Hartland Community Art Collection

How did it happen that Hartland ever acquired such a diverse collection of Michigan art?

It is quite a story that reaches back in time to the 1930s and 40s when Hartland philanthropist John Robert Crouse, Sr. developed his Hartland Area Project, a social experiment. He wished to bring the people in this rural community every advantage of culture, art and music enjoyed in the cities.

In 1967, a group of Hartland residents, inspired by John Robert Crouse, Sr. began to urge the Hartland Consolidated Schools and Heartland Foundation to provide area artists with an opportunity for recognition through entering their work in a local juried art competition to be exhibited for the community's enjoyment. 

A committee was formed spearheaded by Dorothy Gheen, a painter and Janice Leach, Hartland High School art teacher. On April 29, 1967 the First Annual Hartland Art Show was held in conjunction with the Athletic Boosters Annual Smorgasbord at the Hartland High School (now Village Elementary).

The concept for the Hartland Community Art Collection was intitiated with the Fifth Annual Hartland Art show in 1971. The idea was to establish a permanent collection of art work for the semi-rural community to enjoy. 

Two paintings were purchased that year for a total of $450.00 and the collection was launched.