IMU Art Collection

The Indiana Memorial Union is something of a "living" museum, home to a remarkable collection of art and antiques. Started in 1923 when IU students purchased six paintings from artist-in-residence Theodore Clement Steele, the collection now boasts over 1,200 two and three-dimensional pieces including works by distinguished Indiana artists Wayman Adams, C. Curry Bohm, Marie Goth, William Forsyth and Rudy Pozzati.

An initial grant of $10,000 from the IU Foundation began the Guild, all other funds for restoration and preservation are thanks to the support and help of individuals such as yourself that enable us to provide continuous maintenance and repair on these treasures.

Like many things of value, this collection is fragile and needs our constant attention. We hope that these pieces will continue to be a source of enjoyment and inspiration for generations to come.

For more information on the benefits of becoming an Art Guild member, stop by the Indiana Memorial Union Hotel Front Desk and ask for a brochure

Or contact the IMU Director's Office at (812) 855-5650 for more information

Some of the pieces and their location included in this vast collection are listed below:

Hotel Lobby

graphic  Behind the Front Desk, you will find Winter on Whitewater by self taught artist John Elwood Bundy (1853-1933)

The Conference Lounge

graphic  As you enter the Conference Lounge on the Mezzanine Level, you will encounter several portraits by T.C. Steele and Marie Goth. A Brown County artist, Goth (1887-1975) studied at the John Herron School of Art in Indianapolis and the Student Art League in New York.

The Director's Office-Mezzanine Level

graphic In the corridor near the Director's office hang several landscapes. On the right is Road Through the Woods by T.C. Steele.

Next to the entrance to the Director's Office you will find Home of the Artist by Richard Buckner Gruelle. Gruelle (1851-1914) is one of the five painters known as the Hoosier Group who brought national acclaim to Indiana artists.

Bookstore-Market Corridor-Mezzanine Level

graphic To the left of the entrance of the IU Bookstore, you will find a sea painting by C. Curry Bohm, Eastern Blow. Next to Eastern Blow hangs Strength of the Hills by T.C. Steele. 

graphic  Near the Market, there are several landscapes and seascapes worth noting by C. Curry Bohm. The six hanging together were donated by Robert Lucas (UB 1941-43) and another, Wet Morning (unmarked), was purchased in 1947 by the IMU's Board of Directors.

The Memorial Room-1st Floor

graphic This hallowed spot pays homage to the men and women of Indiana who served our nation during times of war. Hanging above the desk, donated by the family of H. Frederick Willkie, is a portrait by Wayman Adams of the University's 10th president, William Lowe Bryan. Adams (1883-1959) studied at the John Herron Art Institute from 1904 through 1909, and in 1914 was nationally recognized for his portraiture by the National Academy of Design in New York. 

The Tudor Room-South Lounge 1st Floor

graphic To the right of the Tudor Room hangs Summer Sky by Clifton Wheeler (1883-1953) and to the left is C. Curry Bohm's Loading the Boats (unmarked)                    

graphic Between the Tudor Room and the South Lounge are two paintings by T. C. Steele, Opalescent Morning and When Skies Are Blue. This last painting depicts Steele's home in the House of the Singing Winds in Belmont, which is now one of the Indiana State Museum's historic sites.

There are many more paintings, antiques, and treasured items in the Indiana Memorial Union's Collection for you to enjoy as you walk through the halls.