(LEFT) Community members admire Glen Cooper Henshaw’s artwork, “Portrait of a Child,” at Tipton County Public Library. (RIGHT) TCPL Director Jason Fields discusses the new gallery wall location and fine arts collection with community members. (Photos provided by Tipton County Public Library)
Posted By: The Reporter September 1, 2025
By SHELLY POWELL
For The Reporter
The Tipton County Public Library (TCPL) is moving forward to showcase its fine art collection, including works by renowned Brown County artist Theodore Clement (T.C.) Steele. Library Director Jason Fields outlined the project’s timeline and goals during a community meeting held on Aug. 26.
The meeting drew interested members of the community who asked several questions related to the library’s conservation efforts and the future plans for the art. Fields reported that following authorization from the library’s Board of Trustees in May, upon the recommendation of an advisory committee, the library has been authorized to use a designated wall space to create a feature gallery for artwork in the library’s collection. The director will be investigating the cost of the conservation of the artwork in 2026. The board has requested that funds be raised for the ongoing maintenance and preservation of the artwork.
Photo provided by Tipton County Public Library
Fields announced his plan to have a grand opening of the gallery in November, with a companion website to launch in early 2026. The digital component will provide additional information about the collection, extending the gallery’s reach beyond physical visitors.
The meeting concluded with a tour of both the gallery space and the location where artwork is currently stored in the library, awaiting conservation. Conservation efforts will begin as soon as funds are raised for that purpose.
For more information, please get in touch with TPCL at (765) 675-8761 or visit in person at 127 E. Madison St., Tipton.
Shelly Powell serves as the Communications Manager for the Tipton County Public Library.
