Artreach
Artreach is our ongoing commitment to bringing art in all forms into our community—connecting people, places, and creative experiences throughout Valparaiso. Through collaborative projects and public programs, we aim to make the arts more visible, accessible, and meaningful for all.
Skate Park Sculpture
The Valparaiso Parks Department asked the Valparaiso Creative Council to consult on artwork to be placed in a brand-new skate park.
In June 2024, the Valparaiso Creative Council unveiled “Eclipse,” an 18-foot steel sculpture by local artist Chad Copeland, at Flounder & Friends Skatepark. This installation, funded through a successful $90K-in-90-days community campaign matched by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, serves as a vibrant centerpiece celebrating the intersection of public art and youth recreation. The project exemplifies the Council’s commitment to integrating art into communal spaces, fostering creativity, and enhancing the cultural landscape of Valparaiso.
This amazing sculpture was dedicated on June 13, 2024. Be sure to check it out in person!
Photography by Eliot Aust.
Art + Innovation
Started in 2024 out of a grant from the Indiana Arts Council, Art + Innovation is a quarterly series that brings the creative community together in a welcoming environment to celebrate local art, build community and inspire an exchange of ideas.
These free events take place at Roots Cafe and Lower Lincoln in downtown Valparaiso and include a meet and greet of featured artists, speakers, and bites to eat.
Please see our events calendar for upcoming Art + Innovation events.
Photography by 219 Social Co.
Mural Walk
Since 2022, we’ve added 7 colorful murals to Valpo with 4 more to come in 2025 for a total of 11!
In August 2024, the Valparaiso Creative Council hosted Mural Walk, transforming downtown Valparaiso into a vibrant canvas of public art. The event featured four local artists—Felix Maldonado, Mitchell Schuring, Gabriel Barajas, and Shannon Barajas—who created murals at various downtown locations, including Rocket Fizz, Ivy Boutique, Birdie’s Café, and City Hall. A highlight of the week was the “Valpo Kids Create” mural at City Hall, where children contributed to a collaborative public artwork. The kickoff event offered live mural painting, food trucks, music, and interactive activities, engaging the community in celebrating and creating public art.
Be sure to join us for our 2025 Mural Walk Kickoff on August 23, 2025 in downtown Valparaiso, IN.
Photography by 219 Social Co.
Sip + Social Speakeasy
Sip + Social is the Valparaiso Creative Council’s signature immersive arts fundraiser.
In 2024 and 2025, we transported guests into a Roaring Twenties-inspired speakeasy filled with live jazz, theatrical performances, interactive art, drinks, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and vintage flair. Held at Lower Lincoln, this 21+ event supports local arts initiatives while offering attendees a unique, engaging experience that celebrates community creativity and cultural enrichment in Northwest Indiana.
Check out highlights from the event!
Photography by 219 Social Co.
Valpo Creates Center
The McMillan Valpo Creates Center, unveiled in March 2025, marks a significant milestone in Valparaiso’s commitment to fostering a vibrant arts community. Situated at 256 Indiana Avenue in downtown Valparaiso, this dedicated space serves as a central hub for artists, makers, and community members to collaborate, create, and engage with the arts. As part of the broader Creative District Plan, the center aims to host workshops, exhibitions, and events that celebrate local talent and encourage cultural innovation, thereby enriching the city’s creative landscape.
Birds of Paradise Scavenger Hunt
The Valparaiso Creative Council partnered with the City of Valparaiso in a committee to discuss a fun way to bring visitors and residents to explore downtown Valparaiso. These discussions created the Birds of Paradise project, and plans were underway for a scavenger hunt across the city brining existing residents and new visitors to experience all the great culture and history of Valparaiso. The hunt consists of 10 bird sculptures placed throughout the downtown area with a fun clue to find each bird. These sculptures provide wayfinding for visitors and encourage people to explore the great things our city has to offer.
Utility Box Art
In 2024, the Valparaiso Creative Council partnered with the City of Valparaiso to expand the Utility Box Art program, enhancing public spaces with vibrant, locally-inspired designs. Serving on the artist selection committee, the VCC helped bring 24 new artworks to utility boxes citywide, featuring contributions from 18 local artists, two Valparaiso Community Schools students, and curated designs from the Porter County Museum and Valpo Parks Department. This initiative not only beautifies the community but also fosters local artistic expression and engagement.
#ARTreach Winter Giveaway
We partnered with VALE School and Opportunity Enterprises to assemble and distribute 500 art kits! Organizations such as Hilltop House, The Caring Place, Porter Starke, and VALE students all received art kits filled with enough materials for two art projects. This was a great way to provide artistic opportunities to deserving local recipients! A huge thanks to our #ARTreach initiative sponsors: Family Express, and the Mirochna Family, as well as over 50 individual community donors!
