Artreach
Artreach is our ongoing commitment to bringing art in all forms into our community to connect people, places, and creative experiences throughout Valparaiso, Indiana. Through collaborative projects and public programs, we aim to make the arts more visible, accessible, and meaningful for all.
Mural Walk
VCC works with artists and local businesses to paint murals in downtown Valparaiso, Indiana. Since 2022, we’ve added 13 colorful murals to Valpo, with more to come!
Valpo Creates Camp
Kids explore art, music, dance, and theater at Valparaiso community sites like the YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, and Hilltop, all included as part of the regular camp schedule at no extra cost.
Valpo Creates Center
The McMillan Valpo Creates Center at 256 Indiana Ave. in downtown Valparaiso, Indiana offers four versatile rental spaces for learning, collaboration, events and artistic exploration.
Art + Innovation
Art + Innovation is a series of incredible free quarterly events at both downtown Valparaiso and Purdue University Northwest where the mic is turned on and TURNED UP for the ARTS!
VCC collaborations
Valparaiso Creative Council also partners with local organizations such as Valpo Parks and the City of Valparaiso on projects that bring arts of all kinds to our community.
Art in the Park: Skatepark Sculpture
Valparaiso Parks Department asked the VCC to partner on artwork to be placed in Flounder & Friends Skatepark. In June 2024, we unveiled an 18-foot steel sculpture by local artist Chad Copeland. This installation, funded through a successful $90K-in-90-days community campaign matched by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, celebrates the intersection of public art and youth recreation. Be sure to check it out in person!
Birds of Paradise Scavenger Hunt
VCC partnered with the City of Valparaiso on a fun way for residents and visitors to explore downtown Valpo: the Birds of Paradise outdoor scavenger hunt. This hunt helps people experience the culture and history of Valparaiso by using fun clues to find 10 bird sculptures placed throughout the downtown area. Visit the Valparaiso branch of the Porter County Public Library System (103 Jefferson Street) during business hours to pick up your Birds of Paradise clue guide.
Utility Box Art
VCC partnered with the City of Valparaiso to expand the popular Utility Box Art program, enhancing public spaces with locally-inspired designs. Serving on the artist selection committee, the VCC helped bring 24 new artworks to utility boxes citywide featuring 18 local artists, two Valparaiso Community Schools students, and curated designs from the Porter County Museum and Valpo Parks Department. This initiative beautifies the community and fosters artistic expression and engagement.
Art in the Park: Skatepark Sculpture
Valparaiso Parks Department asked the VCC to partner on artwork to be placed in Flounder & Friends Skatepark. In June 2024, we unveiled an 18-foot steel sculpture by local artist Chad Copeland. This installation, funded through a successful $90K-in-90-days community campaign matched by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, celebrates the intersection of public art and youth recreation. Be sure to check it out in person!
Birds of Paradise Scavenger Hunt
VCC partnered with the City of Valparaiso on a fun way for residents and visitors to explore downtown Valpo: the Birds of Paradise outdoor scavenger hunt. This hunt helps people experience the culture and history of Valparaiso by using fun clues to find 10 bird sculptures placed throughout the downtown area. Visit the Valparaiso branch of the Porter County Public Library System (103 Jefferson Street) during business hours to pick up your Birds of Paradise clue guide.
Utility Box Art
VCC partnered with the City of Valparaiso to expand the popular Utility Box Art program, enhancing public spaces with locally-inspired designs. Serving on the artist selection committee, the VCC helped bring 24 new artworks to utility boxes citywide featuring 18 local artists, two Valparaiso Community Schools students, and curated designs from the Porter County Museum and Valpo Parks Department. This initiative beautifies the community and fosters artistic expression and engagement.
