STATEHOUSE (March 4, 2022) – Artwork by local artists will soon be displayed at the Statehouse, according to State Rep. Craig Snow (R-Warsaw).
Brenda Ramseier of Silver Lake and Penny French-Deal of North Manchester were selected to have their artwork decorate the Statehouse as part of Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch's and Indianan State Treasurer Kelly Mitchell's annual Hoosier Women Artists initiative. This year, 44 pieces of art were chosen out of more than 200 entries.
"As a returning artist, Penny always impresses with her beautiful artwork and this year's piece of her grandson is no exception," Snow said. "Brenda's watercolor work and technique is really exceptional."
Ramseier's piece, "A Walk of Contemplation," and French-Deal’s work, "The Youngest Student," will be displayed in Mitchell's office.
French-Deal has had her artwork chosen five times now, and said she drew inspiration for this year's piece from someone close to her heart, her grandson. She said linen and oils are very complimentary of one another, which is why she used that medium for this particular piece. Her work depicts a young violinist in the foreground of two older, more experienced violinists.
"My observation of the older students that were mentoring him, they were so polite and seemed to give him the attention and helped him through this first recital," French-Deal said. "They're faded in the background because they took the background and allowed him the spotlight."
Ramseier, now a two-time Hoosier Women Artist awardee, pointed to St. Mary of the Woods as her inspiration.
"I loved walking around the grounds at St. Mary of the Woods while there for an art retreat," Ramseirer said. "It was so peaceful and calm, and I thought I would come back after taking many pictures."
Mostly a pen and ink artist, Ramseier said she also teaches watercolor.
"It is a real honor and humbling because there are so many great artists in Indiana," Ramseier said. "This building is just beautiful and the experience of coming down for this is just great."
French-Deal, Ramseier and other artists were honored at a Statehouse ceremony Thursday, March 3 as a part of Women’s History Month.
"It's always wonderful to meet new artists from around the state, see their expertise and their particular fields," French-Deal said. "It's also great to see the familiar faces that have been previously honored."
-30-
State Rep. Craig Snow (R-Warsaw) represents House District 18, which
includes Wabash County and portions of Kosciusko, Grant and Miami counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: Brenda Ramseier (right) of Silver Lake meets with a fellow artist before the 2022 Hoosier Women Artists awards ceremony at the Statehouse Thursday, March 3, 2022, in Indianapolis. Ramseier's piece, “A Walk of Contemplation,” is a water color painting, and will hang for one year in Indiana State Treasurer Kelly Mitchell's office.
