The Alliance of the Sheldon Swope Art Museum
Officers
Patricia McIntyre
Cathie Laska
John Gedrick, III
Jacquelyn Bradfield
President
Vice-President
Secretary
Treasurer
A TOAST TO AUTUMN
Sunday, October 20, 2024
4-7 PM
A world of art! A world of food! Good wine, good folks, good conversations.
RSVP to: Patricia (812)243-3581
Reserve by mail for $50 per person, with checks being made out to Swope Alliance, 25 S 7th St. Terre Haute, IN 47807.
At the Craig Fox Residence
216 Woodbine, Terre Haute, IN
Questions? Call the Swope at (812)243-3581
History
The Sheldon Swope Art Gallery, Inc., opened in 1942 because of the generosity and foresight of Mr. Sheldon Swope, a Terre Haute jeweler. When he died in 1929, his will specified that a "public art gallery shall be established in Terre Haute." He further directed that works of art be purchased, accumulated, and "...displayed publicly and free of charge to all residents of Terre Haute and Vigo County, forever."
The Alliance was founded in 1952 to promote the Swope's exhibition program. The seven founding members were Shellie Allen (Mrs. P. E.), Louise Baur (Mrs. Oscar), Margaret Carroll (Mrs. George), Frances Cornell (Mrs. F. Burch), and Margarat Yeager (Mrs. Ralph). Members of the Alliance serve as volunteers, hostesses, docents, and sponsors for exhibitions and fundraising events.
In 1972, the Swope was the first art museum in Indiana to be accredited by the American Association of Museums. Our 'Gallery' became a museum in 1988. The museum expanded to the first floor of the building with more space for exhibiting the finest collection of American art in Indiana.
In 1998, the museum began a restoration of this landmark facility. New first floor galleries opened in 1999, and four restored galleries reopened in 2000. The Alliance funded the beautiful reception desk in the lobby. This work was completed in 2003. Now in 2024, the Swope is well on its way to completing a capital campaign that will restore our beloved old building and prepare it for a long and glorious future.
Guest Speakers
Alliance meetings are held at the museum on the third Friday of each month September through May, excluding December. Meetings are held at the Swope unless otherwise noted. All are invited to our meetings: coffee at 10:45 a.m., business meeting at 11:15 a.m., and a guest speaker at 12 noon.
September 20th: Madison King – “The Business of Comics and Art”
Madison is an accomplished artist in her own right and is the owner of MuseArt Terre Haute. She will talk about her art, her journey as an artist, and her art supply shop.
October 18th: Lisa Petrulis – “Myopic Tonic: Zoomed in at the Chicken House Studio”
Elegant, comforting and quirky, animals dominate intimate portraits by Elizabeth Lisa Petrulis. A former Swope curator, registrar and preparator, she holds an MFA from Indiana State University and is involved with Art Spaces Wabash Valley Public Sculpture Collection. She lives on the rural edge of Marshall, Illinois with her husband and the Kitten Caboodle.
November 15th: Regan Zerwig — ”Transformations”
Raised in Missouri, Regan Zerwig’s work arises from her family’s history and her own lived experience. Her sculptures and installations explore the transformations of her life. She works in many materials, including paper.
January 17th: Patricia McIntyre — “The Artists Who Won the War”
Our esteemed President of the Alliance is well-known for her interesting take on almost anything under the sun. Today she will remind us of the awesome power of art. Artists actually were a significant part of winning the war in Europe during WWII.
February 21st: Sister Jody O’Neil — “Will talk about her new studio and latest projects”
Sister Jody is the artist in residence at Saint Mary of the Woods College. She works in a range of media and loves to teach and mentor other artists. She always has some thoughtful and incisive message for us. Don’t miss it.
March 21st: Jean Turnmire — "Spring Wildflowers near Turkey Run”
We seldom fully appreciate the beauty of our home state’s native flowers. Come get a lesson from Jean about the beauty, as well as the benefits, that native plants offer to the birds and the bees. And, as a bonus, you will acquire ideas for native flowers to grace your own backyard.
April 18th: Nancy Nichols Pethick — ”Her Career as a Painter and Teacher”
Nancy was the top prize winner of our inaugural Plein Aire Competition in 2023.
May 16th: Fred Nation — “The State of the Swope”
At our May meeting, our Executive Director, Fred Nation, addresses the State of the Swope. This will be a comprehensive report on the current standing of our favorite art museum. It is also our end-of-year party so come and celebrate with us!
Life Members
David Adams
Ferial Alsikafi
Pauline Anshutz
Eileen Baker
Mary Louise Bell
Jacquelyn Bradfield
Rod Bradfield
Linda Britt
Sheron J. Dailey
Amanda Davis
Susan Dinkel
Connie Francis
Elisabeth Friedman
Gregory Gibson
Margot Gillespie
Bernice Helman
Susan Hodge
Judy Hogan
Sharron Jolly
Jan Keffer
Sara Laughlin
Dana Levine
Roberta Marietta
John McIntyre
Patricia McIntyre
Diann McKee
Harriett McNeal
Kathleen Meany
Alane Meis
Elizabeth Meyer
Brenda Milliren
Jane Morse
Fred Nation
Nancy Nation
Eunice Pate
Eileen Prose
Nancy Rubey
Al Ruckriegel
Barbara D. Schmitt
Norma Schmitz
Thomas Schmitz
Rick Shagley
Virginia Smith
Carolyn Steinbaugh
Judy Stoffel
Terre Haute Mayor
Patty Thoms
Lynn Van Etten
Allen Varner
Gerri Varner
Barbara Vogel
Stephanie Welsh
Sally Whitehurst
Alyce Williamson
Join the Alliance
To learn more about the Alliance please contact Patricia McIntyre at patricia@pqmcintyre.com.