India Cruse Griffin ( American Painter b. 1958) An accomplished Mid-Western artist educator earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Art Education from Ball State University Muncie, Indiana. Her love of Art, her family, and her community came to her at an early age when her Parents concentrated on the family being close with strong beliefs. Her mother an artist herself passed on her artistic ability and curiosity for art to her children. At the very early age of three, India created art far above her years, as her parents encouraged her to experiment with art; working with a variety of materials including watercolor and oil paints. Although in their early adult years she was far more of a perfectionist. The imperfect edges of the tapestry of torn papers were not yet a part of her works, but a smooth and more sophisticated style dominated her work till her early twenties. Marriage and starting a family, India still needed Art, and her unique style started to emerge with limited time to paint. In 1993 she decided to exhibit her art publicly and pursue a career as a professional artist. India's art is exhibited throughout the Midwest including several Indiana and Illinois venues. Museums, Hospitals, Art Galleries, Universities, Public and Private, across the country. India has served as an Indiana Arts Commissioner, Legislative Arts Advocacy Council committee member, Humanities and Racial equality Committee member, Art Museum Trustee, Art Teacher, and several state and local committees, for many years. Her works are brilliant with color, and it is from her childhood memories growing up in Indiana, she began to paint and create multi-layered, multi-textured representations of the people in her life. Her work demonstrates everyday challenges relating to the many roles women encompass. Her goal is to express the feeling of all and show the underlying meanings behind the everyday task of family.
Permanent and Public Collections: Gainbridge Fieldhouse Indiana State Museum Indiana Governors Residence 3 Rivers Federal Credit Union Indiana Indiana University, Bloomington Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Eskenazi Hospital Indianapolis, Indiana Fountaindale Public Library Chicago, Illinois Reid Memorial Hospital Richmond Art Museum Richmond Community Schools
Selected Exhibitions: "BUTTER" Fine Arts Fair Artist September 2023 Newfields Museum "Truth and Freedom & The language of race" Exhibition June 2023 Harrison Center for the Arts Solo Exhibition "The Love we Breathe February 2023 Richmond Art Museum Palette to Palate Featured Artist February 2023 Indiana State Museum Christmas Tree ornament Design December 2022 Gainbridge Fieldhouse "The Art of the Game" October 2022 Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art September 24-25, 2022 Harrison Center for the Arts Solo Exhibition "Before my Eyes" April 2022 Hoosier Women Artist Indiana State House 2022 Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art September 25-26, 2021 Harrison Center for the Arts "Among the Folds" September 2021 Richmond Art Museum Collects "Women Artist 1950-Present, May 2020 Richmond Art Museum Annual Exhibition 2015,2016,2017,2018,2019,2020 2021, &2022, Harrison Art Center Solo Exhibition March 2014 Indiana University East Solo Exhibition 2013 Indiana State Museum "Represent" January 2012 Fountaindale Library Annual Exhibition 2011 Art Jaz Gallery Philadelphia Pa. Solo Exhibition2010 Indiana State Museum " Those who chose to stay" 2009 Governor's Arts Award Designer 2009 Signature Art Gallery Tallahassee Fla. "group Artist" 2009 National Black Fine Arts Exhibition 2007,2008,& 2009 Indiana Governors Residence Artist 2007 Northern Indiana Arts Association Solo Exhibition 2006 Kellie Rae Theiss Art Gallery Solo Exhibition 2003