New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art

Specialties

The mission of New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art is to provide a not-​for-​profit (non-​commercial) exhibition space for current Midwestern artists and to promote discourse about and access to contemporary art in the southern Indiana region. Since its inception in 1975, New Harmony Gallery has provided an exhibition space for young and mid-​career artists to show their work in a professional setting; and further, to provide a venue for contemporary art to the general public. The cornerstone of the Gallery’s mission is education and access through a carefully planned series of eight exhibitions per year. The exhibition series, which explores contemporary art concepts, is intended to provide increased opportunity for artists and the public to engage in discourse on and about the arts and culture.

History

Established in 1975.

The summer of 1975 was a bit of a «second coming» in New Harmony, no messiah, but perhaps another «Boatload of Knowledge» –definitely exciting times. Ralph Schwartz, president of Historic New Harmony, was implementing an ambitious plan to re-​invigorate the historic interpretation of the landmark town. With the newly re-​formed New Harmony Commission, the Red Geranium Enterprises with their new inn, the area’s universities, the Owen family leadership, and the Lilly Endowment’s support, new opportunities were possible unlike anything since the original Harmonist/​Owen communities. With these possibilities came new people, in many ways excited by the ideals of the first community. Some were returning New Harmonists, others writers, artists, designers, educators, one with the 20^th century underpinnings and bi-​centennial sense of place and spirit.

Meet the Manager

Garry H.

Manager

Garry Holstein is the Director of the New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art, which is part of the University of Southern Indiana Division of Outreach and Engagement. Before joining USI, he was Visiting Professor of art at Arkansas Tech University. He received his MFA in Visual Design and MA in Organizational Communication from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He served as founding Director of the UA outreach gallery, sUgAr, in Bentonville. During this time, he also worked as Donald Roller Wilson’s personal assistant, an opportunity that provided experience with the mechanics of a very prolific, respected contemporary artist.