Diversity equals Creativity?

The Arts Corridor centers around the Swope Art Museum on 7th street in Terre Haute, Indiana. Terre Haute's downtown is currently buzzing with life, compared to only a few years ago. It isn't New York though, and it isn't Indianapolis either. It is a little city, with similar problems as cities of the same size. Although no other city has the rambunctious past that Terre Haute has. Gambling and alchohol intertwined with prostitution during Prohibition. The location of Terre Haute made it a frequent stop by those who could afford it, and I'm pretty sure many chose to stay, and add to the Terre Haute pot of stew. This diversity of people included artists and artisans.

Terre Haute has had a checkered past, but many people had great pride in the little city. Buildings were built into the environment, and built with great craftsmanship. The Wabash River was a beautiful river, free of any human touch. Railroads and roads aligned Terre Haute with the larger cities of Indianapolis, In. Chicago, Il. Bloomington, Il. and St. Louis Mo. Opportunities to travel to Terre Haute were abundant, which brought an even more diverse population.

I think this is the beginning of me finding out why Terre haute is so artsy. I believe it stems from the diversity of the population, and number of universities in and around the city. I also think it has something to do with our railroad trains, in a weird sort of way.

Why So Artsy Terre Haute?

Terre Haute is alive with art. As I look around the city, especially downtown, I realize that Terre Haute embraces, appreciates, and rewards the arts. I have lived in Terre Haute for half my life, or about 20 years. I've lived in many parts of the city, and sometimes outside the city, but I've never lived downtown. I want to live downtown, sort of. I enjoy seeing people walking into the art museums, and visiting the art galleries that makeup downtown Terre Haute.

Local universities and colleges have recently shown interest in art appreciation. Indiana State University has several art galleries, which are generally full of student and faculty works. Ivy Tech has created a great environment for art shows, and most wall space has some type of creative work neatly hanging on it. Both Indiana State and Ivy Tech continue to provide outlets for local artists to display their work.

When all the pieces are put together, Terre Haute shines as an art friendly city. Why? Really, what is it that makes Terre Haute (that's 2 words, not 1) this little art jewel? Is there nothing else to do in town except go to an art show? I guess you could always find a restaurant, go out to eat, visit a local pub or go to Walmart, all of which are plentiful in Terre Haute. I'd rather visit an art show, and I think many others feel the same way. Something very strange and abstract is happening around here and I want to know more.