Biography
From Banker to Artist
Lamar Richcreek was a fine art photographer, educator, and community advocate whose life and work reflected a deep commitment to storytelling, history, and human connection. Born on February 9, 1947, in Marion, Indiana, he began his photographic journey while serving as a drafted GI in Korea. After a 20-year career in banking, Lamar pursued his passion for photography, earning a Master of Fine Arts from Vermont College of Fine Arts in his 50s.
For two decades, Lamar served as a full-time instructor and lab manager at the Herron School of Art and Design at IUPUI, where he mentored countless students and helped shape Indiana’s photographic arts community. His teaching legacy continues through the Aurora PhotoCenter’s photobook library, which is built around his personal teaching collection.
Lamar’s photographic work explored themes of rural transformation, memory, and cultural change. His exhibition Timbered Virtue—which debuted posthumously at the Aurora PhotoCenter—examined the evolution of American family farms through a lens of nostalgia and critique. He combined traditional and digital techniques to reflect on the shift from independent farming to industrial agribusiness, drawing from childhood visits to his grandfather’s farm in central Indiana.
Beyond his artistic contributions, Lamar was a pillar of the Historic Meridian Park neighborhood in Indianapolis. He co-founded a neighborhood crime watch and played a key role in securing the area’s placement on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. His home, shared with his wife Jean, became a welcoming hub for community gatherings and friendships.
Lamar Richcreek passed away on May 30, 2018, at the age of 71. His legacy lives on through his art, his students, and the community he helped build.
Biography
From Banker to Artist
Lamar Richcreek was a fine art photographer, educator, and community advocate whose life and work reflected a deep commitment to storytelling, history, and human connection. Born on February 9, 1947, in Marion, Indiana, he began his photographic journey while serving as a drafted GI in Korea. After a 20-year career in banking, Lamar pursued his passion for photography, earning a Master of Fine Arts from Vermont College of Fine Arts in his 50s
For two decades, Lamar served as a full-time instructor and lab manager at the Herron School of Art and Design at IUPUI, where he mentored countless students and helped shape Indiana’s photographic arts community. His teaching legacy continues through the Aurora PhotoCenter’s photobook library, which is built around his personal teaching collection.
Lamar’s photographic work explored themes of rural transformation, memory, and cultural change. His exhibition Timbered Virtue—which debuted posthumously at the Aurora PhotoCenter—examined the evolution of American family farms through a lens of nostalgia and critique. He combined traditional and digital techniques to reflect on the shift from independent farming to industrial agribusiness, drawing from childhood visits to his grandfather’s farm in central Indiana.
Beyond his artistic contributions, Lamar was a pillar of the Historic Meridian Park neighborhood in Indianapolis. He co-founded a neighborhood crime watch and played a key role in securing the area’s placement on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. His home, shared with his wife Jean, became a welcoming hub for community gatherings and friendships.
Lamar Richcreek passed away on May 30, 2018, at the age of 71. His legacy lives on through his art, his students, and the community he helped build.
Lamar Richcreek was a fine art photographer, educator, and community advocate whose life and work reflected a deep commitment to storytelling, history, and human connection. Born on February 9, 1947, in Marion, Indiana, he began his photographic journey while serving as a drafted GI in Korea. After a 20-year career in banking, Lamar pursued his passion for photography, earning a Master of Fine Arts from Vermont College of Fine Arts in his 50s.
For two decades, Lamar served as a full-time instructor and lab manager at the Herron School of Art and Design at IUPUI, where he mentored countless students and helped shape Indiana’s photographic arts community. His teaching legacy continues through the Aurora PhotoCenter’s photobook library, which is built around his personal teaching collection.
Lamar’s photographic work explored themes of rural transformation, memory, and cultural change. His exhibition Timbered Virtue—which debuted posthumously at the Aurora PhotoCenter—examined the evolution of American family farms through a lens of nostalgia and critique. He combined traditional and digital techniques to reflect on the shift from independent farming to industrial agribusiness, drawing from childhood visits to his grandfather’s farm in central Indiana.
Beyond his artistic contributions, Lamar was a pillar of the Historic Meridian Park neighborhood in Indianapolis. He co-founded a neighborhood crime watch and played a key role in securing the area’s placement on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. His home, shared with his wife Jean, became a welcoming hub for community gatherings and friendships.
Lamar Richcreek passed away on May 30, 2018, at the age of 71. His legacy lives on through his art, his students, and the community he helped build.
Collections
Where to View Lamar's Work
Ball State University
Indiana Historical Society
Free Use Agreement
The photographic work of Lamar Richcreek is made available for public access under a free use agreement. Individuals are permitted to use, share, and reproduce these images for personal, educational, and non-commercial purposes without fee or written permission.
We ask that users credit Lamar Richcreek whenever possible to help preserve and honor his legacy.
Commercial use — including reproduction for sale, gallery exhibition, merchandise, or any profit-generating activity — is not permitted without prior written approval. This includes both physical and digital reproductions intended for commercial display or resale.
The original negatives and a selection of prints are preserved by the Indiana Historical Society, while additional physical works are held at other collecting institutions. Users seeking high-resolution files or permissions for approved use should contact the Indiana Historical Society or the relevant institution holding the material.
The photographic work of Lamar Richcreek is made available for public access under a free use agreement. Individuals are permitted to use, share, and reproduce these images for personal, educational, and non-commercial purposes without fee or written permission.
We ask that users credit Lamar Richcreek whenever possible to help preserve and honor his legacy.
Commercial use — including reproduction for sale, gallery exhibition, merchandise, or any profit-generating activity — is not permitted without prior written approval. This includes both physical and digital reproductions intended for commercial display or resale.
The original negatives and a selection of prints are preserved by the Indiana Historical Society, while additional physical works are held at other collecting institutions. Users seeking high-resolution files or permissions for approved use should contact the Indiana Historical Society or the relevant institution holding the material.
Thank you!
View Lamar's Work at These Collection Archives
Lamar Richcreek’s photographs are available for personal, educational, and non-commercial use under a free use agreement. Commercial reproduction is not permitted without approval. We ask that users credit Lamar Richcreek whenever possible to help preserve and honor his legacy. Negatives are held by the Indiana Historical Society.
Thank you!
View Lamar's Work at These Archives
Lamar Richcreek’s photographs are available for personal, educational, and non-commercial use under a free use agreement. Commercial reproduction is not permitted without approval. We ask that users credit Lamar Richcreek whenever possible to help preserve and honor his legacy. Negatives are held by the Indiana Historical Society.
Thank you!
View Lamar's Work at These Collection Archives
Lamar Richcreek’s photographs are available for personal, educational, and non-commercial use under a free use agreement. Commercial reproduction is not permitted without approval. We ask that users credit Lamar Richcreek whenever possible to help preserve and honor his legacy. Negatives are held by the Indiana Historical Society.