Feature Blog: Heartland Art Center

In the heart of downtown Plymouth, with a prime location on the main strip, is the Heartland Art Center. According the Society of Architectural Historians, the three-story building at 214 N Michigan St was originally opened in 1926 as the first-ever retail outlet store for Montgomery Ward. Nearly a century later, I had the chance to chat with Anna Kietzman, President of the Heartland Art Center.

LIT: How did you come to be where you are now with Heartland?

Anna Kietzman: I first got involved with Heartland in 2015 when I joined the advisory board. At that time, our Arts in the Street Festival was just a small sidewalk event. It’s incredible to see how it’s grown since then into a three-block festival that brings thousands of people downtown.

AK: In 2017, I stepped into the role of President, following Jane Jacobson and others who had laid such a strong foundation. By then, Heartland had secured a downtown gallery space, which is a tremendous milestone for the organization. From there, we began expanding in big ways: offering classes and workshops, building partnerships with schools and community organizations, even starting outreach programs in the Marshall County Jail. Over time, the Indiana Arts Commission and others began recognizing Heartland as a true regional player. It’s been a steady journey of growth, fueled by volunteers and community support, and today we’re moving toward becoming a full regional arts hub.

LIT: How would you describe Heartland Art Center to someone who has never heard of it?

AK: I’d describe Heartland Art Center as a vibrant community anchor for the arts. It’s more than just a gallery, it’s a place where people of all ages can connect with creativity. We host rotating exhibits, classes and workshops, live music, and events like our annual Arts in the Street Festival.

AK: But what makes Heartland unique is the way we bring art directly into the community. We run programs at Miller’s Merry Manor for seniors, and at the Marshall County Jail where art becomes a tool for healing and growth. We’re also transforming the historic Montgomery Ward building in downtown Plymouth into an expanded arts center with more galleries, studios, and performance spaces.

So at its heart, Heartland is about elevating local artists, enriching community life, and fueling arts-driven economic development. – Anna Kietzman, President of Heartland Art Center

LIT: How can the community best support Heartland Art Center?

AK: One of the simplest ways is just to come and see what we offer. Your presence matters! Whether you’re visiting the gallery, attending Saturday Sounds, or stopping by one of our free community events.

AK: Because we’re completely volunteer-powered, giving your time is another meaningful way to help. We’re always in need of people to serve as docents, assist with events, or lend a hand behind the scenes. Joining as a member is another great step, as membership is open to artists and non-artists alike, and even a small annual fee helps keep our programs going.

AK: And of course, just showing up at events like Arts in the Street is powerful. Every ticket purchased, every piece of art sold, every volunteer hour, helps keep the arts alive and accessible here.

LIT: Is there anything else you would like to add?

AK: And finally, there’s an exciting opportunity coming soon. We’re preparing to launch a $1.5 million capital campaign to renovate the Montgomery Ward building. That funding will allow us to restore the building, add an elevator for accessibility, create sustainable gallery systems, and even build a multi-sensory space to welcome our neurodivergent community.

AK: This isn’t just about a building, it’s about investing in the future of our region. Studies show that every dollar invested in rural arts can generate up to a 20% boost in local economic activity. Supporting this campaign means investing in Heartland’s future as a regional arts hub and in the growth and vitality of our entire community.

If Anna hasn’t convinced you to come visit Plymouth and the Heartland Art Center, maybe the pictures will help. Here are some photos from the current exhibit (October 2025).