In Honor of Mr. Russell
Listen to "From the Mind of Mr. Russell (LIDS)" by Brandon Lott.
The Indianapolis arts and education communities lost a champion last week with the passing of Steve Russell, founder of Celadon Group, Inc. The trucking company owner was an avid art collector and served, among others, on the boards of the Eiteljorg Museum, the Indianapolis Museum of Art and Herron High School.
We will remember him for the way he shared his time and resources generously with the students of Herron High School. Sitting for interviews with our Herron interns, Mr. Russell shared the secrets to his success, how he came to own an impressive personal collection of art and more. He spoke to students at a First Friday gathering, and with sometimes surprising but always engaging candor, he inspired them to aim high. Then-resident singer-songwriter Brandon Lott was stirred to write "From the Mind of Mr. Russell (LIDS)" after interviewing Russell as part of his internship at the Harrison Center.
In 2013, Herron High School's "museum building," was renamed in honor of Russell and his wife, and is now known as Steve and Livia Russell Hall. Joanna Taft, the President of the school's Board of Directors said, "Steve was a dear friend of the arts, but also a dear friend for the youth in our city. His generosity and commitment to Indianapolis will leave a lasting mark through Herron High School where he was a donor and board member. He will be greatly missed."
photo credit: Robin Knop