For more than a century, the Hoosier Art Salon has provided a prestigious platform for Indiana artists to share their work. This summer, the celebrated exhibition returns to the Indiana State Museum, inviting visitors to experience an impressive collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, glass creations and more.
The 102nd annual Hoosier Art Salon exhibition will be on view from Aug. 21 through Oct. 25, showcasing 137 original works by artists from across Indiana and beyond. Recognized as the state’s preeminent juried exhibition of work by Indiana artists, the annual event offers a fascinating look at the people, places and ideas shaping contemporary art today.
“We are always excited for August knowing that the Hoosier Art Salon exhibition will deliver a distinctive experience, with a variety of participating artists highlighting all that encompasses the art of today,” said Paula Katz, senior curator of art for the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites.
Interest in this year’s exhibition reached a new high. A record-setting 284 artists submitted 528 original works for consideration. From those entries, the exhibition’s three independent jurors selected 123 artists representing 38 Indiana counties.
Artists from five additional states and New Zealand are also included, with each having a connection to Indiana. To qualify, artists must currently live in Indiana or have previously resided in the state for at least one year.
The 2026 exhibition brings together both familiar names and emerging talent. Eight former best-of-show winners will have work featured, including Carol Strock-Wasson, who received the exhibition’s top honor in 2025. Seventeen artists will make their Hoosier Art Salon debut this year.
“Our three independent jurors brought different perspectives to the selection process, resulting in a diverse and engaging exhibition,” said Brandon Emkes, chair of the Hoosier Art Salon annual exhibition. “We’re excited to share the exceptional work of Hoosier Art Salon artists with the Indiana arts community.”
Visitors who discover a favorite piece can take more than memories home with them. Every artwork featured in the exhibition is available for purchase, giving collectors and first-time art buyers alike an opportunity to support a Hoosier artist while acquiring an original work.
Last year’s exhibition generated more than $79,000 in sales for participating artists. This year, the Hoosier Art Salon will also award $58,000 in monetary prizes, including $6,000 for the best-of-show recipient.
The organization’s enduring legacy began in 1925, when the Daughters of Indiana presented the first Hoosier Art Salon exhibition at Marshall Field & Company in Chicago. That inaugural exhibition featured 253 works by contemporary Indiana artists.
The annual event moved to downtown Indianapolis in 1942. In 1990, it opened for the first time at the Indiana State Museum, where it has remained apart from a stint at the Indiana Historical Society from 2011 through 2016.
More than 100 years after its debut, the Hoosier Art Salon continues to celebrate the breadth of Indiana’s creative community while connecting artists with new audiences. Whether visitors are seasoned collectors, casual museumgoers or simply curious about the state’s artistic talent, this year’s exhibition offers a colorful and compelling portrait of Hoosier creativity.
The 102nd annual Hoosier Art Salon exhibition is free for Indiana State Museum members and included with general museum admission. Admission is $23 for adults, $21 for seniors and $17 for youth ages 3 to 17. Discounted advance tickets and additional information are available at IndianaMuseum.org.
Additional sponsors include the Indy Arts Council, Efroymson Family Foundation, Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, Inc., Bowen Engineering Endowment, Flanner Buchanan, Lake City Bank, Tri Kappa and Psi Iota Xi.
