Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Megan Simpson, 317.234.8146, [email protected]

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites announces the selection of artist Mark Dillman for the official portrait of former Indiana Governor and current Vice President Michael R. Pence. The resulting portrait will join the Indiana Governors’ Portrait Collection, which dates back to 1869 when the first concerted effort was made to gather images of all of the state’s governors.

Mark Dillman was selected from a field of 30 Indiana-related artists who responded to a public call for proposals.  An Indianapolis native and graduate of the John Herron School of Art, Dillman is known for his portraiture. Previous commissions include the official portrait of Joseph E. Kernan, Indiana’s 48^th governor, on display at the Indiana State House, as well as retired Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard, university presidents, business leaders, and other public figures.

“The State Museum is honored to continue the tradition of facilitating the official Indiana governor’s portrait project,” said Mark Ruschman, ISMHS Chief Curator of Fine Arts. “In Mr. Dillman, we have a Hoosier artist eminently qualified to create former Governor Pence’s portrait. As the sitting vice president, the portrait takes on added importance.”

The Indiana Governors’ Portrait Collection consists of portraits of all but one of the state’s governors. It is the museum’s responsibility to ensure a portrait is done at or near the end of each governor’s time in office and added to the collection. In total, the collection contains 53 portraits, many of which are on public display throughout the Indiana State House.

Work on the portrait is expected to begin by the end of March. The museum anticipates it will be unveiled in the latter part of the year.

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The Indiana State Museum is located in White River State Park in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. It is Indiana’s museum for science, art and culture, offering a place where you can celebrate, investigate, remember, learn and take pride in Indiana’s story in the context of the broader world. Even the building is a showcase of the best Indiana has to offer in architecture, materials and sculpture. Easy and convenient parking is available in the attached underground garage.