The Guild ReEnvisioned

Campaign for the Brown County Art Guild

~by Julia Pearson

The Brown County Art Guild is a portal to the artist colony that flourished during the early part of the last century. With a mission to preserve, exhibit, and encourage fine art, 17 original artists that include Marie Goth, V.J. Cariani, Carl Graf, Genevieve Goth Graf, C. Curry Bohn, Dale Bessire, and Georges LaChance formed the Brown County Art Guild in 1954. The Historic Minor House, constructed in 1857 and located in the heart of downtown Nashville, was chosen as the site to serve as home to the Guild.

Now a non-profit organization, the Guild preserves 1,100 historic paintings of the Marie Goth Estate Collection. Goth painted portraits of most of the early artists of Brown County in the 1930s, providing an invaluable historical record that is part of this priceless collection. There are also over 100 pieces that have been gifted by contemporary artists.

Today over 45 member artists continue the rich tradition of artistic expression embodied by the original art colony. Each has won juried competitions and prizes, joining the Guild after a stringent application process. They exhibit and sell their paintings through the Guild’s gallery.

Three times per year, new exhibits are opened. Annually, over 11,000 visitors—collectors, artists, students, and tourists—are drawn to the gallery and museum and the events it sponsors.

Executive Director Andra Walters noted that next year will mark 70 years of the Minor House housing the Guild.

In 1975, a generous bequest by Marie Goth allowed expansion of the museum and gallery, which was completed in the spring of 1977. She also left her historic collection of pieces from original members which became the nucleus of its permanent collection. There have been no significant changes to the building itself since that time, deferring maintenance and updating the preservation facilities to accepted modern standards for the permanent collection.

To address these issues, the board endorsed a strategic plan in 2020. It led to a capital campaign launched in 2022 to raise $1.1 million to cover renovations.

The design and plan were shared with the community during an open house in September 2023. It was developed with Steve Risting, an award-winning Indianapolis architect, and a team of experts in interior design, lighting, mechanical/electrical engineering, structural engineering, and construction. Tom Vujovich, board chair of the campaign, stated, “Overall, I think visitors are going to see a Guild that is better prepared to meet the needs of its artists, collectors, and the general public in a space that is both welcoming and familiar.”

The lower level that shelters the permanent art collection will be improved to meet modern preservation and conservation standards. It will include upgraded HVAC, fire protection, and humidity controls in the vault, outer holding room, and storage closet. A new security door will be installed, as well as new storage racks. Space will be optimized to allow for future expansion of additional art pieces.

With visitors in mind, there will be improved outdoor signage and landscaping to provide a warm and inviting welcome. The walls will be removed from the main floor stairway, enhancing openness and better visibility. Visitors viewing the art displays will find an easier flow of movement. Exhibit space will be optimized with signage and wall panels explaining the history and mission of the Brown County Art Guild.

The artisan shop, which features pottery, jewelry, and other handcrafted items by regional artisans, will be relocated to the central gallery. Mobile display cases and racks and additional display props will be added. The shop provides revenue for the Guild and connects the legacy of the Brown County Art Colony with current art and crafts being produced in Brown County.

Lighting, nearly 50 years old, will be upgraded throughout with cost-effective LED fixtures to enhance the artwork of member artists. The original wall coverings will be replaced with new burlap materials to brighten the spaces while maintaining the original character of the exhibit areas. Mobile display panels will be installed for exhibition flexibility.

Located at 48 S. Van Buren St., the Brown County Art Guild is open Monday–Saturday, 11 to 5 and Sunday, 12 to 4.

Everyone will want to visit the Guild during the Holiday Season to purchase unique gifts and art, then return in April, 2024 and to see the renovations.

To contribute to the Guild ReEnvisioned Campaign and be part of preserving Brown County’s artistic heritage, email <director@bcartguild.org> or call 812-988-6185 for more information.