Check it out! Indiana’s favorite musical son is receiving recognition on the Indiana University campus with a new statue that symbolizes his artistic contributions and connections to southern Indiana.
The John Mellencamp statue was unveiled on Oct. 18, 2024 with the legend himself in attendance for comments and a short impromptu performance. IU President Pamela Whitten conducted the ceremony, calling Mellencamp “a musician and artist who has generously given back to his fellow Hoosiers and greatly impacted American culture.” (Photo credit: James Brosher, Indiana University)
A group of donors funded the installation of the life-like bronze statue created by IU graduate and Bloomington native Michael McAuley, creative director of the Indianapolis-based Livingston Designs Sculpture Studio. (Photo credit: Visit Bloomington)
In conjunction with the statue dedication, the IU Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art is hosting an ongoing exhibition titled “Crossroads: The Paintings of John Mellencamp” through Dec. 15. Works on display include large-scale oil portraits, self-portraits and mixed media pieces featuring themes that revolve around working-class Midwesterners. “Crossroads” is the first time Mellencamp’s work has been formally presented at Indiana University. (Photo credit: Wendi Chitwood, Indiana University)
Last year, Mellencamp announced his plans to donate an archive of his work, photographs, instruments and other memorabilia to the university as a resource for students, faculty and public viewers.
The John Mellencamp sculpture is now on permanent outdoor display at IU’s Fine Arts Plaza (photo credit: Visit Bloomington). For more information about the “Crossroads” exhibit, visit artmuseum.indiana.edu.
