Icons of Community: Indiana’s Historic County Courthouses
First Friday Art Show and Talk explores one attorney’s journey to collect artwork representing all 92 of Indiana’s county courthouses.
August 1, 2025
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. EDT
Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Avenue, Indianapolis and Online
In an era of rapid change and political division, Indiana’s county courthouses stand as enduring symbols of stability, civility, and community—soaring towers that rise above town squares and rural landscapes like secular cathedrals. Through their differing architectural styles and details, each courthouse tells a unique story of a county’s prosperity, ambition, or humble beginnings.
In 2007, attorney Douglas Church set out on an ambitious mission to collect artwork representing all 92 Indiana county courthouses, a remarkable feat he completed this year. On August 1, hear the fascinating—and occasionally humorous—stories behind Doug’s journey, along with insight into the historic and artistic legacy of Indiana’s courthouses from Elizabeth R. Osborn, director of education at Indiana University’s Center on Representative Government. Clay Miller, former president of the Indiana State Bar Association and past member of Indiana Landmarks’ board of directors, moderates the program.
Following the presentation, attendees are invited to an opening reception in Indiana Landmarks Center’s Rapp Family Gallery to view the full collection of courthouse artwork, including pieces by artists Wyatt LeGrand, Anastasia Mak, Nancy Rairdon, Rich Ernsting, and many more.
After the August 1 opening reception, the exhibit hangs through September 26 and is open for viewing during Indiana Landmarks Center’s regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m to 5 p.m., except when closed for special events.
Sponsors
Indiana Bar Foundation
TICKETS
The event is free with RSVP. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with program from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Indiana Landmarks Center (which is accessible to all) or online via Zoom. A reception in Rapp Family Gallery follows the main program.
Reserve your spot using the form below, by visiting IndianaCourthousesTalk.eventbrite.com, or by calling 317-639-4534 or 800-450-4534.