T.C. Steele State Historic Site features a variety of tours and programs throughout the spring and summer. Special activities include the Festival of Flowers Paint Out and Sunday at Home. In addition, a special tour in June will feature artists from all over Brown County.
Special Events 2008
Wildflower Foray - April 25-27
Ready for a walk on the wild side? This co-operative event features 25 different hikes and programs, including spring wildflower counts, birding hikes, nature photography, an owl program, a boat trip on Lake Monroe, a geocache-style "treasure hunt," and much more! Times and location of hikes, as well as other programs vary. For more information click this link: Brown County's Spring Wildflower Foray
T.C. Steele Treasure Hunt - April 26, 1 p.m.
Go adventuring with GPS or map and compass. Geocacher Diana Biddle, DNR naturalist Brittany Davis, and Cathy Meyer of Monroe County Parks and Recreation will assist as you search for geocache-style "treasure" boxes. Come prepared for a two-hour, moderate walk as you explore the natural and cultural wonders at T.C. Steele State Historic Site. Diana (a Friends of T.C. Steele volunteer) and Brittany will be using a GPS, and Diana will be laying out a supplemental course to make it more challenging for more experienced geocachers. Cathy will be demonstrating how to use a compass to find the way to the "treasure boxes." We will have refreshments in the classroom.
Festival of Flowers Paint Out - May 17, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Plein air artists and art lovers of all ages are invited to celebrate spring at a historic site almost as well-known for its gardens as for its art. Like T.C. Steele, artists will draw and paint on-site, inspired by the extensive flower gardens planted by Mrs. Steele (artists may work elsewhere, too). At 2 p.m., the artists' work will be collected for a judged contest, with awards presented at 3:30 p.m. The public is invited to watch the artists at work throughout the day and to enjoy an outdoor concert by a local favorite, the Reel Tyme String Band, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Artists must pre-register.
Sunday at Home - June 15, 1 - 5 p.m.
T.C. Steele State Historic Site carries on a Steele family tradition of old-fashioned Hoosier hospitality. Bring the whole family to try hand-cranking homemade ice cream, playing old-fashioned games, and participating in the annual watermelon seed-spitting contest! Visitors are invited to wear period costumes of the late 1800s or early 1900s. Ribbons will be awarded for the best adult and child costumes. Other activities include live outdoor music, and a possible visit by "T.C. Steele."
Brown County Studio and Garden Tour - June 27-29
Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
T.C. Steele State Historic Site will serve as tour headquarters for this cooperative, community-wide event. It is not only the historic artists who make Brown County the "Art Colony of the Midwest." Join the artists who continue the Brown County art tradition that began with T.C. Steele. This free driving tour will guide you to the studios and gardens of many contemporary Brown County artists and artisans, who will demonstrate painting, fiber art, stained glass, pottery, sculpture, furniture-making, and more.
Great Outdoor Art Contest - Sept. 13, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Artists of all ages draw and paint on-site from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., when their day's work will be gathered together for a judged contest with awards presented at 3:30 p.m. The contest provides a unique insight into the methods of T.C. Steele, an artist who was greatly inspired by his natural surroundings - a fitting celebration of Steele's September birthday. The public is invited to watch the artists at work throughout the day and to enjoy an outdoor concert from 1 to 3:30 p.m. The event is part of the Brown County Art Renaissance Weekend, which is designed to showcase the area's fine arts heritage. Artists must pre-register.
For more information on these and other fun events call 812.988.2785.