Opens May 9, 2025

Life Work: The Artists Hazel & Vin Hannell

This featured exhibition explores what it means to be an artist by mapping the artistic journeys of Vin & Hazel Hannell from Chicago to Furnessville and beyond. The Hannells had prolific, passionate, and generous careers that established them as emblematic regional artists of the mid-twentieth century.

Hazel’s life spanned three centuries, and Vin’s artistic origins went back to Finland. The couple worked in many different media: sculpture, drawing, painting, printmaking, and pottery.

Life Work is part of a collaboration with the Art Barn School of Art, Chesterton Art Center, Pines Village Retirement Communities, and Westchester Township History Museum, all of which will host events about the Hannells this year.

About the Montague/Urschel Gallery

This gallery is named in honor of the Montague and Urschel families, both having history in Porter County.

Joanne and Dan (1938-2024) Urschel made a significant gift in 2017 to help acquire 20 Indiana Avenue. Joanne continues to champion the museum in a variety of ways, including serving as chair of the Board of Trustees.