NovGallery
Exhibit & Sale
Exhibit & Sale
Holiday Show & Sale
Shop handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts from Henry County artists — with an evening reception.
Henry County's home for the arts since 1965
See it. Make it. Love it.
A gallery with a new exhibit almost every month, a three-acre Arts Park with koi ponds and gardens, and hands-on classes for every age — all in the heart of New Castle.
Start here
What brings you in today?
Everything is one click away — no long pages to dig through.
Exhibits
Now on view & the full season
Classes
Pottery, painting, glass & more
Kids & Camps
Summer Art Days, mural camp
Events
Concerts, receptions, galas
Arts Park
Gardens, koi pond, LOVE sculpture
Rent a Venue
Weddings, parties, meetings
Join & Give
Membership, donations, volunteering
Plan a Visit
Address, parking, campus map
· The Gallery
Now on view in the Gallery
See the full exhibit season →
On view
AdmissionFree & open to all
Gallery hours
Next up
Coming up
All events →
Mark your calendar
4Fri, Dec
Art Center
Art Center
Martinis & Mistletoe
Our festive annual evening with a silent auction and hors d'oeuvres, supporting the Art Center. Tickets $25.
Get tickets →WeeklyPottery
Studio
Studio
Member Open Clay
Tue & Thu 5–8 pm, Sat 9 am–noon. $5 for members, 3 lbs of clay included.
The Arts Park & Pavilion
Three acres of gardens, water & music
Right next to the gallery: koi ponds, volunteer-tended gardens, the iconic LOVE sculpture by New Castle native Robert Indiana, and a pavilion that hosts free summer concerts.
- Free to stroll — bring a lawn chair for concerts
- A beautiful setting for weddings & receptions
- Holiday lights and seasonal festivals
Membership
Your membership keeps the doors open
Members get discounted classes, studio & equipment access, Open Clay Days, and the quarterly newsletter.
Home / Visit
Plan your visit
Come see, experience & learn.
The Art Center, Arts Park, Pavilion and Artistry Annex sit together on one campus in downtown New Castle. Gallery admission is free.
- Art Center
- 218 S. 15th St.
New Castle, IN 47362 - Artistry Annex
- Shaffer Studio & pottery studio
1501 Broad St., New Castle - Gallery hours
Holiday closures are posted on Facebook.- Admission
- Free for the Gallery, Arts Park & receptions
- Parking
- Free, convenient parking close to the Art Center, Arts Park & Pavilion, and Artistry Annex
One campus, four spaces
Find your way around
The Art Center stands on the site of the Jennings & Sons Lumber Co. — founded in 1865, the oldest retail business in Henry County. The rest of the block became the Arts Park.
- The Gallery — main floor of the Art Center, rotating exhibits
- Upstairs Studio — stage, lighting & screen for events
- Arts Park & Pavilion — gardens, koi pond, LOVE sculpture
- Artistry Annex — Shaffer Studio classroom & pottery
Illustrative map — not to scale.
Good to know
Visitor FAQ
Does it cost anything to visit?
No. The Gallery, Arts Park and exhibit receptions are free and open to the public. Classes, workshops and some special events have fees.
Can I buy the art I see?
Many works in member shows are for sale. Ask at the front desk and we'll connect you with the artist.
Are events ever cancelled for weather?
Yes — we post same-day changes on our Facebook page, so check there before heading out for outdoor concerts or Open Clay sessions.
Can I bring a group or school class?
Absolutely. Call 765.529.2634 to arrange a group visit or a docent-led walk through the current exhibit.
Home / Exhibits
The Gallery
A new wall of work, almost every month.
Local and regional artists, student shows, camera clubs, solo exhibitions and our annual members' shows. Every exhibit and opening reception is free.
Our annual rhythm
The exhibit season
The highlighted row is what's typically on view this month. Exact dates and receptions change year to year — call or check Facebook to confirm.
JanuaryCollection
Permanent Collection
Treasures from the AAHC collection · Evening reception
FebruaryStudents
Henry County Elementary Exhibit
Young artists from across the county · Sunday afternoon reception
MarchMembers
Annual Spring Show
Fresh work to welcome the season · Evening reception
AprilStudents
Henry County Student Show
Middle & high school artists · Awards reception
May–JunePhotography
Raintree & Muncie Camera Clubs
Regional photography · Evening reception
JulySolo
Featured Solo Exhibition
A spotlight on one artist's body of work
AugustJuried
Small is Beautiful
Small-scale works with big personality · Free reception
Sept–OctMembers
Annual Fall Members' Show
Our largest, most diverse juried exhibit of the year: paintings, wood carving, ceramics and photography from AAHC members · Evening reception
NovemberShop local
Holiday Show & Sale
Handmade gifts from local artists · Evening reception
From the archive
Past exhibits
Tap or click any piece to see it larger.
Improbable RealityHugh Syme · Solo exhibit
Bicentennial ExhibitHenry County at 200
Quilters ExhibitFiber art · Henry County
Open SpaceArt about the land
Photography ExhibitRegional photographers
Elementary ExhibitHenry County schools
Student ShowSecondary students
Fall Members' ShowAAHC members
For artists
Show your work in the Gallery
Members can enter our annual shows. Work stays up for the run of the exhibit, and the AAHC retains a 25% commission on art sold.
Home / Classes & Camps
Learn from skilled artisans
Great classes. Great camps. Great choices.
Art helps you relax, sparks creativity and builds focus — and it's fun. Whether it's painting, pottery, glass, jewelry or rug hooking, there's a seat for you.
Members · Weekly
Open Clay Days
Drop into the pottery studio with guidance from Nick Wilson, Austin Custer and our volunteers. Extra clay & supplies available.
- When
- Tue & Thu · Sat
- Time
- 5–8 pm · 9 am–noon
- Price
- $5 / session, 3 lbs clay included
- Ages
- Members, all skill levels
- Where
- Pottery studio, Artistry Annex
Workshop · Beginner friendly
Let's Fuse That Glass
With Mary Jane Rhodes. Cut, arrange and kiln-fire special glass into a finished piece you take home. No experience necessary.
- When
- Several sessions each season
- Time
- Morning, afternoon & evening options
- Price
- See current session
- Ages
- Adults
- Where
- The Art Center
Guest workshop
Next Level Watercolors
A Watercolor Society of Indiana workshop with Thomas DeSomer, WSI. Bring your own supplies; seating is limited.
- When
- Next session announced to the interest list
- Time
- 9:30 am–3 pm
- Price
- $50
- Ages
- 18+, beginner to intermediate
- Where
- Shaffer Studio, 1501 Broad St.
Weekly · Drop-in
Three Dollar Tuesdays
A long-standing favorite — affordable, social crafting and creating with friends old and new.
- When
- Tuesdays
- Time
- Call for this season's time
- Price
- $3
- Ages
- Adults
- Where
- Shaffer Studio, Artistry Annex
Evening · All levels
Pour & Sip
Fluid-art painting with dramatic, contemporary results, led by Dana Kepner.
- When
- Seasonal evenings
- Time
- Evening
- Price
- See current session
- Ages
- Adults, all levels
- Where
- The Art Center
Guest class
Photography with Kent Kemmerling
Sharpen your eye and your camera skills with a working photographer.
- When
- Next session announced to the interest list
- Time
- Shared with the interest list
- Price
- Shared with the interest list
- Ages
- Adults
- Where
- The Art Center
Summer camp
Mary Morris Summer Art Days
Separate programs for preschool, elementary and high school artists.
- When
- Last two weeks of June
- Time
- Varies by program (ages 3–5: 10 am–1 pm)
- Price
- Ages 3–5: $61.80 members · $72.10 non-members
- Ages
- 3–18
- Where
- The Art Center
Summer camp
Annual Mural Camp
Students design and paint a real community mural — past camps created the Henry County Bicentennial Mural.
- When
- June
- Time
- Announced each spring
- Price
- Announced each spring
- Ages
- Students
- Where
- The Art Center
Summer camp · Partner
live, love, paint Camp
A second summer camp in partnership with live, love, paint — more time for kids to create all summer.
- When
- Summer
- Time
- Announced each spring
- Price
- Announced each spring
- Ages
- Kids
- Where
- The Art Center
For young artists
Birthday Painting pARTy
Celebrate with painting projects for friends and family — and make a great memory. Call to schedule your pARTy.
Call 765.529.2634
Classes on demand
Don't see your class?
Tell us what you'd love to learn. Several instructors add classes to our calendar when enough interest is expressed.
Request a class →Members receive discounted class fees. A 3% processing fee applies to card payments. Every class, membership, rental deposit and ticket is paid through one place — the AAHC online shop — or in person at the Art Center.
Home / Events
Gather with us
Music in the park. Art after dark.
Free concerts, festive galas, holiday traditions and community days — the Art Association is where Henry County comes together.
Every year
Signature events
SummerArts Park
Pavilion
Pavilion
Live in the Arts Park
The Henry County Concert Series — free outdoor concerts. Bring your lawn chair and cooler.
Free4Fri, Dec
Art Center
Art Center
Martinis & Mistletoe
An elegant holiday evening with a silent auction and hors d'oeuvres that supports the Art Center.
Tickets $25Get tickets →DecArts Park
Evenings
Evenings
Holiday Lights & Carols in the Park
The Arts Park glows for the season, with caroling under the lights.
FreeSeptArts Park
Pavilion
Pavilion
International Fest
Food, music and culture from around the world, right in the Arts Park.
FreeMarThe Gallery
Afternoon
Afternoon
Soup'Sup
A St. Paddy's Day tradition with 15+ homemade soups, bread, drink and dessert.
FundraiserDecDowntown to
Arts Park
Arts Park
Christmas Walk
Carols, Santa, carriage rides and luminaries from the courthouse to the Arts Park.
CommunityOut & about
Find us in the community
Summer
Mooreland Free Fair
Visit our booth in Building 1 — artists demonstrate every evening.
Fall
Day of Caring
Members and student volunteers team up to care for the Arts Park.
Holidays
Library of Trees
Our decorated tree joins the New Castle-Henry County Public Library display.
For the newest dates and last-minute changes, follow us on Facebook ↗
Home / Arts Park & Rentals
A one-of-a-kind setting
Gardens, koi & a pavilion for your big day.
Opened in 1999 on land donated by the Jennings family and built by volunteers, the Arts Park is a quiet green heart for New Castle — and a beautiful place to celebrate.
Highlights of the park
- Koi pond & water gardens — a favorite spot to slow down
- LOVE sculpture — installed in 2017, by New Castle native Robert Indiana
- The Pavilion — home of free summer concerts and festivals
- Volunteer gardens — lovingly kept by Nancy Dietz and the Garden Group
Rent a venue
Four spaces, one campus
For parties, meetings, weddings, reunions and more. Not-for-profit rates available.
Outdoor
Arts Park & Pavilion
Concerts, weddings, receptions, festivals and career fairs among the gardens and ponds.
- Best for
- Weddings, concerts, festivals, reunions
- Rate
- Friday $500 · Saturday $600
- Deposit
- $300, refundable
- Includes
- Pavilion, gardens & koi pond setting
- Note
- Non-alcohol events
Indoor · main floor
The Gallery
Hold your event surrounded by the current exhibit. Ideal for meetings, showers, lectures and cultural events.
- Best for
- Meetings, showers, lectures, receptions
- Rate
- $200
- Deposit
- $50, refundable
- Includes
- Kitchen, two restrooms, tables & chairs
- Capacity
- Up to 99 guests
Indoor · 2nd floor
The Upstairs Studio
A flexible room with a small stage — great for performances, presentations and parties.
- Best for
- Performances, presentations, parties
- Rate
- $100 all day · non-profits $50
- Deposit
- $50, refundable
- Includes
- Stage lighting, pull-down screen, sink, two restrooms, tables & chairs
- Capacity
- Call to confirm
Classroom
Shaffer Studio
Classroom space in the Artistry Annex — a great place to create art with family and friends.
- Best for
- Workshops, art parties, club meetings
- Rate
- Call for rate
- Deposit
- $50, refundable
- Includes
- Work tables & classroom space
- Where
- 1501 Broad St., New Castle
Reserve your date with us first, then pay the deposit online. A 3% fee applies to card payments. Rental policy, agreement and fee forms are available from the office. Banquet tables and chairs are available in each venue.
Weddings
Say “I do” among the gardens
Make your dream wedding a reality under the Pavilion, with the koi pond and gardens as your backdrop and the Gallery available for receptions.
Plan your wedding →The Pavilion at duskArts Park · New Castle
Home / Celebrated Artists
Made in Henry County
Hometown artists, world-wide walls.
Henry County has produced artists whose work hangs in museums and collections around the globe.
Robert IndianaPop art · New Castle native
A leading figure of the pop art movement and creator of the iconic LOVE image. Exhibited in Düsseldorf, New York and Milan; designed a MoMA Christmas card. A LOVE sculpture stands in our Arts Park.
Kelly & Kyle PhelpsSculpture · New Castle natives
Twin brothers whose work has appeared in over 110 juried, national and international exhibitions, including in Spain and at the Albany Institute of History and Art.
Jim RenoSculpture · Raised in New Castle
Commissioned in 1973 by Secretariat's owner to sculpt the champion; exhibited at the National Museum of Racing in Saratoga.
Elizabeth Dodds ShafferPainting · AAHC founder
One of East Central Indiana's leading artists and founder of the Art Association in 1965. She painted the Bundy portraits for the Bundy Auditorium.
Beulah H. BrownTextile design · New Castle
Known for bold, colorful abstract patterns sold to textile companies in St. Louis and New York City.
Thaddeus CoffinArchitecture & woodwork
Architect, carpenter and Civil War veteran whose desk was considered for the Smithsonian.
Home / About
Our story
Built by artists. Kept by volunteers.
The Art Association of Henry County, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that inspires creativity through exhibits, education and events for the whole county.
The Art CenterOnce the Jennings & Sons Lumber Co., est. 1865
1965
A group of artists dreams big
Elizabeth Dodds Shaffer and fellow county artists form the Art Association to create an art center for the community.
1992
A 100-year-old building
Through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Verl Shaffer, the Association purchases a historic building in New Castle.
1995
The Art Center opens
After a three-year volunteer renovation — with help from the Henry County Foundation, the Lilly Foundation and local citizens — the Art Center is dedicated.
1999
The Arts Park is born
On land donated by the Jennings family, eight old buildings come down and volunteers and the Garden Group build the three-acre park.
2017
LOVE comes home
A LOVE sculpture by native son Robert Indiana is installed in the Arts Park as part of the Robert Indiana Arts & Cultural District.
Today
Still growing
Up to a dozen exhibits a year, classes and camps for every age, and a park that hosts the community's biggest celebrations.
The people
Board, staff & docents
Leadership & staff
VB
Vickie BertramExecutive Director
MP
Marsha PettyPresident
GD
Greg DietzVice President
SW
Steve WeidertTreasurer
MW
Marilyn WittExhibit Director
PC
Pebbles CaudillFront Office Manager
Board members
Ean Southerland · Bash Crider · Rev. Michelle White · Ed Tarantino · Susie Delay · Valerie Bertolina-Stoots · Aric Stoots
Advisory committee
Terry Dukeman · Richard McKnight · Lee Terryberry
Docents
Mary Jane Rhodes · Dana Kepner · Lloyd & Joyce Miller · Connie Thornhill · Jennifer Rednour · Clint Rednour
Home / Join & Give
Support the arts
We run on creativity & community.
Your membership, gifts and volunteer hours keep the Art Center and Arts Park open for everyone. Every $5 helps.
Membership
Pick your level
- Discounted class fees
- Studio space & equipment use
- Open Clay Days ($5/session)
- Quarterly newsletter & exhibit notices
Student (under 18)
$15 / year
For young artists building their craft.
Individual
$30 / year
All the core member benefits, just for you.
Family or Club
$50 / year
Benefits for the whole household or your art group.
Supporting
$100 / year
Go a step further for the Art Center.
Sustaining
$200 / year
Help sustain exhibits and programs year-round.
Benefactor
$300 / year
Leadership-level giving for the arts.
Exhibit Sponsor
$500 / year
Put your name behind a Gallery exhibit.
Corporate Sponsor
$250 / year
Business membership with community visibility.
Join or renew online →
Memberships run through Sept. 1 each year. A 3% fee applies to card payments. You can also join in person or by mail.
Give
Ways to donate
Gifts support exhibitions, classes, community events and the care of our historic building and park.
Donate online →Online
Give any amount through our online shop — small gifts add up.
By mail or in person
Cash or check payable to AAHC, 218 S. 15th St., New Castle, IN 47362.
Kroger Community Rewards
Link your Kroger Plus card to “The Art Association of Henry County, Inc.” (organization # WJ947) and Kroger donates every time you shop.
Volunteer
A few hours a month — or every week
Indoors
Gallery & docents
Greet visitors, staff the front desk and share the story behind each exhibit.
Outdoors
Arts Park & gardens
Join the Garden Group keeping the park, ponds and flower beds beautiful.
Events
Events & classes
Help with receptions, concerts, camps and fundraisers.
Sponsorship
Put your name behind the arts
Sponsor an exhibit, a concert or a camp and reach the whole Henry County community.
Home / Contact
Say hello
We'd love to hear from you.
Questions about classes, rentals, exhibits or volunteering — send a note or give us a call.
- Phone
- 765.529.2634
- Kids' camps list
- aahcprivate@gmail.com
- Art Center
- 218 S. 15th St., New Castle, IN 47362
- Artistry Annex
- 1501 Broad St., New Castle, IN
- Social
- Facebook ↗