Hours: Monday thru Friday 12 - 4pm
Saturday 10am-4pm
Address: 217 Ferry Street
Vevay Indiana
Mission Statement
The Mission Statement is being reviewed at this time and will be posted as soon as possible.
Our history…
When you look at the Art Center, the first thing that stands out is the immense talent gathered in one place. The second thing is probably the building itself. While the building has been transformed into this professional-looking art museum, inside and out, you can tell the building has been there for a while. From the bricks to the roof, this building looks old, and it makes you wonder how it got to where it is now.
The building that now houses over 30 artists was built in the 1830s. This structure started as a mercantile business/general store and held great significance to the town because it housed the first telephone in Vevay, Indiana! The building was then turned into a hardware and lumber store. Walter Gaudin, who ran the store, purchased the building in the 1960s. The building stayed a hardware store but switched owners. Walter Unwiller, better known as Cat or Catfish by friends, had bought the building in the 1970s. Floyd Canada continued to run the hardware store after Walter. Then, Ron Hocker bought the building in 1973. Meredith Luhrs then started a non-profit art gallery. When Ron Hocker had passed away, Mike Danner decided to continue the art center and helped gather grants and loans for the building. The building is owned by the board members and is a non-profit organization that is run by volunteers. This building then became what it is today, which is the Community Art Center of Vevay, Indiana.
Our Community…
In 1802 the town of Vevay was established by Swiss immigrant John DuFour, founded with the intention of developing a winery. DeFour found this to be quite a prosperous adventure as it developed into the first commercial winery in the United States. Vevay was named after the city of Vevey, Switzerland, spelling it slightly differently in order to clarify the pronunciation. However this attempt was not successful as the local pronunciation morphed into “veevee” rather than the intended “veevay”.
Located along the Ohio River between Cincinnati and Louisville, Vevay became a commerce point for various types of agriculture and furniture making. Ulysses P. Schenck and his son strongly influenced Vevay’s economic growth in the 1800’s with their fleet of steamboats and production of timothy hay. The area became active in anti-slavery, playing a significant role in the Underground Railroad for many years.
Over time the economic atmosphere changed and the area was unable to maintain the productive status it once held. Today, Vevay is a small rural town deeply rooted in its Swiss heritage. The county, Switzerland County, boasts four sites recorded on the National Registry of Historical Places. Three unique museums focus on the Swiss heritage with interesting artifacts, photos, and stories. Paul Ogle, a prominent resident of Vevay, established several avenues of support to assist the area in remaining a strong community.
The town of Vevay is regionally known for holding the Swiss Wine Festival each fall. It’s a great time for celebrating wine-making history, food, and entertainment. Vevay is also known for Fred the goat, with a Goatauqua festival held each spring. If you’re interested in how a goat became a local celebrity stop in for a visit at the Switzerland County Tourism office. They would be glad to tell you Fred’s story and send you home with your very own Fred statue.
Overall Vevay is worthy of your time to visit. Besides the Art Center, there is an interesting history to peruse and many shops and restaurants to enjoy. When you come visit us at the Art Center you can then spend the rest of the day exploring our community. Check out the links below for more community information.
Switzerland County Tourism (switzcotourism.com)
Membership…
Our members are local artists who have come together to share their work in a central location for the community to enjoy. We are a diverse group representing a wide range of talents and artistic styles which are proudly displayed and available for purchase at the center.
Through our artists dedication, which sustains and strengthens the Art Center, we endeavor to ensure it remains a vibrant and welcoming place for all. We are equally grateful for those non-artists who contribute their time and energy. These individuals generously offer their efforts without an expectation of a reward which plays a vital role in the center’s success. Their commitment is deeply valued and sincerely appreciated.
To become an artistic contributor/member of the Art Center, an artist must be juried in. A completed application and a fee of $15 must be presented along with 4-6 pieces of artwork. You must contact the Jury Committee Chairman, Dawn Beardmore, at 859-547-8767 to coordinate a drop-off time.
The link below will direct you to the membership guidelines and application form. If you have any questions, please contact us at switzcoartcenter@gmail.com
We look forward to welcome you— application in hand and a spark of excitement in your eyes.