Gallery 115 in Madison, Indiana Exterior
Classy all around, Gallery 115 in Madison, Indiana is a unique, multi-purpose space. It’s part art gallery, part studio, and part cafe. There’s a lot going on inside of this wonderfully useful small business.
As you can see from the image above, it’s absolutely gorgeous. That’s not just on the outside, but the inside, too. During one trip to Madison I saw them working on the interior. This time, I was so happy to step inside the finished product. It fairly gleams.
Madison, Indiana Art Gallery
Gallery 115 in Madison, Indiana
Channeling a hip and sleek 1920s — 1940s kind of vibe, it looks so good! The ceilings are high and covered in wonderfully detailed tin, what I can only assume is original to the building as was common in those days. Combing the sunshine of the tall windows and the comfortable warmth that only comes from a wood floor, Gallery 115 has a delightful feel.
It’s the site of Eric Phagan Art Gallery and Studio, Gallery Cafe, and W of Madison Gifts. We’ll begin with W of Madison Gifts because, you know, home decor!
These are the kind of items you would find in a high-end boutique yet still retains small town prices (and friendliness, thank goodness). Lovely glassware, candles, and chic kitchen wares from aprons to serving ware are nicely arranged in the front portion of Gallery 115. The walls directly across are covered in fabulous artworks of all kinds.
Gallery 115 in Madison
Gallery 115 in Madison, Indiana
Those uninitiated in the ways of small Indiana towns may find it surprising to find both an art gallery and a studio space here. This isn’t exactly uncommon. There are many small towns that place a great emphasis on their local artists. Danville, Rensselaer, Madison, Martinsville, Wabash, Centerville, Francesville, and Corydon are a few towns with an Indiana art gallery or art gallery and studio combination. You have been supporting your Indiana artists, right?
I love the way Gallery 115 not only displays art but lets you poke around the second floor studio of Indiana artisan Eric Phagan. The player piano in the corner was a nice touch. Apparently you can sometimes catch him not only working at his easel but enjoying live music.
Although I lean toward more traditional pieces, it was interesting to see this kind of variety. His work sort of reminds me of the Overbeck Sisters from Cambridge City, Indiana and their work in the grotesque style. Although they did pottery and not wall art, something about it feels similar. But maybe that’s just me. I’m not exactly an expert on art.
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In fact, it was once the meeting place of local boy scouts way back in the 1930s — 1940s. If you look closely at one of the windows in the second floor meeting space, you will see the original Boy Scouts sticker. I love that they have left it on the window.
See the latest items from artist Eric Phagan, new cafe offerings (like award-winning triple-layer strawberry cake), and special events (like when they had a reading of “A Christmas Carol.”) by following Gallery 115 on Facebook.
Small Towns: Destinations, not Drive-Thrus! I’m Jessica Nunemaker and THIS is Little Indiana.
Just don’t forget to tell them that Little Indiana sent you.
Gallery 115
115 E Main Street
Madison, IN 47250
812.274.4371
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