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Heartland Art Center invites community to 'America the Beautiful' exhibition at Historic Downtown Fire Station

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 10:00 PM

By Kathy Bottorff

In honor of America's 250th anniversary, the Heartland Art Center is inviting artists, families, students, and community members of all ages to take part in a special community-wide art exhibition celebrating the nation's rich history and diversity.

"America the Beautiful" will open Tuesday, June 30th and run through Saturday, July 25th, hosted in one of Plymouth's most iconic landmarks — the Historic Downtown Fire Station at 220 N. Center Street. Recognized as the oldest standing fire station in the State of Indiana, the historic venue adds a deeply meaningful layer of significance to the celebration, honoring both creativity and American history under one roof.

The exhibition will feature artwork inspired by the people, places, traditions, landscapes, cultures, memories, and experiences that shape the nation. Depending on participation, additional downtown Plymouth locations may also be utilized to display works from the exhibition.

"This exhibition is intended to celebrate the many perspectives, stories, and experiences that make up America," said Heartland Art Center President Anna Kietzman. "We hope to create a welcoming and inspiring community exhibition that reflects the beauty of our landscapes, our communities, our creativity, and the people who call this country home."

Artists of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to submit work. All artistic mediums are welcome, including painting, drawing, photography, fiber arts, ceramics, sculpture, mixed media, digital art, and more. One artwork may be entered free of charge, with additional entries accepted for a small fee. Online submission forms are due by Saturday, June 20th, with artwork drop-off taking place June 23rd through 27th at the Historic Fire Station.

Alongside the exhibition, the event will also feature a public scavenger hunt experience designed to encourage community engagement and exploration throughout downtown Plymouth during the run of the show.

Exhibition viewing hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

A public reception celebrating the exhibition will be held during the 11th Annual ARTS in the Street Festival on Saturday, July 25th, bringing together artists, residents, and visitors from across the region for a day of art, music, and community celebration in downtown Plymouth.

For more information and to access the exhibition prospectus and online submission form, visit www.heartlandartcenter.org.

The Heartland Art Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting artists, promoting creativity, and enriching the cultural life of Marshall County and the northern Indiana region. Activities are made possible in part by the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County and the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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