The American pop artist Keith Haring once said, “Art is nothing if you don’t reach every segment of the people.”
The founders of the Indiana Museum of Art seem to share that philosophy.
The IMA, a 501©(3) non-profit, on Wednesday completed its purchase of the former Eagles Lodge in Logansport, with the intent to convert the building into a physical museum that would be a “cornerstone of Logansport’s future,” according to local lawyer and entrepreneur Andrew Miller, who bought the property with artist Jason Myers.
Miller and Myers say the IMA will be Indiana’s only museum with a singular focus on contemporary art. They envision rapidly building a reputation throughout the Midwest by leveraging Myers’ stature as an artist and his national and international relationships with other artists, galleries and museums. Myers, who will serve as the museum’s director, says it will regularly feature exhibits of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists.
“The purchase of this property in Logansport aligns perfectly with our vision to bring contemporary art to diverse communities throughout the state,” Myers told the Pharos-Tribune.
Smartly, the project is being done deliberately and methodically, with a loose timetable to make sure everything is up to the founders’ standards. While the goal is to open in 2027, Miller said a lot of work needs to be done and they will not hesitate to push the opening back if needed.
“A project of this scope, there’s a lot that goes into it,” Miller said. “The ambition that we have for this dictates that it will be done deliberately and done well. Deliberate and well isn’t always consistent with speed.”
Myers and Miller want the IMA to become a brand for the community that can draw visitors, working artists and more economic development. The Cass County Community Foundation is already on board, awarding a $5,000 grant to help the project, which will cost about $3 million. Funding will come entirely through donations and grants.
They envision the museum hosting a variety of events, workshops and exhibitions.
The museum is the latest example of local stakeholders taking charge to improve a Hoosier community and giving the area more resources to enjoy. The Vibrant Event Center, a 460-seat venue situated along the Eel River, opened in Logansport last year. Miller is also a member of the investor group for the event center.
In December, the Community Foundation secured a $5 million grant to secure a permanent farmers market in downtown Logansport.
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