Biography
India Cruse Griffin ( American Painter b. 1958) An accomplished Mid-Western artist educator earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Art Education from Ball State University Muncie, Indiana.
The way her artistic life began
Her love of Art, her family, and her community came to her at an early age when her Parents concentrated on the family being close with strong beliefs.Her mother an artist herself passed on her artistic ability and curiosity for art to her children. At the very early age of three, India created art far above her years, as her parents encouraged her to experiment with art; working with a variety of materials including watercolor and oil paints. Although in their 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 needed Art, and her unique style started to emerge with limited time to paint.
Becomes a professional artist.
In 1993 she decided to exhibit her art publicly 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, Universities, Public and Private, across the country.
The places where she has worked.
India has served as an Indiana Arts Commissioner, Legislative Arts Advocacy Council committee member, Humanities and Racial equality Committee member, Art Museum Trustee, Art Teacher, and several state and local committees, for many years.
What she wants to capture through the image.
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. Her work demonstrates everyday challenges relating to the many roles women encompass. Her goal is to express the feeling of all and show the underlying meanings behind the everyday task of family.
EXHIBITIONS
India Cruse Griffin ( American Painter)
Permanent and Public Collections:
Gainbridge Fieldhouse Indianapolis
Indiana State Museum
Eskenazi Hospital Indianapolis, Indiana
Indiana University School of Law Indianapolis
Indiana University, Bloomington
Indiana Lieutenant Governor’s Office
Indiana University foundation Indianapolis
Indiana Governor’s Residence
Fountaindale Public Library Chicago, Illinois
Reid Memorial Hospital Richmond Indiana
Richmond Art Museum Indiana
Richmond Community Schools
Selected Exhibitions:
Harrison Center for the Arts Group Color Exhibition 2025
Indy Arts Council TINY 14 Group show 2025
Jackson Junge Gallery Chicago Illinois TEN by TEN Group Show Exhibition 2025
Taylor University Indiana Featured Artist 2025
Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration 2025 ( Featured Artist)
Harrison Center for the Arts Solo Exhibition 2025 ( Everybody say Jump)
Indiana Summer Celebration Indiana Convention Center Featured Artist 2025
University of IndianapolisSolo Exhibition ( Retrospect Love out Loud) 2024
Dehaan Artist of Distinction recipient 2024
Harrison Center Solo exhibition : Season of the Moon 2024
Harrison Center for the Art: Katharine B Sutphin Invitational Sept 2024
Indy Arts Council Tiny Exhibition 2024
Butter Fine Arts Festival 2024, 2023
Butter Fine Arts Home Court Edition 2024
Hoosier Women in the Arts 2024 Indiana State house
Monumental Indy Harrison Group Exhibition 2023
Richmond Art Museum Annual Exhibition 2015,2016,2017,2018,2019,2020, 2022,& 2023
Newfields Museum “The Truth and Freedom The & language of race” exhibition 2023
Harrison Center for the Art: Katharine B Sutphin Invitational 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 2022-23 (Best of Show)
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
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 Exhibition 2010
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 Minneapolis Mn. Solo Exhibition 2003
