Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, along with the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC), announced the 2024 Hoosier Women Artists awardees at a celebration in the Indiana Statehouse Thursday.
“As public officials, we are blessed to work in this stunning building every day,” said Lt. Gov. Crouch, who also serves as Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “But the opportunity to display the art of Indiana’s outstanding female artists makes it somehow even more beautiful. I am very proud to have played a role in giving a platform to these talented Hoosier women the past eight years.”
Since 2008, the Hoosier Women Artists program has celebrated and further expanded the important role art plays in Indiana’s communities by showcasing the work of talented female artists throughout the state.
For the first time in program history, participants will be awarded a $125 honorarium in recognition of their participation in the program.
“We are grateful for the chance to partner with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor to uplift the talented women artists of Indiana and celebrate the work that artists do to make Indiana a place where people want to live, work, play, study and stay,” IAC Executive Director Miah Michaelsen said.
Honored artists will have their pieces displayed in the offices of Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner, Comptroller Elise Nieshalla, Chief Justice Loretta Rush, Health Commissioner Dr. Lindsay Weaver and First Lady Janet Holcomb.
These local honorees will have their works placed at the Statehouse:
- Gina M. Baird (Fishers) – “Leaping: On Top of the World” will be on display in the Office of Indiana Health Commissioner Dr. Lindsay Weaver.
- Francis A. Ruiz (Fishers) – “Armonia (Harmony)” will be on display in the Office of Indiana Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch.
- Andrea Worthington (Zionsville) – “Braille Series 1” will be on display in the Office of Indiana Comptroller Elise Nieshalla.
Gina Baird of Fishers, whose work will be in the Office of Indiana Health Commissioner Dr. Lindsay Weaver. (Photo provided by Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch’s Office)
Francis A. Ruiz of Fishers, whose work will be in the Office of Indiana Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch. (Photo provided by Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch’s Office)
Andrea Worthington of Zionsville, whose work will be in the Office of Indiana Comptroller Elise Nieshalla. (Photo provided by Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch’s Office)
“What a privilege to take part in today’s ceremony, showcasing the gifted work of Hoosier female artists,” State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla said. “Our office is honored to have the opportunity to display their works of art that will serve as a daily reminder of the beauty Indiana offers.”
Pieces in the 2024 exhibition represent many media and art styles, including painting, photography, digital art, paper quilling, and other multimedia styles.
“I commend the Hoosier Women Artists program for its impactful intersection of creativity and well-being,” Health Commissioner Dr. Lindsay Weaver said. “Art has the power to inspire, heal and connect us. Kudos to these remarkable Hoosier women artists for fostering a healthier more vibrant community.”
Of the 161 pieces that were submitted to the program this year, 29 were selected to be displayed in the Statehouse and at the Governor’s Residence where they will be admired by the thousands of visitors for the next year.