Wayne County is for (art) lovers
The state of art in Wayne County is alive, well and thriving. For visitors aiming to load up their itineraries with cultural experiences, Richmond and the surrounding towns definitely offer plenty of colorful options to consider.
Founded in 1898, the Richmond Art Museum is the second-oldest art association in Indiana, and the only independent facility of its kind in the country to be housed within a public school. Visit the museum on the Richmond High School campus to admire collected works by American Impressionists, local makers and regional artists, and mark your calendar to attend the Phantoscope High School Film Festival on April 29.
If you like your art with a side of fresh air, head to the IU East Sculpture Garden on Chester Boulevard, or roll down the car windows and cruise around to take in the more than 80 themed murals that grace walls, streets and alleyways across Wayne County. Keep your eyes peeled for the adorable tiny dwellings that make up the Fairy Trail, and make sure to stop and strike a pose at several sets of fairy wing photo ops along the way, share your photos using #VisitRichmondIN.
Art of Healing installations throughout Reid Hospital intend to evoke a sense of peace and well-being for both patients and visitors, along with the dedicated MacDowell Gallery on the second floor of the outpatient care center. The Museum of Overbeck Art Pottery in Cambridge City and Scott Shafer’s Centerville workshop both showcase the amazing pottery that’s come out of Wayne County, and the Magaws of Boston have achieved national recognition for their whimsical kinetic sculptures and wind machines, available for viewing at their farm-based studio south of Richmond.
Feeling inspired? Create your very own decorative bowl, plate, mug or other masterpiece at Paint the Towne in Richmond’s Historic Depot District. Or, browse the vibrant ready-to-purchase inventory of hand-made gift items, jewelry, furniture and more at Artisans & Java next to the Warm Glow Candle Store at the I-70 Centerville exit. Ply Fiber Arts is a local source for knitting, crocheting, weaving, and spinning supplies and art classes.
Treat your ears to a live musical performance by the Richmond Symphony Orchestra or the Richmond Community Orchestra. You can also snag tickets to a show at the Civic Hall Performing Arts Center or the downtown Richmond Civic Theater where “Hello, Dolly!” runs April 20 to 23 and 27 to 30.
With uniquely immersive accommodations to enjoy, the Artist’s Retreat Guest House on Richmond’s west side near Earlham College gives guests the opportunity to overnight in a sunny two-bedroom bungalow filled with books, antiques and original paintings. Guests are welcome to use the on-site studio during their stays.
At The Old National Road Welcome Center, over two dozen local and regional artists have wares for sell in the gift shop. From Potter to woodwork, jewelry and more!
For more artsy destinations to discover in Richmond and Wayne County, check out our arts & performing arts page. Look for the 2023 Visitor Guide publication on racks this spring detailing additional trip ideas, activities, attractions, and culinary pleasures.
