India Cruse Griffin ( American Painter b. 1958)

An accomplished Mid-Western artist/ educator earned her Bachelor of Science in Art Education from Ball State University Muncie, Indiana.

Her love of Art, family, and community came to India at an early age when her Mother concentrated on the family being close, exposure to the arts, and strong family beliefs.

At the very early age of three, India created art far above her years, as her mother encouraged her to experiment with art; working with various materials. Although in her early adult years, she was far more of a perfectionist. The imperfect edges of the tapestry of torn papers were not yet a part of her works,

but a smooth and more sophisticated style dominated her work till her early twenties. Marriage and starting a family, India still possessed the need for Art, and her unique style started to emerge with limited time to paint. In 1993 she decided to exhibit her art publicly again and pursue a career as a professional artist.

India’s art is exhibited throughout the Midwest including several Indiana and Illinois venues. Museums, Hospitals, Art Galleries, and Universities, both Public and Private, across the country.

India has served as an Indiana Arts Commissioner, Legislative Arts Advocacy Council, Humanities and Racial Equality member, Art Museum Board, Art Teacher, and has served on several state and local committees, for many years.

Her works are brilliant with color, and it is from her childhood memories growing up in Indiana, she began to paint and create multi-layered, multi-textured representations of the people in her life.

Permanent and Public Collections:

Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Indiana State Museum

Eskenazi Hospital Indianapolis, Indiana

Indiana Governor’s Residence

3 Rivers Federal Credit Union Indiana

Indiana University, Bloomington

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

Fountaindale Public Library Chicago, Illinois

Reid Memorial Hospital

Richmond Art Museum

Richmond Community Schools

Selected Exhibitions:

Newfields Museum “The Truth and Freedom The & language of race” exhibition June 2023

Harrison Center for the Arts Solo Exhibition “The Love We Breathe February 2023

Richmond Art Museum Palette to Palate Featured Artist February 2023

Indiana State Museum Christmas Tree Ornament Design December 2022

Gainbridge Fieldhouse “The Art of the Game” October 2022

Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art September 24-25, 2022

Harrison Center for the Arts Solo Exhibition “Before My Eyes” April 2022

Hoosier Women Artist Indiana State House 2022

Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art September 25-26, 2021

Harrison Center for the Arts “Among the Folds” September 2021

Richmond Art Museum Collects “Women Artist 1950-Present, May 2020

Richmond Art Museum Annual Exhibition 2015,2016,2017,2018,2019,&2020

Harrison Art Center Solo Exhibition March 2014

Indiana University East Solo Exhibition 2013

Indiana State Museum “Represent” January 2012

Fountaindale Library Annual Exhibition 2011

ArtJaz Gallery Philadelphia Pa. Solo Exhibition2010

Indiana State Museum ” Those who chose to stay” 2009

Governor’s Arts Award Designer 2009

Signature Art Gallery Tallahassee Fla. “group Artist” 2009

National Black Fine Arts Exhibition 2007,2008,& 2009

Indiana Governor’s Residence Artist 2007

Northern Indiana Arts Association Solo Exhibition 2006

Kellie Rae Theiss Art Gallery Solo Exhibition 2003