Andrade honors local artist Carleen O’Connor Rivera

Munster artist Carleen O’Connor Rivera was honored at the Statehouse on Feb. 1 as a member of the 2024 class of the Hoosier Women Artists program. Her painting depicting Munster’s Centennial Park was showcased at the Statehouse and will soon be displayed in the Office of Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch.

Since 2008, the Hoosier Women Artists program has celebrated female artists throughout the state of Indiana and is a partnership between the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the Indiana Arts Commission.

“I’m very happy that Carleen’s artwork will be proudly displayed in Lt. Gov. Crouch’s office,” Andrade said. “This is a significant personal achievement in and of itself, but I hope Carleen knows that this recognition means a lot for the town of Munster, as well. Not long ago, what is now known as Centennial Park used to be a landfill. Now, Centennial Park is a beautiful spot that many people and families go to get out in nature, myself included. Centennial Park is a great reminder of how much positive transformation our community has gone through over the years, and I’m happy to see this local gem enshrined in Carleen’s painting.

“I’d like to congratulate Carleen for her achievement, along with all of the other 2024 honorees. Local artists make Indiana a more vibrant place to live, and it’s great that we have an opportunity to celebrate them here in the Statehouse.”