John W. Hardrick: Paintings & Techniques

Members of Newfields and The Indiana State Museum are invited to a compelling lecture about Indianapolis-based and nationally recognized African American artist, John Wesley Hardrick, (1891–1968) and his painting techniques.  

Hardrick attended the John Herron Institute of Art in Indianapolis from 1910–1918 where he studied under William Forsyth. In 1927, Hardrick's work was featured in the Art Institute of Chicago's exhibition of African American artists and created one of his best-known paintings, Little Brown Girl. The painting is part of the Indianapolis Museum of Art's permanent collection and is currently on loan to The Indiana State Museum. 

During the lecture, you'll hear from The Indiana State Museum's Curator of Art, Paula Katz and Curator of Social History, Kisha Tandy and Newfields' Clowes Conservator off Paintings, Roxy Sperber about their technical research project on Hardrick's painting techniques. After the lecture, stop by the IMA Galleries to see Hardrick’s painting, Dolly and Rach, on view in Work in Progress: Conversations About American Art. And, don’t miss your opportunity to visit The Indiana State Museum for an opportunity to see more paintings by John Wesley Hardrick on display. The exhibition is open through June 29, 2025. 

For a limited time, Newfields Members receive free General Admission to The Indiana State Museum and Members of the Indiana State Museum receive free General Admission to Newfields.