New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art
The mission of New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art is to promote discourse about and access to contemporary art in the southern Indiana region. Since its inception in 1975, New Harmony Gallery presented work by emerging, mid-career, and established artists from the southern Indiana region, the Midwest, and beyond.
New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art features:
Maximilian-Bodmer Exhibition
Located in the Lichtenberger Building
In 1832 naturalist Prince Alexander Philipp Maximilian (1782-1867), ruler of the small state of Neuwied, Prussia [now in Germany], conducted one of the earliest expeditions to the American West to record the natural history of the region. Accompanying him were Swiss-born artist Karl Bodmer, who produced numerous drawings illustrating their travels, and David Dreidoppel, Maximilian's servant and a skilled hunter-taxidermist. Although Maximilian and Bodmer were not the first to explore the American West and record their observations, they were the first team combining a trained, dedicated scientist with an especially skilled illustrator, whose collaboration resulted in a work of unique historical, scientific and aesthetic importance.
This exhibition includes a French edition of Maximilian's narrative of the two-year expedition (which included significant time in New Harmony), Travels in the Interior of North America 1832 to 1834. His account was published in Paris by subscription from 1839-41 and includes 81 etchings by Bodmer. Today, there are fewer than twenty known editions of Maximilian's work in the United States.
The Maximilian-Bodmer Exhibition is available on our 1 p.m. tours.
Please note that tribal and individual names used in the titles and gallery texts are synthesized from Maximilian’s published travel journals and modern orthography, with some minor deviations.
Yearly Events
APRIL
Hoosier Salon's First Brush of Spring Paint Out
Hoosier Salon's New Harmony Gallery offers a series of events celebrating the arts in New Harmony.
Heritage Artisans Days
April 18-22
Annual celebration of 19th century crafts, featuring authentic demonstrators. Special programs available for schools. Virtual for 2022
JULY
Traditional Fourth of July Celebration
July 4, 2022 @ 10 a.m.
Atheneum Visitors Center
Join community members and visitors for music and patriotic speeches at the Atheneum/Visitors Center beginning at 10:00 AM. Kiwanis Golf Cart Parade and a traditional community picnic featuring music, food, games, contests and free root beer in Maclure Park to follow.
SEPTEMBER
Kunstfest
Sept. 17-18, 2022
Kunstfest is a traditional celebration of German foods, music and crafts designed to honor the heritage of New Harmony ’s original founders sponsored by the New Harmony Business Associates.
DECEMBER
Christmas in New Harmony
December 3-4, 2022
A family event with activities ranging from “Breakfast with Santa” to an “Ornament Make & Take” to seasonal music. Also enjoy a performance of the “Nutcracker”, carriage rides, shopping for unique artisan items at the Granary, as well as shopping at the Ribeyre Gym. Of course you won't want to miss the Christmas Parade.
For other events in town, check out Visit New Harmony's calendar.
