Art In The Midwest
I am constantly searching for new local areas or exhibits that strike my eye and really make me appreciate art in a down to earth sense. On a recent trip to the Midwestern metropolis of Indianapolis I discovered the city’s local museum, The Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA), and got much more than I had bargained for. The free admission was a great start because I knew I would encounter some patrons that might not have visited an art museum had they been forced to pay to get in but would undoubtedly realize its’ benefits after walking through. As I walked into the facility from the parking garage, there was a very thought provoking and playful mural in the tunnel and I was already forced to think and explore my own creativity before I even stepped through the doors!
The division between eras and genres was clear cut in this facility, divided between three separate floors and a special gallery area for visiting exhibits. The incorporation of era specific furniture and trinkets also helped solidify each areas individuality and really set the tone for the visitor experience. But for me, the real treat was the outdoor garden and sculpture trails that flowed from the museum itself out towards some quaint historic houses on the property that were also available for tours. The art of gardening and landscaping is truly exhibited with class in this exhibit, with no nook lacking garnish. The design of some of the arches and fountains was astonishing and the composition could not have been more true to historic times.
After traversing through this area, I complimented the gracious woman at the front desk on the beauty of the outdoor work and she informed me that the IMA had also recently opened an outdoor sculpture museum with an entrance just down the street. Naturally, I had to check it out. More modern pieces filled this garden, but the peaceful setting still allowed for a reminiscent tone over the region. What amazed me about this garden was the number of family visitors and children that were in attendance and the involvement that those children had with the art. They were free to climb on many of the sculptures and the interactive playground drew out their imaginations and I could hear some kids creating their own stories about the pieces, calling some modern pieces ships and they were the captains.
The museum has done some phenomenal work bringing in pieces throughout the entire facility that engage all types of patrons and keep them coming back for a new experience. I know I have a deep appreciation for the work of this museum and will be returning the next time I venture through Indiana.
