HANCOCK COUNTY — Cathleen Huffman’s grain elevators have found their way into photographs, watercolor paintings, websites, articles for magazines and newspapers and finally — television.
A current episode of “Journey Indiana,” a relatively new travel program shown on WTIU, Bloomington’s public television station, features a segment on artist Cathleen Huffman’s quest to document on film and in painting Hoosier grain elevators.
Jason Pear, producer of “Journey Indiana,” contacted Huffman in mid-March to discuss the filming. “Journey Indiana” had made its debut online on Jan. 1 followed by the broadcast premiere on Jan. 3. The inaugural episode visited the nearby landmark Hoosier Gym in Knightstown. Other episodes have showcased the Lilly Library in Bloomington, the Lawrence County Museum of History and the Indiana Theatre in Terre Haute. Hosts Ashley Dillard and Brandon Wentz travel to locations around the state in search of the culture, history, people and artistry that make up the state of Indiana.
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The eighth episode features Greenfield watercolorist Huffman’s Bicentennial Legacy project, “Indiana’s Historic Grain Elevators.” Although Huffman has been photographing and painting grain elevators since 2004, it wasn’t until 2016 — Indiana’s bicentennial year — that her divertissement gained momentum and focus.
It was the endorsement from the Indiana Bicentennial Commission that sent her on a year-long mission to document Indiana’s disappearing grain elevators through photographs and eventually in watercolor.
There was a time in Indiana and throughout the Midwest, Huffman explained, when most people lived within 10 miles of a grain elevator. Elevators were usually located next to rivers or railroads. Farmers would bring their crops to the elevator, where they were sold and then stored in the elevator, until delivery by barge or train to markets or flour mills. Grain elevators are still in use, but today’s version of steel and concrete structures have replaced the classic wooden buildings.
Huffman has dedicated more than 15 years of her artistic career to capturing for posterity these disappearing landmarks.
The interview and filming were scheduled for a day in early April. Pear met Huffman at the Photon Gallery in Greenfield, where Huffman’s work is on display. From there, they ventured over to the grain elevator along the Pennsy Trail where Pear filmed Huffman at work sketching out a drawing of the elevator to paint later. The last stop on the interview tour was Huffman’s home studio — an outbuilding across the driveway from her home — where he filmed her painting.
Although nervous on camera, Huffman was happy for the chance to promote her project and the show.
“This is our state, and these are all cool things that are going on that you wouldn’t know about unless you watched the show,” Huffman said.
Brigette Jones, executive director of tourism, recognizes Huffman’s contribution to Hancock County’s quality of life.
“Any time Hancock County is highlighted positively in the media, it’s a good thing. Showcasing our talented local artists not only raises awareness of who we are, but in this case, it shines a light on Hancock in a way that contradicts common perceptions. Hancock County isn’t all factories, farms and small bedroom communities. We have artisans, musicians, theater, museums and other cultural offerings. These are important in not only drawing tourism to Hancock County, but attracting families to Hancock County as their permanent home.”
Although the episode featuring Huffman’s segment aired on television on April 16, it’s available for viewing at your leisure at indianapublicmedia.org/journeyindiana/episode-108.php. The program opens up with images of the grain elevator along the Pennsy Trail in Greenfield.
The interest in her project revitalized Huffman’s commitment to continue her work.
“I’m not tired,” Huffman said, “but I would go hunting for a grain elevator and I couldn’t find it or it was already demolished. I was feeling like I was too late to find any more.”
On another scouting trip, Huffman found several more, including in Bainbridge and Barnard in Putnam County.
Huffman reflects on her project: “The longer time goes on, the less likely they are to be saved. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. They’re not building them anymore.”
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For more information about Cathleen Huffman’s art and her grain elevator project, visit cathleenhuffman.com.
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