Thank you for your support of Newfields throughout 2023 and into 2024. From record-breaking attendance at festivals to newly opened or refreshed galleries and from new community partners to more collaboration with local artists, you helped us engage, entertain, and enhance our guests’ experiences with art and nature. 2
This milestone anniversary year has been one of transition and progress.
As this institution and the world have navigated the various demands of the times, the celebration of our 140 th anniversary has put much into perspective. The steadfastness and passion of all the individuals who developed the Art Association of Indianapolis of 1883 into the destination location that is Newfields today is evidence of their belief in the importance of art to a thriving society. We are committed to honoring that same mission by being an accessible and inspiring anchor cultural institution that entertains, educates, and elevates our neighbors, our community, and all our guests, from near and far.
I am proud of the continuing passion of staff, donors, volunteers, and the community that honors and holds up our mission of enriching lives through art and nature every single day and am excited about and confident in Newfields’ next 140 years.
As I complete my third year as Chairwoman of the Newfields Board of Trustees, I am pleased to share this annual report that illuminates your impact throughout the 202324 fiscal year. I encourage you to take the time to read the stories within and to be proud of all that your support has helped make possible.
Your impact has been beautifully visible throughout the Indianapolis Museum of Art, The Garden, The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, and the Miller House. As we continue to meet objectives set in the 2021 Action Plan, your impact is also being felt throughout the community in the form of several new and developing programs. You’ll find inspiring stories throughout these pages on our inclusion and support of local artists, our surrounding neighborhoods, and college students throughout the state, including the following specific highlights:
• The launch of a new neighborhood membership program, which has now grown to more than 2,500 households.
• Just over $2,600,000 has been spent on acquisitions of works by Black, indigenous, and artists of color, and artists from other marginalized backgrounds.
• Community Engagement Managers, Julianne Miller and Clarence Cannon, have attended approximately 45 neighborhood association meetings in the last year.
• The Community Advisory Committee has been reengaged under the leadership of new Chair, Dr. Leon Jackson, CEO and founder of the Diversity in Leadership Program.
• Our Free First Thursday and Family Days have thrived with creative programming and record attendance.
Community access and support are also evident in our growing lists of community partners and local vendors. As an anchor institution, Newfields does more than contribute to just the cultural landscape. In addition to providing transformational volunteer opportunities for nonprofit organizations and corporations, Newfields also supports local artists, entertainers, vendors, and partners.
To enhance the multi-sensory digital technology in THE LUME, Indiana-based digital artist groups debuted original artwork to accompany Monet & Friends Alive that continues in the current Dalí Alive experience. To continue this mission of immersion and inclusion, the festivals— Harvest Nights sponsored by JP Morgan Chase in 2023, Winterlights sponsored by Bank of America, and Spring Blooms sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited—all tap into local talent for heightened, multi-sensory experiences that dazzle and delight with the sights, tastes, and scents of locally owned and creatively curated menu offerings, live music and performances, and community art displays.
This multi-layered strategy has extended to our galleries, which have been refreshed, reopened, and reimagined with a fresh coat of paint and a broadened perspective. Work in Progress: Conversations in American Art is a model of planning, collaboration, and storytelling that was initiated three years
before its opening in May of 2023. Director of Content and Interpretive Engagement, Tascha Horowitz, and Assistant Curator of Contemporary Art and Interim Curator of American Art, Dr. Michael Vetter, involved the Looking Glass Alliance, a group of five local creatives, in the selection and creation of American art that would resonate with all audiences. From the pairing of traditional with contemporary works to the interactive activity components, this refreshed permanent gallery was curated and designed to intentionally encourage reflection on the tensions of our nation’s history.
This is just one example of our commitment to global thematic displays, which is an arranging of art in new and approachable ways that crosses departments, cultures, and eras to focus on an overarching theme or question. With the hiring of The Melvin and Bren Simon Director of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Belinda Tate, we can expect our galleries and exhibitions to continue on this path of ignited emotion and dialogue that will keep guests coming back for more. In addition to amazing new acquisitions of contemporary African art, exciting exhibits ahead include Home Again in Fairbanks Park, Shinique Smith: Torque , Truth of Freedom: African Diaspora to Afrofuturism, Carlos Rolón: Threads of Resurgence , Matter of Record: Photography and the Creation of Medium , and Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting Edge Kicks. There is no limit to the activities, events, and partnerships Newfields can explore with this broad range of artist backgrounds, mediums, and themes.
Just as we focus on the total guest experience, we must also prioritize the entire campus with enhancements that enhance accessibility, safety, and sustainability. This year brought progress on several outdoor projects:
• In Fairbanks Park, a new parking lot features a water filtration system that combines asphalt, a bio-retention basin, and a rain garden along with additional lighting and ADA-compliant spaces.
• Other environmental enhancements included riverbank stabilization, native plantings, and prescribed burns to improve the park’s ecological health and mitigate erosion.
• The Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse was restored with new safety glass and fresh paint.
• Ongoing and upcoming projects include the rebuilt Garden Terrace patio, the upgrading and reimagining of the Glick Fountain, and the revitalized Katharine B. Sutphin and Northeast Border Gardens with greatly improved guest accessibility.
• And further planning, design, and engineering has progressed for the Flower and Vegetable Garden, which will honor Oldfields’ history as a self-sustaining estate, create opportunities for Newfields to positively impact community food insecurity, and provide needed space for education and public programs and Culinary Arts.
It is because of your generous support that we can pursue the improvements that are needed to provide accessibility and safety for our guests and protect and sustain the environment. Your continued support prepares and propels us forward as we create world-class experiences, like two recent signature events: Midnight, our New Year’s Eve event was enjoyed by
1,500+ guests and the Total Eclipse of the Art event this past spring welcomed over 5,000. And our exhibit at the Indiana State Fair, Artscape: Where Imagination Grows , drew over 140,000 guests in 15 days. We can celebrate all these successes, because of your support and that of countless other art lovers over the past 140 years.
I am also grateful for the Trustees, Life Trustees, Governors and the entire Newfields staff, volunteers, and docents who held steady throughout our leadership transition. As our executive search continues, I must express my appreciation for interim President & CEO, Mike Kubacki, who came out of retirement because of his love for Newfields.
On behalf of all of us who love Newfields, thank you.
Darrianne Christian Chair of the Board of the Trustees May 2024
Board of Governors
(as of May 2024)
OFFICERS
Doug Singleton: Chair
Madison Hromadka: Vice Chair
GOVERNORS
Tyrone Allen
Richard Ash
Michael Ault
Dawn K. Batson
Andrew T. Bridge
Caitlin Byczko
Andre Franklin
Randa Franzen
Gretchen Haehl
Suzanne Janetta
Aymen Kaboub
Greta Krueger
Louisa Macer
Laura Michael
Kit Clark Moorman
Michael Pettry
Aaron Reddington
Katie Snider
Letter from the Chairs of Board of Governors
Being part of the Newfields Board of Governors has been a rewarding journey. We have much to be proud of and even more to be excited about as this diverse group of young and dynamic community leaders continues to deliver on its original purpose and mission.
This journey was initiated in 2018 as a task force selected by the Newfields Board of Trustees to develop the model for an advisory group that could also act as a Trustee pipeline. Today, four of these former and current Governors now serve as Trustees and in leadership roles for its sub-committees. It is exciting to see the model being so effective at producing future Trustee leaders and even more fulfilling to have participated in and witnessed its ongoing impact since the first Governors hit the ground running in 2019.
From conducting listening sessions with various stakeholders and donors in that first year to acting as a focus group for innovations in programming and new signature events in 2023, the Governors strive to be a source of support and inspiration. We have worked to establish a culture that promotes creativity and collaboration to explore fresh approaches to strengthening Newfields and expanding its audiences.
By serving as an additional body of voices and perspectives, the Governors have been able to focus on diversity, accessibility, and community engagement. For example, the Governors act as ambassadors within their own geographic and cultural circles to represent and attract more diverse audiences that help shape the future of Newfields.
Beyond being community and brand ambassadors, the Governors’ steadfast commitment to DEIA initiatives has also
been financially fruitful. When the goal was set to establish a DEIA fund, the Governors pledged 100% financial support. We are proud to announce that this fund is now fully endowed and encourage you to read about its impact in this annual report.
Throughout 2023, the Governors also helped inspire and promote two new signature events—Midnight on New Year’s Eve and Total Eclipse of the Art on April 8, 2024. It was amazing to watch both develop into truly exceptional and unforgettable experiences that brought joy to the lives of thousands of guests. You can scan the codes on this page to watch the highlights.
Being a Newfields Governor is a thrilling experience of camaraderie, connection, and impact. But the best part is watching each new class of Governors bring their collective capabilities, talents, and passions together for a Newfields that will shine in diversity of leadership, audience and artist representation, and community access for years to come.
With exceptional gratitude,
Lily Pai, BOG Chair May 2020-May 2023 Current Trustee
Doug Singleton, BOG Chair May 2023-present Current Trustee
Scan codes to view event highlight videos.
In 2023, Newfields took significant steps to honor our 2021 Action Plan commitment to the community. This involved curating more inclusive exhibitions that highlight artists of color, individuals from marginalized backgrounds, and talents from our local community.
In the past year, 169 local artists shined throughout the Indianapolis Museum of Art, in the galleries and as powerful connectors in the community. Tascha Horowitz, Director of Content and Interpretive Engagement, says it best: “This museum is a space for everyone in our communities to experience art created by people who share their backgrounds or cultural contexts.”
This commitment is on prime display in the first-floor Bret Waller Gallery, a dynamic space for the diverse voices and perspectives that define Indiana’s artistic landscape. This past year, the Waller Gallery featured a range of community exhibitions, showcasing 169 local artists. From the Watercolor Society of Indiana’s 40th Annual Juried Exhibition to thought-provoking displays like “The Truth of Freedom & The Language of Race,” which featured artworks by Indiana artists exploring pertinent social themes, each exhibition offers a window into the cultural soul of our state. “The Truth of Freedom exhibition was born out of a conversation about equitable access to art and has flourished over the last three years. Exhibiting in the Waller Gallery has demonstrated the power of representation to inspire and empower artists and communities” said Guest Curator Angelita Hampton.
In addition to the Waller Gallery, local art can be found throughout the galleries and in special exhibitions. Reopening in 2023 as part of the reimagining of our permanent galleries, Work in Progress: Conversations about American Art offers a new perspective on American art spanning over 200 years. This installation sheds light on often overlooked stories, showcasing evolving perceptions of American art by artists, critics, and the public. As part of this reimagining, Newfields partnered with the Looking Glass Alliance, a group of Indianapolis-area creatives, to create content to display
alongside our collection. Aimed at starting conversation, this collaboration brings forth historic and contemporary experiences previously unexplored at Newfields.
Local artist Walter Lobyn Hamilton prompts viewers to explore their own perspectives in the thought-provoking exhibition What I Have You Have , which ran August 2023 to May 2024. Through six flaglike works created from vinyl records, album spines, and covers, Hamilton delves into cultural memory and personal narratives. He encourages audiences to disconnect from distractions and engage deeply with the artwork, fostering deeper connections and appreciation for our shared humanity.
We. The Culture: Works by The Eighteen Art Collective , curated in collaboration with GANGGANG and The Eighteen Art Collective, celebrated the creativity and resilience of Indianapolis’ Black artists. The exhibition, which closed September of 2023, showcased diverse artistic practices addressing religion, identity, joy, and social justice, aiming to highlight individual talents, foster inclusivity, and promote engagement with equity in the arts. Formed in 2020 after painting a Black Lives Matter mural, the collective showcases diverse artistic practices addressing religion, identity, joy, and social justice. The Collective’s launch was supported by GANGGANG, an Indianapolisbased cultural development firm that works to bring more beauty, equity, and culture to cities. While the exhibition showcased the collective, its goal was to introduce the artists as individuals and creative professionals beyond their roles in the street mural and to highlight the immense pool of artistic talent active in Indianapolis.
“We. The Culture was so well received by the community,” said Julianne Miller, Newfields Community Engagement Manager. “It was an opportunity for countless community members to see themselves reflected in the work on our walls. Besides garnering support from the community for its relevance, it also fostered the enthusiastic participation from friends, colleagues, neighbors, and advocates of these artists.”
FY23 Acquisitions
Guided by our values of stewardship, inclusivity, service, and excellence, our curators seek artworks that not only enrich our collection but also foster meaningful engagement with social and artistic dialogues. These acquisitions prompt discussions on social and historical topics such as gender, immigration, identity, and others, enriching visitor experiences and transcending cultural boundaries. Here are some of the new acquisitions that embody our mission to create exceptional experiences that bridge art and nature, past and future, and local and global perspectives.
2 Jean-Antoine Watteau (French, 1684–1721), Three Studies of a Seated Woman
3 Mary Sibande (South African, b. 1982), In Conversation with Madam CJ Walker
4 Richard Hunt (American, 1935–2023), Standing Form
5 Mochizuki Gyokusen (Japanese, 1834–1913), Geese and Reeds in Snow .
6 Norman Teague (American, b. 1968) and Yohance J. Lacour (American, b. 1973), Africana rocking chair .
7 Adam B. Walter (American, 1820–1875) and John Martin (English, 1789–1854), Belshazzar’s Feast
8 Marie D. Webster (American, 1859–1956), Nasturtium Wreath (quilt)
9 Worden Day (American, 1912–1986), Now Flowing (detail).
10 Ana T. Fernández (Mexican, b. 1981), Borrando la Frontera (Erasing the Border) 02 (detail).
11 April Bey (Bahamian, b. 1987), Atlantican Archives: A Group of Beyoncés Founded Earth Feminism
See full photo credits on page 48.
FY24 Acquisitions will be highlighted in the next issue of Advancing Newfields
THANK YOU TO RETIRED CURATORS
John Teramoto, Annette Schlagenhauff, and Niloo Paydar
We extend our deepest gratitude to the longtime curators who retired in 2023. Their passion for their areas of expertise has left an indelible mark on the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, inspiring countless visitors and shaping our institution’s cultural landscape. Thank you for your invaluable contributions to the IMA.
John Teramoto
Annette Schlagenhauff
Niloo Paydar
This catalogue presents new discoveries at the intersection of art, history, and conservation in an accessible format available to anyone with internet.
Scan code to view:
Landmark Acquisition
“SEVENTY YEARS AGO, MY GRANDPARENTS, FATHER, AND UNCLE ALLEN ESTABLISHED THE CLOWES FUND TO ENSURE THAT THE CLOWES COLLECTION OF ART WAS PROPERLY CARED FOR AND ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC. ... WE ARE PLEASED THAT THE COMPLETE CLOWES COLLECTION WILL BE PART OF NEWFIELDS’ MISSION FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.”
— JONATHAN CLOWES, PRESIDENT OF THE CLOWES FUND
EXPANDING ACCESS TO EXCELLENCE
Newfields is grateful to have received the final transfer of previous long-term loan and cornerstone artwork, Self-Portrait by Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch, 1606-1669) in early May of 2023. For four generations, The Clowes Fund has worked with the IMA to share the incredible Clowes Collection of European Old Masters with the Indianapolis community. The collection was assembled by Dr. George H.A. Clowes (1877-1958) and his wife, Edith Whitehill Clowes (1885-1967), and is of critical significance to IMA history, forming the core of our European, pre-1800 collection.
Also in May of 2023, the Association of Art Museum Curators (AAMC) awarded Newfields with the 2023 Award for Excellence for Digital Publication at the annual AAMC Conference for the digital publication MASTERPIECES from the CLOWES COLLECTION: Paintings . The catalogue features several innovative digital tools including high-resolution, zoomable images of artworks and conservation imagery.
The new catalog is available online and in the IMA Galleries as part of the Clowes Pavilion Reimagined, which re-opened in 2022. The installation showcases 100 objects spanning various periods, cultures, and media, offering a fresh perspective on significant social and historical themes. The Clowes Pavilion Reimagined was made possible with support from Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation and The Clowes Fund.
Kjell M. Wangensteen, PhD, Associate Curator of Gallery Teaching and Dylan Remeš Jensen, Editor and Manager of Publications pictured accepting award.
The following individuals also collaborated on the digital publication: Annette Schlagenhauff, PhD, Curator Emeritus of European Art, Roxane Sperber, Clowes Associate Conservator of Paintings, Daniel Keller, Senior Software Developer, Jill Dodge, Interactive Designer, Samantha Norling, Data Architect and Newfields Lab Manager, Samantha McCain Veach, Manager of Media, Celina Wu, Exhibitions and Experience Project Manager and Eric Lubrick, Senior Photographer.
THE SCIENCE OF
Art Conservation
HIGH-TECH GIFT ADVANCES ART PRESERVATION
The Indianapolis Museum of Art conservation team includes the Conservation Science Lab and the Conservation Department. Often working collaboratively, they handle a wide range of research and analysis projects, from simple inquiries about material composition to complex investigations into the integrity and authenticity of works in our collection. Recent projects include analyzing dyestuffs from a 17th-century tapestry, uncovering unusual pigments in Himalayan paintings, and collaborating on a new protocol for radiocarbon dating of ancient textiles. Additionally, the labs collaborated to conduct technical studies on paintings by the renowned Pissarro family, with results soon to be published in an online catalog detailing their working methods and place in the history of Impressionist and NeoImpressionist art.
With the support of a generous group of donors, the Conservation team was able to purchase a Carestream x-radiography scanning system in early 2023. This state-of-the-art technology has revolutionized Newfields’ capabilities for the study, treatment, and preservation of art, marking a significant step forward that builds on the long-standing impact of x-ray technology in art conservation.
From its early use in examining iconic works like Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring to today, the x-ray scanner has been an invaluable
tool for uncovering hidden details, assessing structural integrity, and analyzing materials in artworks. This deepens our understanding of the artistic process and preserving cultural heritage. The new digital plate scanner at the IMA offers higher resolution imagery, allowing for meticulous examination of even the most intricate details without causing damage to the objects being studied.
Special thanks to Sarah and John Lechleiter, the R.B. Annis Educational Foundation, the Frenzel Family Charitable Foundation, and the Carter family, along with many other passionate supporters who share a deep commitment to preserving cultural heritage and driving technological advancement in art conservation for supporting this technology upgrade and many others.
Looking ahead, we will continue to prioritize maintaining and expanding our technological and analytical resources. The IMA Conservation team looks forward to similarly upgrading infrared reflectography equipment to enhance our ability to understand how artworks were created and devise conservation strategies. With continued support, we can enhance our ability to safeguard and study artworks effectively. Newfields remains committed to upholding the highest standards of excellence and stewardship, ensuring that our invaluable work continues to enrich and inspire generations to come.
X-rays of the helmet pictured, part of the Samurai armor (hotoke-dō tōsei gusoku) bearing family crest of Inaba clan , 2017.65A.1-R, piece, revealed the construction of the helmet which helps the Conservation Department know how to best support it during exhibition and storage.
Honoring Decades of Impact
KATHRYN AND LEONARD J. BETLEY AWARDED 2023 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Kathryn “Katie” Betley, immediate past Chair of the Newfields Board of Trustees, 2018-20, and her late husband Leonard “Len” J. Betley were recognized with the Distinguished Service Award at the Chair’s Dinner on November 11, 2023. Their leadership, service, and support of Newfields spans decades with significant impact on The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park and the Asian art galleries and collection. Scan the code to the right to learn more about their Newfields story.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS
2015
Randy Deer*
Mark Holeman*
Anna White*
Richard Wood*
2016
Ed Fehnel
Ann Stack
2018
Kay Koch
Upcoming Exhibitions
THE LUME Indianapolis featuring Dalí Alive Indianapolis Museum of Art Galleries, 4th Floor Open through March 2025
The Message is the Medium: Contemporary Art Allen Whitehill Clowes Special Exhibition Gallery, 2nd Floor Now Open
Femme Forward: Women in Design Contemporary Design Gallery, 3rd floor Now Open
Home Again
The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park Now Open
Shinique Smith: Torque Efroymson Family Entrance Pavilion July 19, 2024 – May 25, 2025
Watercolor Society of Indiana 42nd Annual Juried Exhibition
Bret Waller Gallery, 1st Floor August 2, 2024 – September 28, 2024
Artscape: Where Imagination Grows at the Indiana State Fair
Indiana State Fairgrounds, Harvest Pavilion August 2, 2024 – August 18, 2024
Hilos de resurgimiento Davis Lab, 2nd Floor August 23, 2024 – March 30, 2025
Dorit and Gerald* Paul 2019
Serio Aguilera and Lori Efroymson-Aguilera 2020
Pat and Jim LaCrosse
2021
Fran* and Roger Hurwitz 2023
Kathryn and Leonard* J. Betley
Matter of Record: Photography and the Creation of Meaning
June M. McCormack Forefront Galleries, 2nd Floor September 13, 2024 – April 6, 2025
Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting Edge Kicks
Paul Textile & Fashion Arts Galleries, 3rd Floor September 27, 2024 – January 19, 2025
Better Together: ArtMix’s Snapshot of True Inclusion
Bret Waller Gallery, 1st Floor
October 11, 2024 – November 24, 2024 * deceased
PRESERVING HISTORY: THE LEGACY OF
MILLER HOUSE AND GARDEN
Amidst the enchanting landscape of the Miller House and Garden, where architectural innovation meets natural splendor, the profound impact of donors emerges as a cornerstone of its preservation. Commissioned in 1953 by J. Irwin Miller and his wife Xenia Simons Miller, this mid-century marvel is hailed for its Modernist design and seamless integration with the surrounding landscape. Designed by luminaries Eero Saarinen, Alexander Girard, and Dan Kiley, every corner exudes an air of timeless elegance and innovation. Guests cherish Miller House for its immersive experience. “The intricate design, from marble
walls to captivating gardens, leaves an indelible impression,” Newfields’ Site Administrator Ben Wever said. Such sites “inspire identity and pride,” making preservation vital for future generations.
Maintaining this architectural gem requires not just admiration, but also diligent stewardship and financial support. “Safeguarding this cultural treasure requires meticulous upkeep and strategic partnerships,” said Wever.
In 2022, Newfields embarked on a crucial preservation project to protect the garden’s historical green spaces, including the north apple orchard. In the spirit
of stewardship, Chris and Dominee Burton quickly stepped in to replace all 40 trees to help preserve a defining element of the garden. The next year Will Miller and Lynne Maguire, Hutch and Kevina Schumaker, and Rick and Alice Johnson funded the wholesale replacement of the south apple orchard. “Their contributions resonate deeply both in preserving Dan Kiley’s design and in the embodiment of community stewardship beyond philanthropy,” Wever said.
As the custodians of this National Historic Landmark, Newfields embraces the responsibility to address capital needs and prioritize essential restoration projects.
In 2019, Newfields received a $170,000 grant from the Getty Foundation, ‘Keeping it Modern,’ which funded a comprehensive Conservation Management Plan and serves as a guide for the path forward, delineating crucial areas for renovation and funding.
Among imminent priorities is restoring the terrazzo (flooring that surrounds the house) to address accessibility challenges caused by shifting and cracking. We are grateful to the Miller Family and other generous donors for their unwavering support. Your partnership fuels our preservation efforts, ensuring this cultural gem inspires generations to come.
Inspiring Sustainable Growth and Connectivity
EXPLORING NATURE AT NEWFIELDS
Exploring the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park
Thanks to the support of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park has played a pivotal role in community engagement and conservation efforts at Newfields for over a decade. With a commitment to environmental stewardship, the 100-acre park features nurtured ecosystems and landscapes that not only inspire but are also environmentally sustainable.
As visitors arrive, they are greeted by a newly expanded parking lot, a feat of engineering and design. Through extensive planning, Newfields tripled parking capacity, ensuring easy and safe access for all guests. The lot includes environmentally conscious features like permeable pavers and a new bioretention rain garden sponsored by the Indianapolis Garden Club. Plantings for the parking lot area incorporate 75 native species, which serve to enhance biodiversity in the park, provide ecosystem services (including bioretention of parking lot runoff), and inspire park visitors to use native plants in their home gardens.
In conjunction with the upgraded parking lot, Newfields is implementing erosion mitigation measures throughout the park, including building berms along the riverbank and installing bioswales and native plantings to filter stormwater. The annual prescribed burn, supported by longtime advocate David Rogers, is also essential for maintaining the park’s ecological health and vitality.
The stabilization of the berm—the elevated barrier between the White River and the lake—has proven successful, though challenges persist in the channel. Addressing these issues is critical to protect water and land quality in the park and requires further fundraising and attention.
There are several new projects on the horizon in Fairbanks Park, including the installation of a new collection of site-specific outdoor sculptures on the newly established Hawryluk Sculpture Green. Thanks to the support of longtime Newfields supporter Kent Hawryluk, the first three sculptures were unveiled in the park in June 2024. Follow the code to learn more.
The Wild Birds Unlimited Pollinator Meadow: A Sanctuary
for Biodiversity
Nestled between the Central Canal and the 33-acre lake in the heart of The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, insects and urban explorers alike can enjoy the Wild Birds Unlimited Native Pollinator Meadow. This nearly two-acre space was thoughtfully designed to be a sanctuary for native plants and pollinators and is Newfields’ greatest effort to date to improve biodiversity and support conservation of native species.
With support from local philanthropists and founders of Wild Birds Unlimited, Nancy and Jim Carpenter, the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, longtime Newfields supporter Edgar Fehnel, and many others, the Wild Birds Unlimited Native Pollinator Meadow will serve as a sanctuary for birds, bees, and Park guests for years to come.
Cultivating Careers
NEWFIELDS HORTICULTURE FELLOWSHIP
For over three decades, Newfields’ Horticulture Department has been sowing the seeds of success through its renowned Horticulture Fellowship Program.
Designed as a springboard for budding horticulturists, this immersive three-month fellowship has been the catalyst for countless graduates to pursue fulfilling careers in or adjacent to the horticulture industry. The program offers a blend of handson experiences with mentorship, providing secondary education students and recent graduates with a dynamic learning environment tailored to their interests and aspirations. From designing stunning landscapes to mastering the art of invasive species control, participants rotate among Newfields’ garden and horticulture staff, soaking up knowledge and expertise.
Among the program’s notable alumni are Leah Coughlin and Sawyer Knuteson, whose careers exemplify this uniquely transformative experience. Leah, a 2022 graduate, is now a full-time Assistant
Horticulturist at Newfields whose work shines in the Richard D. Wood Formal Garden. Similarly, Sawyer Knuteson began as a volunteer during a break from his master’s program in landscape architecture, progressed to the fellowship program in the summer of 2023, and is now pursuing urban planning at Ball State University while working full-time at Newfields.
Behind the scenes, the program owes much of its success to the generous support of both the Horticulture Society and Ed Fehnel, whose visionary commitment was instrumental in launching the fellowship program to empower future generations of horticulturalists. This year, Fehnel’s transformative gift endowed the Edgar E. Fehnel Horticulture Fellowship Program , which will offer aspiring horticulturists a unique blend of education, practical experience, and career exploration in perpetuity.
As we continue to cultivate the next generation of green leaders, we welcome contributions to ensure that this invaluable opportunity remains accessible to all who aspire to plant their roots in the world of horticulture.
Learn more about the Hawryluk Sculpture Garden
Revitalizing the Garden
In 2023, the restored Katharine B. Sutphin Border Garden at Newfields came into its first full season. Originally planted in 1922 with small evergreens, it now features towering trees casting shade, transforming the area into a cool woodland space. Newfields’ gardeners preserved the garden’s original purpose, offering intimate nooks for contemplation, adorned with shade-loving plants for texture, structure, and pops of color.
As The Garden bloomed into its first full season, another historic landmark, the Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse underwent restoration. The first glasshouses of the Elder Greenhouse, an integral part of the Oldfields estate, were built in the 1920s and the present structures were constructed in the late 1940s. Restoration efforts included replacing curved glass with safety glass and the first repainting since the large rehabilitation and restoration project almost 20 years ago. Our in-house painting team, led by Joe Lyons and Dani Badinghaus, precision painted two glasshouses in 2022 and 2023, with plans to complete the remaining two in 2024.
Since being installed in 1948, the old growth cypress wood that forms the Greenhouse structures has held up remarkably well. In those places where inevitable rot has occurred, Lyons and Badinghaus have been able to piece in new wood. “Thanks to their specialized skills, we are able to maintain this valuable part of the National Historic Landmark, Oldfields estate,” said Newfields Greenhouse Manager Sue Nord Peiffer.
Guests may explore the fully renovated Elder Greenhouse while learning from the knowledgeable staff and volunteers. Supported by anonymous patrons, the Elder Greenhouse continues to inspire and educate through workshops, exhibitions, and horticulture programs, leaving a lasting impact on all who visit.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT: ED FEHNEL
Less than 15 years ago, the current Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park was nothing more than an abandoned construction site filled with invasive botanical life. Thanks to the generosity of individuals like Ed Fehnel, longtime donor, member, and volunteer, it has grown to be a love letter to the natural beauty of Indiana.
Johnathan Wright, Ruth Lilly Director of The Garden and Fairbanks Park, describes Fehnel as “such a gentleman. His energy is infectious, and the staff gets excited and feels buoyed by his generosity of spirit.” Fehnel’s passion for nature and botany coupled with his vision and support has given guests of all ages a gorgeous landscape and wildlife habitat.
After being a part of the founding team of The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park and contributing to its growth through generous gifts as well as volunteering in The Garden, Fehnel now finds solace and fulfillment seeing others enjoy the beauty of Newfields.
“I would go walk around there with my family and that was the most gratifying thing to me,” Fehnel said. “I go out there almost any day of the year, but especially in the summer when a lot of moms are out there with their little kids. It is such an incredible thing to witness.” Fehnel helped plant the seeds of what an art and nature park could be and remains enthusiastic about its ongoing growth and impact on Indianapolis and beyond.
Empowering Engagement
THE ENDURING IMPACT OF THE DOCENT PROGRAM
Since Newfields was founded in 1883 as the Art Association of Indianapolis, founder and activist May Wright Sewall’s passions have been echoed by many, especially those who have lived their love of art by serving as docents in the Indianapolis Museum of Art
The docent program began in 1947 to assist then John Herron Art Institute staff with tours for Indianapolis Public School children In the almost 80 years since, hundreds of docents have given generously of their time to further the mission of art appreciation, education, and access, much like those original school tour guides. Whether for the love of art, passion for community service, or simply for enjoyment, docents take the role very seriously. All docents must go through extensive training in galleries, art forms, tour techniques, and more In fact, the IMA Docent Program became a national example by creating the original National Docent Symposium in 1981.
Longtime Newfields docent Marni Fechtman, along with the contributions of many fellow docents, compiled “A History of the Docent Program , ” chronicling its evolution from 1945 to 2022. Their work documents a diverse range of programming , reflecting the
ongoing mission to share knowledge in a way that creates more meaningful experiences with art.
As the program has evolved over the years, docents have continued to enthusiastically support IMA needs and goals. Dr. Kjell Wangensteen, Associate Curator of Gallery Teaching, who now leads the program, appreciates the commitment of the over 50 current docents. At the 2023 Docent Appreciation Luncheon, current docents were honored for their service, with special recognition given to Marni Fechtman and Dorit Paul for 50 years of dedication. “Marni and Dorit have been serving and inspiring IMA guests for decades,” said Wangensteen, who has a deep respect for the impact docents play in inspiring meaningful exchanges between art and community
Kate Shay, a docent for the past six years , is proud to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Fechtman, Paul, and many others. She has led tours to all ages and walks of life and fondly recalls once hearing an enthusiastic elementary student shout, ‘I love art!’ “Being a docent is always a rewarding experience,” she said. “We get to see our guests light up, because of all Newfields has to offer ”
“I CAME TO APPRECIATE THE IMA AND IMPORTANCE OF ITS DOCENTS WHEN MY WIFE META BECAME ONE. IN HER 20-PLUS YEARS AS A DOCENT, I WITNESSED THE REWARD FOR SUCH DEDICATION WAS THE PURE PLEASURE DERIVED FROM CONTINUED STUDY, HELPING OTHERS ENJOY THE IMA, AND THE EXTRAORDINARY BENEFIT OF MAKING NEW FRIENDS WITH FELLOW DOCENTS. WHEN META PASSED AWAY, I COULD THINK OF NO MORE APPROPRIATE WAY TO MEMORIALIZE HER THAN THE CREATION OF THE META KLEIMAN DOCENT EDUCATION FUND.”
— DAVID KLEIMAN
DORIT PAUL (Left)
In the late 1960s, before the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) relocated to 38th Street, Dorit Paul was trained to serve as a docent in the Lilly Pavilion of Decorative Arts, which showcased the art, furniture, and history of the Lilly House and surrounding gardens. When the IMA opened in 1970, she continued her volunteerism as one of its first docents because of her deep passion for community service.
“I have gotten so much more out of the docent program than I could ever give,” she said. Paul delights in guiding visitors through Newfields, sharing insights into the history and interpretations of our art. “Art does not exist in a vacuum,” she said. “It’s important to see art in its context. You have to sense what the art literacy of guests is.”
Reflecting on her interactions with guests, Paul said, “I hope to expand an adult’s knowledge and appreciation for the arts and, when I work with children, I want to open their mental horizons.”
Her commitment extends beyond sharing her passion and knowledge; she is a longtime donor to Newfields and sees supporting the arts as a way of life. Newfields deeply values Paul’s selfless dedication to educating and inspiring visitors of any age, and recognizes her legacy which has ignited the art-lover in us all.
MARNI FECHTMAN (Right)
For over 50 years, Marni Fechtman, has been a steadfast supporter of Newfields, generously contributing as both a donor and docent. She passionately educates patrons about the collection, emphasizing the value of the docent program. “Docents are a very strong, very well-educated group of people who have wonderful ideas and are willing to try things and experiment,” she said. “It’s always with the goal of making a better experience.”
Whether sharing interesting tidbits or deeper insights, docents like Fechtman enrich visitors’ experiences. “Most of us know lots of interesting facts and figures about the artists,” she explained, “but we bring it to life, and that’s the joy of it.”
She particularly enjoys talking with grandparents, providing fun stories for them to share with their grandchildren. “Everyone loves to have a little tip to share,” she said. From warmly welcoming guests to sharing hidden details of our greatest works of art, Fechtman’s dedication shines through. Her commitment to Newfields spans decades, leaving an indelible mark on all who have the pleasure of connecting with her.
DOCENT MILESTONES:
5 YEAR SERVICE:
• Nancy Bennett • Annette Biesecker
• Pat Callahan • Inna Caron
• Katrina Cathelyn-Irwin
• Margaret (Peggy) Frey • Rob Friedman
• Janice Goff • Christine Guyaneau
• Lisa Heid • Carla Koertge • Jill Merle
• Linda Montag-Olsen • Donna Olsen
• Brent Perry • Ina Roberts
• Stephanie Roberts
• Paula Robinson-Doyle • Kate Shay
• Michele Threlkeld • Beth Van Howe
• Suzanne Walker • Linda Wilkinson
• Linda Wright
10 YEAR SERVICE:
• Pam Conrad • Peggy Christensen
• Carol DeMaio • Laure Flaniken
• Janet Granger • Mary Huebner
• Mary Krause • Claudia Labin
• Dave Mason • Marshia Mingee
• John O’Connor • Lynda Roth
• Idrienne Steiman • Andrea Wilkes
• Gayle Williams • Keith Wimmersberger
15 YEAR SERVICE:
• Karen Bower • Mary Ellen Burgomaster
• Elizabeth Christian • Peg Duncan
• Mindy Hutchinson • John Johnson
• Patty Morton • Carole Kaufmann
• Ruth Kramer • Michelle Lanosga
• Julie Leonard • Nancy McMillan
• Ginny Ort • Katie Patterson
• Mary Redman • Pam West
• Rosalind Webb
20 YEAR SERVICE:
• Debbie Bluestein • Marilyn Dapper
• Gladys Johnson • Dana Katz
• Sue Morreale • Mary Butler Rini
• Teresa Shih • Margaret Wiley
25 YEAR SERVICE:
• Beverly Doster • John Grace
• Judith Murphy • Ieva Straatman
50 YEAR SERVICE:
• Marni Fechtman • Dorit Paul
Art & Nature for Every Age
NEWFIELDS IMPACT ON EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING
“ENGAGING IN VARIOUS ARTISTIC ACTIVITIES RENEWED MY SENSE OF CREATIVITY AND ENCOURAGED ME TO CONSIDER NEW WAYS TO CAPTIVATE AND ENGAGE THOSE I WORK WITH.”
— ANGELA SMITH, TEACHER RENEWAL CAMP PARTICIPANT
At Newfields, education goes beyond traditional boundaries, making a significant impact on guests of all ages through immersive experiences with art, nature, and human expression. Engaging educational experiences like Wee Wonders, Summer Camp, youth workshops, and senior programs help learners gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for nature and the arts.
The success of these endeavors relies on unwavering support from many sources. The Houck Teacher Fund empowers educators across Indiana, facilitating access to enriching art and nature experiences. Through specialized events and courses, educators are equipped with tools and inspiration to infuse creativity into their classrooms and teaching methodologies. “The creative renewal course for educators was so valuable,” said Angela Smith, a Teacher Renewal Camp participant from Indiana University. “I am grateful to Newfields for this program and hope it is offered on a regular basis in the future.”
Our commitment to sharing the benefits of art and nature education is also supported by the Judith Murphy Accessibility Fund, which enables hundreds of K-12 students to access transportation for field trips to Newfields each year. In fiscal year 2023, approximately 400 students benefited from the fund. “The Murphy Fund has always been an important part of allowing all students access to the IMA Galleries and The Gardens,” said Katy Denny, Interim Director of Education. “This has been especially true in the past couple of years. Many teachers and administrators have expressed their thanks for being able to cover part (or all) of their transportation cost.”
Furthermore, the Traugott Education Fund’s impact resonates within the community. This is exemplified in onsite or offsite initiatives like “A Day with Newfields” which offers immersive art experiences to children, fostering creativity, and self-expression.
Looking forward, the Education team is poised to expand programming, bolstered by the support from the Traugott Education Fund, to reach a broader audience. Programs such as Wee Wonders, Summer Camp, Free First Thursdays, and field trips, alongside outreach summer camps, demonstrate our commitment to integrating arts into the community. Additionally, specialized classes for seniors offer avenues for continued learning and engagement.
As Newfields continues to inspire the next generation through exceptional experiences with art and nature, we’re deeply grateful to education supporters who educate minds, nurture spirits, foster creativity, and shape a brighter future for all.
EDUCATION BY THE NUMBERS
(FY2023)
10,737 grade school visitors
1,352 university student visitors
64 Summer Camp participants
380 Outreach Program participants
Building Community
BREAKING BARRIERS AND STRENGTHENING CONNECTIONS
From neighborhood connections to citywide celebrations, the Partnerships & Community Engagement team has revolutionized outreach efforts, engaging with thousands of individuals both on Newfields’ campus and in their own neighborhoods.
In 2022, Community Engagement Managers Clarence Cannon and Julianne Miller launched the Neighborhood Membership Program, which provides complimentary family memberships to our closest neighbors in Crown Hill, Mapleton – Fall Creek, Riverside Civic League, Historic Meridian Park, and Historic Watson Park, embodying Newfields’ commitment to building strong relationships with the people of Indianapolis.
“In order to truly serve our community, we must actively engage with them, listen to their stories, and make Newfields a place that reflects their needs,” said Cannon.
TICKET DISTRIBUTION PARTNERS
The Villages of Indiana
Indy Public Safety Foundation
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana
Boys and Girls Club of Indianapolis
Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis
A Kid Again
Catch the Stars Foundation
United Way of Central Indiana
Indy Pride
TeenWorks
Ivy Tech Community College
Eskenazi Health Centers: W 38th St, Pecar, Grassy Creek
Training Young Men
Growing Places Indy
Groundwork Indy
International Marketplace Coalition
Skiles Test Elementary
Global Prep Academy
Tindley Accelerated Schools
Friends of 38th Street
Elevate Indianapolis
ArtMix
Indy Urban League
Best Buddies
Freewheelin’ Community Bikes
Marion County Commission on Youth
Jameson Camp
Trinity Haven
Horizons
14 Neighborhood Center
CHECK OUT THE 2024 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CHAMPIONS AWARD VIDEO IN THE QR CODE BELOW.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BY THE NUMBERS
(FY2023)
1,500+ active neighborhood members
50,000 tickets distributed annually for Harvest Nights Winterlights Spring Blooms
Art in Bloom Free First Thursday Access Pass
60+ non-profit partners
7,278 engagements at the Indiana State Fair
125+ staff volunteers
78,924 tickets distributed
1,324 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
37,485 general admission
19,866 Access Pass
20,249 Free First Thursday
Under Cannon’s and Miller’s leadership, the Neighborhood Membership program has flourished, providing over 1,500 local residents with free family memberships. Their involvement in six surrounding neighborhood associations has grown Newfields’ presence in the community and sense of belonging among residents. “Newfields is such an incredible community resource. It should be as accessible and welcoming as possible,” says Miller. “I hope the community and surrounding neighborhood view the institution as their institution—a place by and for the community.”
The Partnerships & Community Engagement department extends far beyond membership. Our ticket distribution program provides partner organizations with thousands of complimentary tickets to seasonal festivals including Harvest Nights and Winterlights. One such partner, Exodus Refugee, an organization which helps acclimate and resettle refugees in Indianapolis, says the program
helps to extend a warm welcome to their clients as they adapt to new cultural practices in the United States. As a result of this partnership, Newfields hosted Exodus Refugee’s Youth Mentoring Program on campus.
Miller envisions the department evolving to deepen existing relationships with neighborhoods and partner organizations. “My focus is centered on diving deeper into our existing relationships as well as with organizations serving communities that are underresourced or historically underrepresented.”
Offsite events have taken Newfields’ mission beyond the museum walls, engaging thousands of individuals through partnerships with local events like the Indiana State Fair, and community celebrations such as Black Expo and Pride. Meanwhile, onsite activations like Las Posadas during Winterlights and Juneteenth celebrations have become cherished traditions, welcoming guests from all walks of life.
FESTIVALS, FEASTS, AND Fantastic Experiences
DISCOVERING DELIGHTS BEYOND THE CANVAS
Exceptional experiences with art and nature extend beyond visual art in the IMA Galleries and fantastic florals in The Garden.
Newfields’ hallmark seasonal events— Harvest Nights presented by JPMorgan Chase, Spring Blooms presented by Wild Birds Unlimited, and Winterlights presented by Bank of America—have continued to dazzle new visitors and become cherished Indianapolis traditions, enriching our community with celebration and natural splendor year after year. These immersive experiences provide more opportunities
than ever to engage the senses through immersion in art, nature, and culture. With each season, Newfields undergoes a stunning transformation, drawing in 300,000 visitors eager to immerse themselves in art and nature. Each festival is a labor of love, involving a dedicated team of volunteers and staff working alongside partners and vendors. From local artists and horticulturists to security and equipment, their contributions play a crucial role in making these festivals possible.
Harvest Nights, the spook-tacular spectacle, returned to Newfields for the month of
October. In this magical and memorable autumn experience, guests of all ages wandered through forests filled with jacko-lanterns galore in the Pumpkin Path of Peril, felt the Ghost Train rumble under their feet, and saw 20,000 hand-carved pumpkins and gourds. New in 2022, guests were invited inside Lilly House to join in the frightful festivities of Mischief Manor where they were met with live ghosts and ghouls from Indianapolis theater company NoExit Performance, who brought the mischief to a new frightfully fun level.
FESTIVAL BY THE NUMBERS
(FY2023)
1552 hours donated by volunteers in preparation for festivals
150,000 Winterlights attendees
1.5 million twinkling lights
80,000 Harvest Nights attendees
40,000 bulbs at Spring Blooms
12,000 Art in Bloom attendees
Local Partners and Vendors:
Color Story Studio
Girl Scouts
Jewish Federation
Arte Mexicana
Engledow
Cool Planet
A-Classic
Sunbelt Rentals
Eclipse Security
Expo Arts LLC
Horticulture vendors
Sun King Brewing Co.
Just Pop In!
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Ash & Elm Cider Co.
The Botanist
During Winterlights 2022, Newfields partnered with Arte Mexicano en Indiana for a single-night event honoring Las Posadas, a nine-day celebration commonly observed in Mexico and other Latin American countries. Las Posadas recognizes Mary’s journey to find shelter during Jesus’ birth. This special night at Winterlights included musical performances and a stunning art installation, titled Big Piñata, by Mexican art collective Happy Rebels that shined bright for the entire run of Winterlights.
With the arrival of warmer weather, Spring Blooms festival continued to blossom in popularity with guests eager to see tens of thousands of hyacinths, daffodils, tulips, pansies, violas, and more. Garden Terrace opened for its first spring in The Garden with a new made-to-order menu and curated list of beverages and brews, including Bloomsberry Cider from Ash & Elm Cider Co. The Madeline F. Elder
Greenhouse staff taught classes in repotting and bespoke orchid wreaths, while blossoms from newly planted crabapple trees welcomed spring tours of Miller House and Garden in Columbus, Indiana.
Newfields’ annual spring celebration Art in Bloom continues to grow in popularity each year. In March 2023, 38 floral arrangements by local artists and florists filled the IMA Galleries and Lilly House. Presented by Fifth Third Private Bank, the event also included live music, floral demonstrations, master classes, and a display by Newfields’ Greenhouse team. In 2024, Art in Bloom presented by Barnes & Thornburg LLP and The Botanist Islay Dry Gin showcased 50 stunning floral arrangements by local, regional, and national florists. This year’s event transformed the IMA Galleries with seven monumental showstoppers and 43 pedestals, captivating guests in the largest Art in Bloom yet.
Illuminating Partnership
TWO ORGANIZATIONS: ONE MISSION
Newfields and Penrod Society share a mission to increase access to art. For over 50 years, the Penrod Art Fair has been a cherished tradition in Indianapolis. Held annually in The Garden at Newfields since 1967, it’s grown into one of the city’s largest art events. It attracts visitors from far and wide, bolstering attendance, membership, and overall visibility for Newfields. Our partnership with Penrod has deepened over time, fostering a rich exchange between the arts community and Newfields visitors.
The Penrod Society, an all-volunteer organization, spearheads this event, dedicated to supporting arts, cultural, and educational initiatives in Central Indiana. “Our relationship with Penrod really exemplifies our mission,” said Director of Festivals Erin O’Rourke. “They not only support our community and other local nonprofits, but they introduce new faces to Newfields and offer a different way for our members and guests to experience art and nature on our campus.”
As the fair approaches its 57th year, excitement builds for the 2024 event. With over 350 artists, entertainment stages, family activities, and culinary delights, it promises to be a celebration of art and culture, embodying our shared mission: to cultivate, encourage, and support the arts in our community and beyond.
EXPLORING THE Art of Culinary
Beyond our events, Newfields’ culinary excellence extends to Café Lumiere at THE LUME Indianapolis, where food and drink selections are artfully inspired by the surrounding exhibition. Among all our culinary endeavors at Newfields, the Wine Collective series provides the most intimate and in-depth experience to learn about wine and enjoy specially crafted pairings throughout each season.
In the summer of 2022, the original Beer Garden moved from the Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse to a new permanent structure on the patio of Garden Terrace, offering a bigger and better culinary experience with more seating and just as much ambiance. From our Harvest Dinner celebrations spotlighting local cuisine and strong partnerships like Uncle Nearest to Jazz Brunches infusing the Garden Terrace with Latin rhythms, the culinary arts program fosters community engagement while prioritizing sustainability and inclusivity. The new Beer Garden at Garden Terrace has become a magnet for crowds eager to sample the expertly crafted beverage menu,
designed by Lindsay Jo Whirley, Assistant Director of Culinary Operations at Newfields and Certified Cicerone. Whirley’s draft list, dubbed “Indy & Imports,” features local favorites such as Sun King Brewing alongside some of history’s best international beers like the Belgian Duvel.
With the arrival of Executive Chef Patrick Russ in fall of 2022, the culinary team revamped the Garden Terrace food menu to offer a hearty menu that caters to guests looking for a complete lunch and light bites. Stretching the limits of a small kitchen and existing equipment, Chef Patrick’s innovative approach led to an impressive 40% increase in food revenue, signaling even more exciting culinary endeavors on the horizon.
Newfields is committed to further enhancing its culinary offerings. As we continue to grow, we remain grateful to sponsors, partners, and supporters whose invaluable contributions continue to fuel our mission.
CRAFTING CULINARY ARTISTRY
Since joining Newfields in 2022, Executive Chef Patrick Russ has been cooking up something special with spectacular guest reviews. His hiring was a significant milestone as the first executive chef to join the Culinary Arts department. He has already made his mark developing artful menus for a wide variety of events and programs, including small bites for seasonal festivals, the Beer Garden at Garden Terrace menu, visiting artists and horticulturists, as well as intimate multi-course meals at ticketed events for members and guests.
Chef Patrick’s impressive resume includes an education at Le Cordon Bleu in Miami, Florida and almost two decades in the restaurant industry rising through the ranks at world-class restaurants including Gia at the Eden Rock Miami and Next Restaurant in Chicago, Illinois. However, Chef Patrick has a practical approach to serving up delightfully delicious food. “It’s always easier to start with a general idea or theme to the meal,” he explained. “And then I try to stay fluid with that and save room for interpretation and creativity.”
When asked about his favorite moment at Newfields, Chef Patrick reflected on the Wine Collective dinner series. “We’ve expanded the Wine Collectives this year and have been able to double our reach,” he shared. In partnership with Sommelier Jan Bugher, Chef Patrick has developed a variety of themed wine and food pairings, often inspired by the season alongside regional offerings. “We’ve done a ton of different ones. We recently did an Art in Bloom dinner. It was gorgeous. We did the entire menu based on bringing the earth to the table,” he said. “It was really fun to be able to use so many different edible blooms.”
Chef Patrick remains committed to the culinary program’s evolution, with hopes of expanding infrastructure for bigger events. “We value the role culinary arts plays in complementing the museum’s exhibitions and visitor experiences,” he said. “I love seeing guests’ faces light up when taking that first bite.” And Newfields guests love coming back for more.
Maximizing Exceptional Experiences
MEET THE MEMBERSHIP TEAM
“THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS OF WHAT TO DO AT NEWFIELDS! WE BOTH HAD SUCH A GREAT DAY, AND IT WAS SUPER HELPFUL TO HAVE YOUR GUIDANCE. I LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING MORE FAMILIAR WITH NEWFIELDS!”
— NEW MEMBER, MALLORY
In 2023, Newfields welcomed Dan Will to the newly created role of Membership Manager, marking a significant step in the institution’s commitment to enhancing member engagement.
Will began his career at Newfields in 2018 as an IUPUI Fellow and transitioned to an assistant on the Advancement team a year later. By 2021, he took on the role of Membership Coordinator, his enthusiasm and dedication already making a noticeable impact on Newfields.
Rebekah Loudenbeck, also an IUPUI Fellow and longtime Newfields volunteer, joined the team in 2023 as Membership Coordinator, bringing her expertise to further enrich the membership experience.
Under Will’s leadership, Newfields experienced a revitalized spirit of engagement and connectivity, attracting a wave of new members eager
to partake in the institution’s offerings. His proactive approach led to the introduction of exclusive member events, such as intimate gallery talks, popular behind-the-scenes tours, enhanced new member orientations, and an activitypacked membership month.
Another source of pride for this dynamic duo is the expansion of the College Student Membership program. Will and Loundenbeck forged partnerships with universities across the state to expand access to all Indiana college students.
Focused on offering an outstanding member experience, the team has also improved communication channels and frequency with the weekly Member Monday emails and monthly Member e-newsletters. In addition, someone is always available to help with questions or concerns. Loudenbeck and Will prioritize exceptional
customer service by assisting members with inquiries, recommendations, and website navigation.
“We want to make sure our members are heard and feel valued, get the most out of their membership, and continue being members for years to come,” Loudenbeck said.
Will remains focused on further enhancing the membership experience, with plans to introduce a more efficient membership card system and expand benefits to include discounts on tours of Miller House and Garden, along with additional engaging events and digital communications.
With gratitude for the opportunity to serve his community, Will said, “Together, we embark on a journey of discovery, connection, and shared inspiration as we continue to grow and embrace our Newfields community.”
MEMBERSHIP
19,929 Members 4911 Family & Indiana University School of Medicine Members 2295 Duo Members
Solo Members
Host Members
Student Members
Donor Members
FY23 Financial Highlights*
Newfields achieved a blended endowment draw rate of 4.00% in fiscal year 2023 and adopted a fiscal year 2024 budget with an expected draw rate of 5.32% to allow for investment in key programs and initiatives. Over the last several years, Newfields has worked to develop a strong financial model to help it become more sustainable over the long term. A key component of this strategy has been developing seasonal programming that has engaged a growing audience. As a result, earned revenue has grown significantly. Newfields also continues to work toward greater financial sustainability by reducing debt. As part of this effort, Newfields has paid down approximately $70 million of debt and debt-related obligations over the past several years. The fiscal year 2024 budget has been set to a target draw rate of 5.32%, in line with Newfields’ long-term budgetary goals. As of December 31, 2023, the market value of Newfields’ investments was greater than $405 million.
Consolidated Statements of Activities Years Ended June 30, 20230 and 2022 (In Thousands)
Corporate Sponsorship and Membership: Let us help you do you.
Engage your company with Newfields through various sponsorship and membership opportunities which provide a platform to support your organization’s marketing and mission objectives. We offer flexible benefit packages tailored to your goals with popular sponsorships including Special Art Exhibitions and Opening Events, and Seasonal Festivals such as Harvest, Winterlights, and Spring Blooms, and THE LUME Indianapolis. Corporate sponsorship with Newfields gets you more than brand visibility. It helps you take care of your people in a way that also benefits the community. Beyond tangible benefits, align your brand and set your company apart by supporting arts and culture in Indianapolis. Revenue from your corporate membership will provide critical operating support for education programs, conservation efforts, and ongoing operations.
Illuminating YOU
Do you know how amazing you are?
Your generosity enriches lives every single day. No, really. When you share your love for art and nature with a gift to Newfields—whether in the form of time, talent, or treasure—you open wondrous doors of inspiration. Because of you, a child looks twice and wonders, a teacher rewrites a lesson plan, a couple reconnects, friends and family reunite, a busy person slows down, a lonesome person finds community. Our guests may have different experiences, but we like to think most of them go home feeling at least a little more content or curious or revived, and, likely, thinking about their next visit and who they might bring along. Yes, art and nature are powerful like that, but so are you. Thank you.
We hope you enjoyed reading about your impact in this report. If there is an area of interest you’d like to further discuss, great. If you would just like to keep helping us enrich lives with art and nature, even better. Donate now here:
You can reach us at donors@discovernewfields.org and (317) 920-2684 or contact a member of our Advancement Team.
Grace Meils, Vice President for Advancement g meils@discovernewfields.org | 317-923-1331 ext. 295
Michael Skolnick, Director of Individual Philanthropy mskolnick@discovernewfields.org | 317-923-1331 ext. 143
Newfields also offers beautiful event spaces perfect for meetings, dinners, and receptions. With over 1,000 corporate volunteers contributing 60,000+ hours annually, there are ample opportunities for community engagement.
Newfields Corporate Membership allows you to provide your employees with exceptional experiences. Corporate Members receive exclusive benefits for company executives, employees, and clients, such as discounted tickets, complementary general admission tickets extended to employees, access to events, team building volunteer opportunities, and more.
For more information about how we can partner, contact Stacy Clark, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at sclark@ discovernewfields.org or (317) 923-1331 ext. 271. Thank you to our title 2022-23 fiscal year sponsors!
When you join a Newfields Donor Society, you become part of a special circle of visionary members who believe that exceptional experiences with art and nature can have a transformative impact. With your help each year, we’ll provide tours for over 10,000 school children and unlimited general admission to our world-class galleries and gardens for more than 1,000 local college students. You also make it possible for us to share seasonal experiences, like Harvest and Winterlights, with thousands of neighbors through the Newfields Community Ticket Distribution Program.
Your Donor Society level determines access to exclusive benefits, including invitations to popular events, like Curator’s Choice, private exhibition openings, Cocktails & Conversations with artists and curators, the Chair’s Dinner, and more.
Thank You
FISCAL YEAR 2023*
(JULY 1, 2022–JUNE 30, 2023)
We are excited to announce a recent upgrade to our member and donor database software. The accuracy of your information in our system is very important to us, so please let us know if you notice any discrepancies in your giving information which may have been inadvertently caused during this technological transition. Direct your corrections or questions to donors@ discovernewfields.org.
*Please keep an eye out for the next issue of Advancing Newfields for the FY24 donor listing.
THE NEWFIELDS SOCIETY AND PATRON SOCIETY
We thank the following individual donors, each of whose cumulative giving between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, totaled $500 or more. Their donations helped to make everything you enjoy at Newfields possible, from multifaceted experiences such as We. The Culture and El Tendedero/ The Clothesline Indiana
This list includes gifts for annual operating support, gifts and payments on pledges for special projects, in-kind donations, realized planned gifts, and appraised gifts of art.
Lilly Circle - $50,000 and greater
Anonymous
Mrs. Bonnie and Mr. James Carter
Darrianne and Justin Christian
Mr. Randolph H. Deer *
Helen Dickinson *
Gregory A. Huffman *
Herbert Kirst * and Peggy Hillman *
Sarah L. and John C. Lechleiter
Mr. Eli and Mrs. Deborah Lilly
June M. McCormack
Mr. Peter * and Mrs. Ruth Nicholas
Susanne and R. Jack Sogard
Scott Weaver
Daniel and Diana Yates
James Yee and Leah Yee *
Clowes Circle - $25,000 to $49,999
Anonymous
Greg Eaton and Todd Adams
Otto N. Frenzel IV
Michael and Rebecca Kubacki
T. Scott and Brooke Law
Samuel R. Matthews *
Kathleen D. and Robert Postlethwait
Phyllis Schahet and Gary Schahet *
Mr. Charles and
Mrs. Peggy Sutphin
Chair’s Circle - $10,000 to $24,999
Anonymous (2)
John and Kathleen Ackerman
Mr. Daniel and Mrs. Kate Appel
Toni and Robert Bader
David O. and Jacqueline R. Barrett
Miles and Joanna Batchelor
Michael and Jennifer Burton
Mr. Chris and Mrs. Dominee Burton
Nancy and Jim Carpenter
Margaret Coyle
Ellen Swisher Crabb and David W. Crabb
Lori Efroymson-Aguilera and Sergio Aguilera
David and Julie Eskenazi
Ms. Marianne Glick and Mr. Mike Woods
Charles E. and Susan Golden
Nora and Tom A. Hiatt
Mr. Gary and Mrs. Hannah Hirschberg
Meredith and Kathleen Hull
April Ann Jordan and Matthew Wolfe
Stephanie and Young Kim
Patricia and James LaCrosse
John L. and Mary Katherine Lisher
Kristin Mays-Corbitt and David Corbitt
Nancy L. McMillan
Alan K. and Sally Mills
Peter and Betsy Morse
Mrs. Jane M. Paine
Dorit Paul
Mr. Markham Roberts and Mr. James Sansum
Michael Robertson and Christopher Slapak
Marya and Anthony J. Rose
Kenna Rudolph and Michael Mehl
Anne and Andrew Sellers
Joanne Sprouse
Catherine M. Turner
President’s Circle - $5,000 to $9,999
Anonymous (2)
Morgan and Erica Andreae
Helmi S. and Ronald L. Banta
Ms. Sarah Barney
Katie Betley
Ms. Eleanor F. Bookwalter
Milly Brehob
Mary Clare and George Broadbent
Victoria and Thomas Broadie
Mrs. Stacey Burris Ice
Gary D. Butkus
Mr. Daniel and Mrs. Kathryn Cantor
William G. and Edie S. Enright
Edgar Fehnel
Mrs. Michelle and Mr. C. Perry Griffith, Jr.
Dr. Michelle Howenstine
Mindy Hutchinson and Rob Friedman
pegg kennedy and Michael Kennedy
Elizabeth and Kellan Kershner
Ann W. King
Adele Lash
Jhani Laupus and Michael Sample
Nancy and Dennis Lawton
Barbara W. and Richard A. Leventhal
James and Sara Lootens
Eleanor Lopez
Lynne Maguire and William Miller
Susanne M. McAlister Spitzberg and H. Daniel Spitzberg, M.D.
John F. McGinty *
Laura F. and Mervyn Michael
John M. Mutz
Jason and Connie Noyan
Kathryn and Jack Patterson
Benjamin Pecar and Leslie Thompson
David Phillips
Monna Quinn and David Spoelstra
Sharon R. and Robert C. Reed
Clay and Amy Robbins
Jamie and Richard Schulte
Adrienne D. Sims and Michael Davis
James and Nancy Smith
Dr. Daniel and Mrs. Marianne Stout
L. Gene Tanner
Randall and Deborah Tobias
Bradley and Theresa Warnecke
Dr. Rosalind H. Webb
Emily A. West
Edith Witchger and Gene Witchger *
William Witchger
* deceased
Director’s Circle - $2,500 to $4,999
Michael Bilderback and Silvia Campos-Bilderback
Theodore and Peggy Boehm
Jeffrey Brinkmann and Michael Schaefer
Mr. Eurelio and Mrs. Shirley Cavalier
Dr. Suzanne and Mr. David Combs
Jane Conley
Mr. Chris W. and Mrs. Lesley J. Conrad
Judy Donner and John Mullen
Judith Epperson
Jane S. Farber
Carol Feeney
Christine and Garth Gathers
Sharon and Richard L. Gilmor
Shelby and Valerie Goldblatt
Thomas W. and Mary P. Grein
Gretchen Haehl
Henry Havel and Mary Stickelmeyer
Jane Houck
Kwan and Hsin Hui
Ann H. Hunt
Roger Hurwitz
Pamela K. and Gary M. Jursik
Dana and Marc Katz
Mrs. Judith Kight
David H. Kleiman and Susan M. Jacobs
Elaine Kops-Bedel and Eric Bedel
Mr. John Krauss and Ms. Margaret Maxwell
Ms. Ellen Lee and Mr. Stephen Dutton
Ira and Leslie Maher
Rae Malesh
Elizabeth Mann
Linda and Gene Marshall
Robert and Shelley McKinney
Ms. Marni McKinney and Mr. Dick Waterfield
Robyn McMahon
Mr. Scott and Mrs. Rhonda Morris
Randall Ott and Sheila Ott
John E. and Sally Peacock
Dr. Marian Pettengill
Mr. James and Dr. Patty Rapp
Dr. George Rapp and Mrs. Peggy Rapp *
John and Leslie Rapp
Mrs. Judith and Mr. Garrett Reasoner
Mr. George Rubin
Mr. Owen Schaub and Ms. Donna McCleerey
Gregory and Corie Shaner
Dr. Michael Shapiro
Dr. Marguerite K. Shepard
Holly Simpson and Bill Beechler
Carol and Edward Smithwick
James Sweeney
John and Marcy Taylor
Douglas Tillman
Ms. Dale Traugott
Courtenay and Emily Weldon
Margaret Wiley
Christian Wolf and Elaine Holden-Wolf
Jonathan Wright and Stuart Alter
Mr. Chris and Mrs. Rita Wulke
Gene and Mary Ann Zink
Luminary Circle - $1,200 to $2,499
Frank and Katrina Basile
Dawn K. Batson and Anthony Borel
Shannon Baun
Elizabeth Beck
Joseph D. Blakley
Jane Broce
John J. Chlapik
Robert Cirillo
Alan and Linda Cohen
John and Janice Coleman
Daniel P. Corrigan
Irene Curry
Debra Dawson and Dylan Hergott
Debra Dawson
Katie and Lynne Eckerle
Dr. Mary L. Forster and Mr. Wayne Ramsey
Chris and Catherine Gahl
Cristal Garrison
Jeffrey A. and Nancy Greenberg
Andrew and Ellen Greenspan
Matt Gutwein and Jane Henegar
Susan Haber and Jason Rowland
Kathryn Hedgepeth and Scott Stover
Lisa Heid
Mr. Jonathan and Mrs. Jody Hess
Ginny Hodowal and Doug Madeley
Susan Hoffert and Mark Wolanski
Madison and Tyler Hromadka
Kevin and Estelle Huston
Jeanine Isham
Suzanne and William Jannetta
Randall L. Juergensen and Tony Warmus
Natinne Keene and Daralyn Klam *
Dawn and Greg Knipe
Sara Konrath and Paul Anderson
Mr. William H. and Mrs. K.M. Landschultz
Sharon F. and James B. Lemler
Mr. Michael and Mrs. Ann Lynam
Kurt and Linda Mahrdt
Amy Maierhofer and Evan Gray
Robert F. and Marlene Marchesani
Grace Meils and Chris Wells
Michele Meregaglia
Sharon R. Merriman
Shane Merriweather
Mr. D. William and Mrs. Ann Moreau
Ms. Sue and Mr. Tony Morreale
Kimball and Louise Morris
Melissa Muha
Mr. Blake Lee and Mrs. Carolyn L. Neubauer
Mr. Ralph G. Nowak
Deborah and Nathan Oatts
Julie and John Overbeck
Julie and Chad Paavola
Lily Pai
Anne Pantzer
Patty Pelizzari
Michael Pettry and John Mainella
Margaret Piety and Josef Laposa
Joyce E. Pruitt
Mr. David and Mrs. Jill Resley
Matthew and Natalie Rotelli
Ian Rupert
Robert C. and Laura Elaine Scheele
Albert E. Schultze and Marcia Kolvitz
Jane B. Seelig
Rosemary R. Semler and Jerry D. Semler *
Judith and James Singleton
Doug J. and Kari B. Singleton
Catherine L. and Will E. Snyder
Kent Steele
Jeffrey and Cynthia Thompson
Diane Thompson
Aaron Waller
Gail F. Williamson
Barry Wormser and Jacalyn Bolles
Timothy T. and Catherine Wright
Robert and Linda Yee
Mark and Sara S. Zelonis
Five Seasons - $500 to $1,199
Anonymous (2)
Patricia Anker and Robert Anker *
Wendy Baldwin
Trudy W. and Logan Banta
Pam and Doug Barcalow
Clark Barwick
Shanda Bontrager
Liz A. and R. Stephen Bradner
Barbara J. Briggs
Marsha Brown
Tiffany B. Browne and William Browne
David Bryant and Paul Zick
Bruce and Julie Buchanan
Michael Burke and Dixie Platt
Lorene Burkhart
Debora and Michael Bush
Mary M. and Bill E. Butler
Mrs. Ann Hyer Buttrey
Mary Ellen and David Carter
Marcella Carter
Michael and Marcie Brown Carter
Sujata and Atul Chugh
Jan Clark
Suzanne Collins
Gabrielle K. Cramer
Barbara Danquist
Byron and Leslie Daugherty
Amy Davidoff
Kay D. and Damon C. Davis
Andrew Davis and Daniel Livingston
Janet and James Deahl
Fred and Joan Dennerline
Anne DePrez
Stephen and Mary DeVoe
Rollin M. and Cheri L. Dick
Dennis Dickos
Sheryl Elston and David Hamilton
Sherry Faris
Mr. Craig and Mrs. Mary Fenneman
Charles and Teresa Fisher
Janice Fitzgerald
Joan FitzGibbon
Mr. David and Mrs. Lindsey Flaherty
David and Cindy Force
William and Jennie Forehand
* deceased
Wendy M. Fortune
Dick and Brenda Freije
David Fronek
Shirley Fry
Jim Fuller
Dr. Ed and Mrs. Phyllis Gabovitch
Kristin Garber
Kim Gattle and Carter Wolf
Laura Ginger and George Dreher
Lynda Goeke and Don Katz
David and Polly Gorden
Marisol Gouveia and Desiree Brandon-Gouveia
John and Sharon Grace
Kirsten Grosz
John W. and Chichi Guy
Joan Haaf
Cynthia and William Hallberg
Cristie S. Halter and William Fraser
Cindy Hancock and Joe Palumbo
Lucy and Don Harvey
Mrs. Ann and Mr. Ed Hathaway
Jennifer Hendrian and Steve Spaulding
Samuel Hennessee and Marilyn Hennessee *
Lori and David Hirsch
Zachary and Judy Hodes
Aaron Hoeg
Tim and Jennifer Holihen
W. Seymour and Rheta Holt
Emily and Peter Howard
Rick and Melissa Hullinger
Kyle and Mary Beth Jackson
Barbara James
Ronald Jobe
Susan Jones-Huffine and Matthew Huffine
Venetta Keefe
Cherub Kim
Joy Kleinmaier
Rick and Mary Kortokrax
Meme Kramer
Karen Kreutzinger
John Kreutzinger and Sharon Brennan
Ms. Greta Krueger and Mr. James Betley
Mr. Thomas Laskey Jr. and Mrs. Betsy Laskey
Barbara Lawrence
Andra H. Liepa
Mary M. and Daniel J. Lueders
Barrett and Akemi Madrigal
Angela and Pete Majeski
Mr. Stephen and Mrs. Jane Marmon
Stephen McCloud
Doris McCullough
Michael McGuire
Susan and Knox McMillan
Ms. Audrey Millar and Dr. David Goldenberg
Robert and Emily Moore
Christina Morris
William Mowery
Delores Muller
Patrick and Rita Murphy
Scott Musgrave
Rufus H. Myers
Michelle Neff
Jill and Charles Nefkens
Janet Nine
Brian O’Neill
Aleicha Ostler
Donald and Karen Perez
Amy Perry
Barbara Porter
Matthew J. and Jennifer Priddy
Mrs. Laurie and Mr. Bernard Pylitt
Brad and Cindy Quinn
Susan Rau
Bonnie A. and Thomas E. Reilly
Gary and Ann Reiter
Kenneth Remenschneider and Sharon Hoog
Mr. William T. Rice and Ms. Jan Woodruff
Rebecca Rusling
Michael and Colleen Russo
Peter and Lauren Sallay
Mr. Thomas and Mrs. Linda Sands
Susan Sawyer and Scott Putney
Anne Scheele
Capi and Rebecca Scheidler
Mr. Bob and Mrs. Alice Schloss
KimAnn and Michael L. Schultz
Ellen and David W. Seiferth
Don and Cindy Selzer
Jennifer C. Shirk and Clint Price
Robert and Holly Sieck
Michael and Franci Skolnick
Marilyn Sleppy and Lauren Everman
Donna Spears
Catherine Springer Brown
Jeff Stalder and Helen Stalder
Rosemary Steinmetz
Paul and Cassie Stockert
Diane M. Stone
Tien S. Sun
Noel Terry and Gabe Thimlar
Christa Thacker and Jason Myers
Douglas and LuAnn Thomas
John and Norma Thompson
Nancy Thompson
Vicki Townsend and Sara Pyatt
Barbara S. Tully
John and Kathy Vahle
Loretta Van Every
Julie and Rene Van Walsem
Patrick and Jacqueline Walsh
Ms. Marianne Walter
Roberta L. and Robert D. Walton
Cate and Larry Waynick
Mrs. Karen and Mr. Dennis Whitaker
Ellen and Bob Whitt
Jerry Wilson
Joycelyn Winnecke
Mrs. Charlitta P. and Mr. Robin Winston
Mr. James G. and Dr. Karen McEnroe Wolf
Carl W. and Connie N. Wooldridge
Amanda Wray and Dave Greenwalt
Grant Wynia and Amanda McCabe
Jeffrey J. and Mei Ling Yu
David R. and Magdalen Zauner
CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION DONORS
We extend our gratitude to the following organizations, which have made cumulative contributions of $500 or more in fiscal year 2023. With their support, the joy, connection, and beauty that are at the heart of what we call a “Newfields experience” can be shared with more and more members of our community each year.
$50,000 and greater
Allen Whitehill Clowes
Charitable Foundation, Inc.
American Endowment Foundation
Bank of America Corporation
Central Indiana Community Foundation
Christy and Dale Davidson
Memorial Trust
The Clowes Fund
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
Indiana Department of Homeland Security
JPMorgan Chase & Co
Lilly Endowment Inc.
National Endowment for the Arts
The Penrod Society
Raymond James & Associates
R.B. Annis Educational Foundation
Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation
Ruth Lilly Philanthropic Foundation
Schwab Fund for Charitable Giving
Sunbelt Rentals
$25,000 to $49,999
Charles Schwab
Christel DeHaan Family Foundation
Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund
The Hagerman Group
Indiana Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency
Indy Arts Council and the City of Indianapolis
Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, Inc.
Lacy Foundation
Lilly US Matching Gift Program Administration
The National Bank of Indianapolis
National Historical Publications and Records Commission
Nicholas H. Noyes, Jr., Memorial Foundation, Inc.
RJE Business Interiors
Sun King Brewery
Target Corporation
Wild Birds Unlimited
$10,000 to $24,999
Aaron Wealth Advisors
Ackerman Foundation
Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Corteva
Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC
FleetWatcher
The Frenzel Family Charitable Lead Trust
* deceased
Glick Philanthropies
Joseph E. Cain Foundation
L.M.L. Estate Management Corporation
Marian Inc.
Mays Chemical Company, Inc.
National Philanthropic Trust
National Wine & Spirits Corporation
Pershing LLC
Renaissance Charitable Foundation Inc.
Republic National Distributing Company
Wright-Patt Credit Union
$10,000 to $24,999
The Ackerman Foundation
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Corteva Agriscience
Fifth Third Private Bank
Fleetwatcher, LLC
Indiana Department of Environmental Management
Klipsch Group, Inc.
The Lacy Foundation
Mays Chemical Company, Inc.
Nicholas H. Noyes, Jr., Memorial Foundation, Inc.
$5,000 to $9,999
Anonymous
Ameriprise Financial
Comerica Wealth Management
Edward Jones
Faegre Drinker
FORVIS
Gene B. Glick Company, Inc.
Griffith Family Foundation
Ice Miller LLP
IGT Indiana
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance
Indianapolis Garden Club
Jerry L. and Barbara J. Burris Foundation
Marilyn McGervey Watkins
Private Foundation
MET Foundation Inc.
Ray’s Trash Service, Inc.
Raymond James
RCR Technology Corporation
SPM Foundation
T. Rowe Price
TIAA-CREF
UBS Financial Services Inc.
Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program
Vanguard Services, Inc.
YourCause, LLC
Zink Distributing
$2,500 to $4,999
Arts Midwest
Browning Day
Color Story Studio Engledow Group
First Christian Church of Columbus
Indiana Humanities
Kort Builders, Inc.
Lumina Foundation for Education
Masco Corporation
The Marni McKinney Foundation
National Financial Services, LLC
Nationwide
OneAmerica Financial Partners Inc.
$1,200 to $2,499
Ayco Charitable Foundation
Betley Foundation, Inc.
The Broadbent Company
Building Owners and Managers Association of Indiana (BOMA)
Cape Fletcher Associates
Crum & Forster Insurance
Delta Faucet Company
First Bank Richmond
Hamilton County Community Foundation
JCB Wealth Management
J. D. Resley, Associates Inc.
LPL Financial
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
M.S. Woods Real Estate
National Christian Foundation
Indiana
Network for Good
Old National Wealth Management
PNC Institutional Asset Management Fund for Charitable Giving
Priority Press, Inc.
TD Ameritrade Clearing
UMB Financial Corporation
United Way of Central Indiana
Vision Communities, Inc.
Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC
$500 to $1,199
Anonymous
CICOA Aging & In-Home
Solutions
Helen Thoele Family Foundation
Indiana Artists Club, Inc.
The ORL Foundation
The Scott and Nancy Atherton Foundation
Trailing Arbutus Garden Club
Wyant Family Foundation
DONORS OF GIFTS IN MEMORIAM AND TRIBUTE
We gratefully acknowledge the following contributions to Newfields in honor or memory of friends and family members.
GIFTS IN TRIBUTE
In Honor of Henry and Wyatt
Belden
Janet D. and Randall C. Belden
In Honor of Sheena Birt
Philip and Shandon Whistler
In Honor of Mildred Brown and Boneta Robbins
Clay and Amy Robbins
In Honor of Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette
Pam and Doug Barcalow
Building Owners and Managers Association of Indiana (BOMA)
In Honor of Noble Cala
Danny Cala
In Honor of Mary Ellen Carter
Parents and Family
Mary Ellen and David Carter
In Honor of Kennedy and Bennett Conyers
Janet D. and Randall C. Belden
In Honor of Amber Cox
Julia Pekarek
In Honor of Ellen Crabb
Marilyn Templeton
In Honor of Greg Eaton and Todd Adams
Jonathan Wright and Stuart Alter
In Honor of Joan Hancock
Cindy Hancock and Joe Palumbo
In Honor of Melissa Hullinger
Rick Hullinger
In Honor of Jasper and Henry James V
Karen Kreutzinger
In Honor of Patrick and Elaine Jerrell
Jonah Kazmierski
In Honor of Ellen Lee
Sarah Barney
In Honor of John and Mary Lisher
John Lisher
In Honor of Steve Mills
Linda Mills
In Honor of Joanne Najem
Kristin Garber
In Honor of Newfields’ Garden, Greenhouse, Grounds, and Park Teams
Will and Cathy Snyder
In Honor of Kevin Osburn
Monica Bopp
In Honor of Kathie Sullivan Pauley
April Bledsoe
In Honor of Katie Patterson
Indianapolis Center for Congregations, Inc.
In Honor of Joy Pekarek
Julia Pekarek
In Honor of Quinn and Keaton Pyatt
Vicki Townsend and Sara Pyatt
In Honor of Sandy Schipp
Marianna Manley
* deceased
In Honor of Greg and Corie Shaner’s grandchildren–Alison, Jacob, Olivia, and Ellis
Gregory and Corie Shaner
Michael and Carla Shannon
Jonathan Wright and Stuart Alter
In Honor of Shine and Papa Sogard
Linda Sogard
In Honor of Larry Steinberg
Mona Brodsky
In Honor of Carol Thacker
Christa Thacker and Jason Myers
In Honor of LuAnn Thomas
Douglas Thomas
In Honor of Timothy Wright
Christine Barbo
GIFTS IN MEMORIAM
In Memory of Nayan Acharya
Lily Pai
In Memory of Bill Appel
Susan and Knox McMillan
In Memory of Marian Barger
Linda Lugar
In Memory of Carol Becker
Julie and Rene Van Walsem
In Memory of Claire
Richardson Bennett
Debora and Michael Bush
Charles and Patricia Chadwell
Michaela and Cason Cusack
Robert and Jean Davis
Monica Dill
David and Polly Gorden
Elizabeth Josephson
Christina Kohnen
Ann Lapp
Becky Phillips
Peter and Karen Reist
Steve and Betty Sterrett
The Wyant Family Foundation
SAY IT BEAUTIFULLY Bloom-struck
Newfields considers it a profound honor to provide a serene space for people to commemorate their loved ones. The Bloom-struck program allows you to make a memorial or commemorative gift that honors someone special beautifully in The Gardens at Newfields. Their legacy is celebrated throughout the spring and summer, with each story enhancing and deepening the experiences of our guests who are inspired by your tribute while admiring the blossoms.
The inspirational aspect of this program struck a chord with one Bloom-struck participant who chose to remain anonymous.
“When I read the email for the first Bloom-struck, I must have been the first one to sign up. My planter is a memorial for my oldest son,” she shared. “By having a planter, other people will see my son’s name and his memory will continue to live on.”
Bloom-struck planters or trees provide a living canvas to express your love and admiration for someone amazing—whether that be a beloved family member, someone who has had profound impact on your life, or someone who deserves some special recognition. With Bloom-struck, your special memories are alive and vibrant in a beautiful, peaceful, and inspiring setting perfect for warm reflection and gratitude.
Learn more at discover newfields .org/bloomstruck
In Memory of Len Betley
Tom and Nora Hiatt
Phyllis Schahet and Gary Schahet *
In Memory of Liz Bolyard
Leslie Snyder and Norris Groves
In Memory of Carolyn
Rudy Brill
Robert Meyer
James Mount
Rebecca Rusling, Jay Troyka, and Matt Troyka
In Memory of Helen Dickinson
Patricia and James LaCrosse
John Sieloff
Nancy Brown Webb
Clay and Amy Robbins
In Memory of Shirlie Dreher
Laura Ginger and George Dreher
In Memory of Donna Dombrowski
Melissa Dombrowski and Kyle Fenner
In Memory of Alice & John Flaherty
Jeanine Isham
In Memory of Cathryn Flaherty Maxwell
Jeanine Isham
In Memory of Kevin Foy
David and Polly Gorden
Meredith and Kathleen Hull
Christa Thacker and Jason Myers
In Memory of Dr. David Goldstein
Lisa Heid
In Memory of Delores Groves
Leslie Snyder and Norris Groves
* deceased
In Memory of Marilyn Hennessee Anonymous
Mandria Davis
Trish DeKeyser
Greta Dunlap
Gary Edwards
Sandra Harrison
Rebecca Henle
John Hills
Karlina Huffman
Tom Lazzara
Maria D. Ramseyer
Carolyn Salsbery
Judith Seright
Donald Stogsdill
Laura Tinsley
Jeffrey and June Wagner
Dennis Wegner
Ellen Whitlock
In Memory of Irene Haaf
Joan Haaf
In Memory of John, Maryann, and Ed Hudecek
Jane B. Seelig
In Memory of Francine Hurwitz
Shelby and Valerie Goldblatt
Roger Hurwitz
In Memory of Peter Jones
Sharon and Richard L. Gilmor
Margaret Wiley
In Memory of Jean Jordan
Anonymous
In Memory of Sandy Joseph Bassam N. and Linda S. Helou
The Newfields Legacy Circle acknowledges living supporters who have made a distinct commitment to shaping the cultural life of future generations by making planned gift commitments to Newfields. Welcome to the donors denoted in bold below, who are new to the Legacy Circle this year.
* deceased
Anonymous (12)
Dan and Kate Appel
Bob and Toni Bader
Mr. Edward Ballard *
Frank and Katrina Basile
Kathryn and Leonard Betley *
Dr. Ella H. and Mr. Robert R. Bowman
Jim and Nancy Carpenter
Lisa M. and David O. Clarke
Sr. Steven M. Conant
Chris W. and Lesley J. Conrad
Bonnie E. and Andrew W. Craig
Mrs. Becky Curtis Stevens
Kay and Damon Davis
Mr. J. G. Dawson
Myra L. Echt
Lori Efroymson-Aguilera and Sergio Aguilera
Ms. Judith Cohn Epperson and Dr. Charles* Epperson
Jane Seastrom Farber and Marvin W. Farber *
Edgar Fehnel
Drs. Richard and Rebecca Feldman
Elaine Ewing Fess and Stephen W. Fess
Russell Fortune III and Penny Fortune *
Tim and Brenda Foster
Lynne Suzanne Trapp Fuller
Family Trust
Sharon Gamble
46208-3326 discover newfields .org
Mr. Jamie Gibbs and Mr. Paco Argiz
David and Julie Goodrich
Ms. Rosanna H. Hall
Ann and Edward Hathaway
M. Ann Hayes and John Hayes *
Cindy Helmling
Tom and Nora Hiatt
Dr. Roger and Mrs. Fran Hurwitz *
Mr. Rick L. Johnson Jr. and Mrs. Alice Johnson
Pamela K. and Gary M. Jursik
Dana and Marc Katz
Venetta Keefe
Ann W. King
Mr. David and Mrs. Anne Knall
Dr. Kay F. Koch
Dr. Ruth Kramer
Mr. John Krauss and Ms. Margaret Maxwell
Michael and Rebecca Kubacki
Patricia J. and James E. Lacrosse
Mr. Charles Lanham
Mr. William Leazer
Andra H. Liepa
Amy Maierhofer and Karl Maierhofer *
Susanne M. McAlister and Daniel H. Spitzberg, M.D.
Ms. June M. McCormack
Patricia P. and Michael K. McCrory
Robyn McMahon and Mark Cahoon *
Ms. Nancy L. McMillan
Sharon R. Merriman
The Mutter Marines
Lt. Gen. Carol and Col. Jim Mutter (ret.)
John and Carolyn Mutz
Katherine C. Nagler
Mrs. Jane Paine and Mr. Andrew Paine *
Dr. Marian Pettengill
Mr. R. Stephen and Mrs. Jane Radcliffe
Dr. George Rapp and Mrs. Peggy Rapp *
Dr. John and Mrs. Leslie Rapp
Dr. Patricia and Mr. James D. Rapp
Carol Cummings Reed
Michael J. Robertson and Christopher A. Slapak
Ms. Carolyn Schaefer and Mr. Jack Gray *
Gregory and Corie Shaner
Mr. Horace A. Chonle
Mrs. Bren Simon and Mr. Melvin Simon *
Susanne and R. Jack Sogard
Ann M. Stack
Charles and Peggy Sutphin
Ambassador Randall L. Tobias
Dr. William A. Weary
James P. White and Anna S. White *
Ellen and Bob Whitt
Mr. William and Mrs. Roberta Witchger
Mr. Timothy and Mrs. Catherine Wright
Kwan Fei Young
DONORS TO THE COLLECTION
We are thankful to the following donors of works of art or support in purchasing new or conserving existing works of art, whose gifts help to increase the quality and scope of the Indianapolis Museum of Art collection.
Guests engage with an interactive activity in The Message is the Medium: Contemporary Art in the Allen Whitehill Clowes Special Exhibition Gallery, opened July 21, 2023.
Page 1: Mary Wright Sewall (detail), circa 1880, taken by the Indianapolis photography studio Marceau & Power. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, LC-USZ62-75447.
Page 3, Left to Right: Darianne Christian, Chair of the Board of Trustees; Julianne Miller and Clarence Cannon, Community Engagement Managers; and Michael L. Kubacki, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer at Newfields’ 141st Annual Meeting in The Tobias Theater, May 8, 2024.
Page 7: Members of The Eighteen Art Collective stand in front of the title treatment to the exhibition We. The Culture: Works by The Eighteen Art Collective in the June M. McCormack Forefront Galleries, September 23, 2022–September 24, 2023.
Right, Top to Bottom: Jean-Antoine Watteau (French, 1684–1721), Three Studies of a Seated Woman, about 1717, red chalk on paper, 7-7/8 × 10-1/2 in., Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, The Clowes Collection, 2023.9.
Page 9: Top Left: Adam B. Walter (American, 1820–1875) and John Martin (English, 1789–1854), Belshazzar’s Feast, after 1826, ink on paper, mezzotint, 16 × 24-1/2 in. Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, Museum Accession, 2023.155.
Far Right Top: John Teramoto, Curator Emeritus of Asian Art. Artwork: Mochizuki Gyokusen (Japanese, 1834–1913), Waterfall (detail), about 1900, ink and silver pigment on silk, various dimensions, Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, Gift of the Asian Art Society of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, 2011.140.
Far Right Middle: Annette Schlagenhauff, Curator Emeritus of European Art. Artwork: Frans Hals (Dutch, about 1581–1666), Portrait of Frans Hals (verso), about 1650, oil on oak panel, 13-1/2 × 10 in., Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, The Clowes Collection, 2015.28.
Page 10 Top: Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch, 1606–1669), Self-Portrait, about 1629, oil on oak panel, 17-3/8 × 13-5/8 × 3/4 in. Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, The Clowes Collection, 2023.4.
Page 11: Japanese, Samurai armor (hotoke-dō tōsei gusoku) bearing family crest of Inaba clan, late 18th century–mid-19th century, metal, lacquer, leather, cloth, helmet: 8-1/2 × 16 × 15 in. Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, Purchased with funds provided by the Asian Art Society of the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, Nancy C. and James W. Smith, Dorit and Gerald Paul, Leonard and Kathryn Betley, Joan D. Kahn, Gift of Alan and Simone Hartman by exchange, 2017.65A.1-R.
Page 13: Installation view of The Message is the Medium: Contemporary Art in the Allen Whitehill Clowes Special Exhibition Gallery, opened July 21, 2023. Artworks:
Page 18: Top: Interior (left) and exterior (right) renovation details of the Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse.
Bottom: Guests walk on the new path in the restored Katharine B. Sutphin Border Gardens.
Page 20: Group photo of Newfields docents gathered in the Efroymson Family Entrance Pavilion.
Page 22: Top: A school group engages with an interactive activity in The Clowes Pavilion Reimagined, opened March 25, 2022.
Bottom Left: Guests enjoy Free First Thursday art activity in the IMA Studios. Bottom Right: A guest painting in the Richard A. and Helen J. Dickinson Four Seasons Garden.
Page 23: Guests viewing the LED Ceiling in The Clowes Pavilion Reimagined, opened March 25, 2022.
Page 24: Newfields staff, volunteers, friends and family pose for photos while participating in the Indianapolis Pride Parade, 2023.
Page 25: Clarence Cannon and Julianne Miller, Community Engagement Managers at the Indiana State Fair.
Page 26: Top Left: Allison Slenker, Assistant Conservator of Objects provides educational programming to Newfields guests. Artworks: Urhobo, Janiform male figure (eshe) (detail), 20th century, wood, incrustation, iron, 64-7/8 × 13-1/2 × 11-1/2 in., Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Eiteljorg, 1989.817. Asante people, stool, 20th century, wood, silver, 13-1/2 × 19-3/8 × 10-1/4 in., Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Eiteljorg, 1989.480.
Top Right: Guests attend a Free First Thursday event, 2023. Bottom: Guests participate in the Newfields photo opportunity at the Indiana State Fair, 2023.
Bottom Right: Guests enjoy The Garden at Newfields on Mother’s Day, May 12, 2024.
Page 30-31: Mixed tulips (Tulipa cvs.) at the Miller House and Garden, Columbus, Indiana, 2023.
Page 31: Top Left: Floral Design by IRIS Blossom during Art in Bloom, March 20–24, 2024.
Bottom Left: Newfields Chair’s Dinner in the Randolph H. Deer Special Events Pavilion, 2023.
Top Right: Penrod Arts Fair in The Garden at Newfields.
Page 32: Elderflower cheesecake with butterfly pea tea and gold leaf veil.
Page 33: Bottom Left: Patrick Russ, Executive Chef.
Top Right: Guests enjoy the Flavors of Fall: Five-Course Chef’s Dinner event in the Randolph H. Deer Special Events Pavilion, produced by Executive Chef Patrick Russ and the Newfields Culinary Team, September 27, 2023.
Middle Left: Golden beet tapioca with hazelnut and avocado.
Middle Right: Musk melon gazpacho with cucumber caviar, serrano pepper and feta.
Bottom Right: Goat cheese panna cotta with winter citrus, fennel and tarragon.
Page 34: Rebecca Loudenbeck, Membership Specialist, and Dan Will, Membership Manager, at the Houston Zoo while attending the American Museum Membership Conference, October 23–26, 2023.
Page 35: Left: Guests to the exhibition Work In Progress: Conversations about American Art in the IMA Galleries, opened May 27, 2023.
Page 38: Top: Guests engage with the coloring activity in THE LUME Indianapolis featuring Monet & Friends Alive in the IMA Galleries, July 3, 2022–May 28, 2023. THE LUME Indianapolis is created by Grande Experiences.
Bottom: Bank of America volunteer withdrawing an invasive plant species and depositing a native species in its place in The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, 2023.
Page 39: Top: Newfields’ 140th Annual Meeting in The Tobias Theater, May 15, 2023.
Middle Left: Newfields Chair’s Dinner in the Randolph H. Deer Special Events Pavilion, 2023.
Middle: Guests attending the opening of Work in Progress: Conversations About American Art, in the IMA Galleries, opened May 27, 2023.
Middle Right: Guests enjoying the Midnight event in the Efroymson Family Entrance Pavilion, December 31, 2023– January 1, 2024.
Bottom Left: Floral Design by Flower Boys during Art in Bloom, March 22–26, 2023.
Bottom Right: Guests attend an event within THE LUME Indianapolis featuring Van Gogh in the IMA Galleries. THE LUME Indianapolis is created by Grande Experiences.
Page 44: Bloom-struck planter outside the Efroymson Family Entrance Pavilion.
Back Cover: Left: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly and garden zinnia (Zinnia elegans ‘Benary’s Giant Yellow’).
Activities are made possible by the Indiana Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. General support of Newfields is provided by the Lilly Endowment Inc.; Christel DeHaan Family Foundation; and Nicholas H. Noyes, Jr., Memorial Foundation.
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