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Our valley will inspire.
Madison, Indiana, with its meandering river, rolling hills, crooked creeks, and classically-designed architecture, has long been a magnet for creative thought, creative people, and creative expression.
Fine art, music, theater, traditional trades, creative writing, culinary arts, wine making, poetry, photography, and art education thrive here, supported by passionate and creative folk and their organizations. Residents and visitors from far and near celebrate our valley’s rich 200-year history, architectural legacy, and natural environment. Come be a part of our creative vibe!
Historically Creative
Art is a huge piece of Madison’s culture and an integral part of the Madison experience. We have 5 galleries filled with local & regional art representing diverse artistic styles and many of our local stores, restaurants and wineries feature changing exhibits throughout the year.
Whenever we have the chance, we like to showcase our artists and craftsmen during festivals and special events. Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art is southern Indiana’s premier open-air juried fine arts & crafts show held on the last full weekend of September.
Looking to create some art of your own? If you plan ahead, you can book your spot at Little Golden Fox!
Galleries
Experience Art in Madison, IN
Art is an important part of Madison. There are 5 galleries filled with local & regional art representing diverse artistic styles and many of our local stores, restaurants and wineries feature changing exhibits throughout the year.
Whenever we have the chance, we like to showcase our artists and craftsmen during festivals and special events. Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art is southern Indiana’s premier open-air juried fine arts & crafts show held on the last full weekend of September. See a full list of original art exhibits below.
ORIGINAL ART EXHIBITS
ART ON MAIN
ANALOG COFFEE ART WALL
BINZER’S FRAMING
CAROLYN LOPEZ HOME GALLERY
CUCKOOS ROOST
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MADISON & JEFFERSON COUNTY
ART BY DALLAS
GALLERY 115: ERIC PHAGAN
GREINER ART GALLERY AT HANOVER COLLEGE
HEIRLOOM ART STUDIO
HISTORY & ART MUSEUM
HOUSE OF JANE ART WALL
LANTHIER WINERY
MARIA NAPOLI STUDIO
MAD ART
NICE SHOTS! PHOTOGRAPHY
PEDDIE & FISH ART COLLECTIVE
THE S.P.O.T.
THE THOMAS FAMILY WINERY
Historic Ohio Theatre
The Ohio Theatre was built in 1938. For decades, this was a site for the community to come together to enjoy a show, snacks, and the ambiance of a historic landmark.
In December of 1958, Some Came Running starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Shirley MacLaine, premiered at this venue. To commemorate the event, a Hollywood Star was placed out in front of the theatre to honor the stars and the movie which was filmed in Madison.
The theatre is remembered fondly for its free summer movie series enjoyed by youth from around the region, smells of fresh-popped popcorn wafted out of the doors and out into the bustling traffic Main Street. This location also served as an event space for several community affairs.
Sadly, in June of 2018, the roof of the theatre caught fire. A group of locals banned together and formed The Friends of the Ohio Theatre and established themselves as a non-profit dedicated to the revitalization of this beloved historic landmark where so many memories were made. If you’d like to donate to the cause, click here.
In the future, this space will be used as a space to hold events, concerts, plays, and movies of course! Check out the Ohio Theatre’s Facebook page to stay up to date on the restoration process!
Indiana Arts & Cultural District
Madison is one of twelve designated Arts & Cultural Districts throughout the state of Indiana.
An Arts and Cultural district is identified as “a statewide leader in cultural development.” Madison certainly stands out due to the awe-inspiring architecture, thriving music scene, momentous murals and more!
Given Madison’s national recognition as the largest contiguous national historic landmark district in the country, it’s natural that the culture and art of this community is rooted deeply in the foundation of the past. But the future has never looked brighter!
In 2019, there were 324 creative jobs in the Madison area. The majority were photographers, followed by writers, musicians, library techs, and graphic designers. As up and coming “Indiana’s Music City,” we expect to see these numbers continue to increase as more and more artists relocate to explore their passion in Madison!
The creative industry earnings were $5.3 million overall in 2019. This is a testament to how the Madison community supports local talent.
Learn more about Indiana’s other Arts & Cultural Districts here.
Indiana’s Music City
Madison is a blossoming music town and on its way to being Indiana’s Music City!
Find live music most nights at various venues. Local, regional and national artists.
Madison’s Music Venues include:
- Thomas Family Winery
- Off Broadway Taproom
- House of Jane Songwriter Sessions
- Rivercrest Lighthouse Marina Restaurant & Lounge
- Central Hotel
- Riverboat Inn & Suites
- Sallie’s by the Shore
- Red Bicycle Hall
- Rivertown Grill
- The Drake
- 1st Street Saloon
- American Legion
- VFW
- Moose Lodge
- Elks Lodge
- and MORE!
Madison Music Movement is dedicated to helping the music scene thrive. Visit their website and subscribe to the weekly newsletter to stay in the know on all things music in Madison!
Learn more about the Business of Music in Madison, Indiana’s Music City
The House of Jane Songwriter Sessions are a series of intimate listening room shows held in the House of Jane Barbershop on Main Street in Historic Madison, Indiana. Each show features two songwriters, from around the region and beyond, singing their original music and sharing their stories. If you love music, this is where it all starts, a songwriter, their instrument and some listening ears. Check MadTixevents.com for upcoming shows.
Madison Area Arts Alliance
There is just something about this valley.
The incredible natural beauty and historic architecture inspires us all. Our many artists tell the story of this beautiful place through visual arts, music and all types of creative expression.
Madison boasts a large concentration of creative people, the arts and cultural assets. We celebrate our artists & studios, creative businesses, live music, wineries and breweries, arts & cultural events, public art & murals, museums & galleries—everyday! It is just how we roll!
Arts Here Now!
Madison Area Arts Alliance is dedicated to building, inspiring, and nurturing a sustainable arts movement in the Madison, Indiana area! The magic happens at the SPOT (Supporting People Of Talent) on 326 Mulberry St. in Historic Downtown Madison.
Murals
Our vast collection of local murals will certainly brighten up any social media feed; be sure to bring your camera and your best smile!
Nightlife
There is always something happening in Madison!
Our thriving music scene makes Madison a perfect nightlife destination.
When planning your trip, be sure to check out Madison Music Movement’s website to scope out the music lineup so you can make sure to catch all the awesome acts while you’re in town!
Keep an eye on our Weekend To Dos event calendar for a full rundown of the happenings in Madison.
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