John W. Hardrick: Paintings & Techniques

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

Hardrick attended the John Herron Institute of Art in Indianapolis from 1910–18 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 included 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 Indiana State Museum's Senior Curator of Art Paula Katz and Curator of Social History Kisha Tandy, and Newfields' Clowes Conservator of 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 to see Through the Eyes of an Artist: John Wesley Hardrick, open now through June 29.  

As part of this collaboration, members of both institutions can get free general admission to Newfields and the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites from Wednesday, May 14 – Friday, May 23. Just show your membership card at the Information Desk at Newfields or the ticket counter at the Indiana State Museum. Please note, the Indiana State Museum is closed May 19 and 20.