists to attend the John Herron Art Institute — now the Herron School of Art + Design.
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Hardrick’s portraits feature a cross-section of local figures, ranging from well-known community leaders to celebrities and everyday passersby. Through the Eyes of an Artist aims to provide guests with an in-depth look at Hardrick’s works — including “Portrait of Maxine Sullivan,” which depicts a famous jazz vocalist, “Bus in a Snowstorm,” “Indianapolis Street Scenes” and “Little Brown Girl,” which won the second-place medal for fine arts from the Harmon Foundation in 1927.
“This exhibition really shows people there are multiple pathways to pursuing your creative drive,” Paula Katz, the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites’ senior curator of art and co-curator of the exhibit, said in a statement. “It doesn’t even have to be artistic. Hopefully people who have hobbies or a passion of any sort will be inspired to dive back into them or find a new place for them in their life.”
“Through the Eyes of an Artist” highlights the important role artists have in recording visual narratives of daily life for future generations. Hardrick used to reside in one of Indianapolis’ oldest Black neighborhoods — the historic Norwood neighborhood — which is featured the exhibit through a photo flipbook to illustrate how the city has changed over the years as its residents preserve Hardrick’s legacy.
Guests are also able to explore Hardrick’s life and artistic process beyond the art through hands-on activities and a digital choose-your-own-adventures where they can step into the role of an artist and “consider important choices someone might have to make in their artistic career,” according to a press release.
“Through the Eyes of an Artist: John Wesley Hardrick” is on view Feb. 22-June 29. The exhibition is free for members and included in museum admission for nonmembers. Tickets are $20 for adults and $14 for children ages 3-17.
For more information, visit indianamuseum.org.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.
