New exhibit at the Indiana State Museum brings Charley Harper’s art to life
INDIANAPOLIS – Families can create connections to the natural world through I AM WILD: A Charley Harper Exhibit, open May 22-Sept. 7 at the Indiana State Museum.
Developed by Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in partnership with Charley Harper Art Studio, the exhibit showcases the signature style of “minimal realism” of Charley Harper, whose deep commitment to conservation came through in his clever artistry. Through I AM WILD, visitors can discover the variety and interdependency of life in the natural world, fostering an appreciation for its creatures.
Created especially for younger visitors, this immersive play experience brings to life Harper’s vibrant, geometric designs. Children can explore the flora and fauna of six different habitats: desert, ocean, rainforest, sky, woods and city. Through hands-on activities inspired by nature, visitors can interact with the colorful birds, animals and insects in each of these habitats.
Families can play hide-and-seek with different animals and insects found in the forest. With the twist of a wheel or the push of a button, visitors can create natural soundscapes from different bird calls on a musical machine. Little ones can be wild in their own way as they try on different masks and act like their favorite animals.
In the art studio, children can express their creativity and make art inspired by Harper’s designs. Additionally, visitors can view a collection of Harper’s artworks, highlighting his favorite subjects and printmaking methods he used during his career.
I AM WILD is free for members and included with museum admission, which is $23 for adults, $17 for youth (ages 3-17) and $21 for seniors. Visitors can go to IndianaMuseum.org to learn more and save by purchasing admission in advance.
About the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites
The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites is a museum system with 12 one-of-a-kind locations across the state that ignite wonder, inspire curiosity, reveal stories and create connections. The museum, located in White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis, serves as a central hub offering immersive experiences for visitors of every age and interest — from art and architecture, to history and culture, to science and nature. The historic sites stretch north to the shores of Sylvan Lake, south to the banks of the Ohio River and many places in between. Learn more at IndianaMuseum.org.
About Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh provides innovative museum experiences that inspire kindness, joy, creativity and curiosity for all learners. We forge connections with artists, community partners and neighbors to work on behalf of children, youth and families. Permanent hands-on, interactive exhibit areas include The Studio, Garage, Waterplay, Kindness Gallery, Backyard and MAKESHOP®. Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is open daily from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Admission is $19 for adults, $17 for children 2-18 and senior citizens. Children under two are free. The Museum is located on Pittsburgh’s historic North Side at 10 Children’s Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. For more information, please call (412) 322-5058 or visit the Museum website, www.pittsburghkids.org.
About Charley Harper
Charley Harper (1922-2007) found his love for nature and wildlife as a child growing up on a small farm in West Virginia. He began drawing creatures from his backyard creek in the fourth grade, and this passion eventually led him to Ohio to attend the Art Academy of Cincinnati – meeting his wife and eventual collaborator, Edie, on the very first day. Harper spent the majority of his adult life living and working in Cincinnati, creating a vast collection of iconic and treasured works, and left behind a legacy of clever artistry and a deep commitment to conservation.
About Charley Harper Art Studio
The Charley Harper Art Studio, founded in 1947 by Charley himself, is dedicated to preserving and promoting his legacy through a small but passionate team. The studio collaborates with brands and organizations worldwide, showcasing Harper’s iconic work, renowned for its distinctive minimalistic style and vibrant depiction of nature. In doing so, and in reaching various audiences, these partnerships support his lifelong commitment to conservation and advance environmental awareness and education initiatives in line with Harper’s vision.
