The HeART of Valpo
The HeART of Valpo, created collaboratively by Valparaiso Community Schools art teachers and students, is a vibrant celebration of the city’s identity, history, and shared pride.
Spanning an entire wall inside Valparaiso City Hall, the mural is arranged as a sweeping collage of iconic local landmarks, each panel rendered in its own bold color theme. Neighborhood schools, historic buildings, recognizable streetscapes, and treasured community gathering places appear in layered compositions, creating a visual timeline that blends nostalgia with contemporary energy.
At the center, a multicolored “VALPARAISO” title anchors the mural, symbolizing the unity of diverse neighborhoods, generations, and stories. Surrounding it, the rainbow-like gradient—shifting from warm reds and oranges to cool greens, blues, and purples—reflects the creative spirit of the students who helped bring the piece to life. The HeART of Valpo stands not only as public art but as a heartfelt tribute to the people, places, and educational community that shape Valparaiso, making it a welcoming focal point for all who enter City Hall.
Mural in progress
“The HeART of Valpo represents the courage to begin. As one of the people helping lead the Valparaiso Creative Council’s first mural project at Valparaiso City Hall, I felt the excitement and the uncertainty of starting something new. I had tears in my eye at the unveiling, and in my heart I knew this was the beginning of something special. Today, seeing how the Mural Walk has grown from that first brushstroke is a powerful reminder that big movements often begin with one bold idea.”
Stephanie Swearington, Former VCC Board President
The HeART of Valpo was created by students from kindergarten through 12th grade across Valparaiso Community Schools, guided by their art teachers Natalie Thorgren, Roxanne Witherspoon, Gretchen Scott and Jessica Corral, and facilitated by the Valparaiso Creative Council.
More than 1,000 students contributed to the mural using a shared, layered painting process designed by the VCS art education team. Together, students, educators, and community members created a collaborative work that reflects creativity, learning, and community pride in Valparaiso’s schools.
About the mural location
Located in the heart of downtown, Valparaiso City Hall is home to the city’s government offices and a gathering place for public meetings and community engagement. See this mural in the City Hall Chambers at 166 Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN.
