 Among the Art Association's founders was May Wright Sewall (1844–1920), known for her work in the women's suffrage movement.Other supporters have included Booth Tarkington (1869–1946), Eli Lilly (1885–1977), Herman C. Krannert (1887–1972), and Caroline Marmon Fesler (1878–1960).The associated John Herron Art Institute was established with the help of notable Hoosier Group artists T. C. Steele and William Forsyth.