From the Courtroom to the Canvas: Doug Church’s Indiana Legacy
POST DATE: 8.27.25
When Art and Law Come Together
Doug Church has always had a deep appreciation for the arts. A long-time supporter of artists, he launched a passion project that beautifully blends his legal career with his love for art.
In 2007, as he began his term as president of the Indiana State Bar Association, Doug began collecting artwork from each of Indiana’s 92 counties, with every piece featuring the county courthouse as its subject.
As a veteran attorney and Senior Partner at Church Church Hittle and Antrim (CCHA Law), Doug has spent countless hours in courthouses across the state. He’s long admired their 19th and 20th century architecture, their role as the heart of each community, and their enduring presence as places of justice and governance.
Each courthouse tells its own story. Through their varied architectural styles and intricate details, Indiana’s courthouses reflect the character of their counties. Some speaking of prosperity and ambition, others of modest beginnings and steady resilience.
“These are the biggest buildings. The most significant architecture,” Church said. “They’re secular cathedrals. And we’re lucky.”
For 18 years, Doug has worked alongside the Indiana State Bar Association and local bar associations to collect courthouse portraits from every corner of the state, each piece preserving a piece of Indiana’s history.
On Exhibit: Icons of Community
To celebrate the completion of the project, Indiana Landmarks and CCHA Law hosted an event to view the exhibit: Icons of Community: Indiana’s Historic County Courthouses.
The event welcomed the public to view all 92 courthouse paintings together for the first time. Attendance exceeded expectations, with nearly 300 guests coming to see the collection. Guests also joined virtually, and the live recording from the event can be viewed here.
Visitors heard Doug share the story behind his 18-year journey, along with insights from Elizabeth R. Osborn, director of education at Indiana University’s Center on Representative Government, who spoke about the rich history and artistic legacy of Indiana’s courthouses.
The full exhibit remains on display through September 26 in the Rapp Family Gallery at the Indiana Landmarks Center.
Recognition: Honoring Doug Church
The evening concluded with a surprise tribute to Doug’s dedication and vision. In front of friends, colleagues, and art enthusiasts, he was honored with several distinguished awards:
The Circle of Corydon from Indiana Governor Mike Braun, presented by retired Justice Steven David.
A Court Citation from the Indiana Supreme Court, presented by Justice Geoffrey Slaughter.
A Presidential Citation from the Indiana State Bar Association, the association’s highest honor, was presented by ISBA President Mike Jasaitis.
A Challenge Coin from the Indiana Supreme Court, a rare and meaningful token of appreciation, was also presented by Justice David.
Each honor underscored the lasting impact of Doug’s work in celebrating Indiana’s courthouses and preserving their legacy for future generations.
Justice Steven David (right) holds the Circle of Corydon award that Doug received (left).
About CCHA Law
Founded in 1880, CCHA Law is the oldest law firm in Hamilton County, Indiana. As a full-service law firm, CCHA Law provides a myriad of legal services to clients across a wide variety of practice areas including: personal injury, business formation and representation, divorce and family law, estate planning and administration, collegiate sports, k-12 and higher education, complex litigation, governmental entity and municipal law, real estate law, criminal law, labor and employment law, mediation services, and appellate litigation. CCHA Law serves clients across the state of Indiana and beyond with offices in Crown Point, Fishers, Fort Wayne, Noblesville, Tipton, Westfield, and Zionsville.
Learn more about CCHA Law’s legacy and services across Indiana, or visit the Icons of Community exhibit at the Indiana Landmarks Center through September 26.
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