Inaugural Sand+Steel Art Fest Showcases Local Talent and Creativity

The first Sand+Steel Art Fest in downtown Valparaiso brought together artists and families for a day full of creativity and community engagement. Wes Thorn, a resident of Portage, showcased his wood art at the event. As a welder and fabricator by trade, Thorn is a self-taught carpenter who enjoys the therapeutic process of sanding, painting, and assembling wooden pieces into unique frames. “I sip whiskey and try not to cut off a finger,” he humorously remarked while working.

Thorn’s demonstration at the fest involved crafting a smaller painting than usual to fit the time constraints. He utilizes a unique approach called the “color lottery,” assigning random colors to numbered pieces, inspired by the idea to leave some aspects to chance. His work process draws from inspirations such as geometric compositions by artists like Piet Mondrian.

Among the attendees was Melissa Dombrowski from Crown Point, enjoying the art activities with her son Wyatt. They participated in crafting a pocket sketchbook sponsored by the Art Barn in Valparaiso. The festival was rich with interactive art experiences, with over 50 local artists displaying their diverse talents in Central Park Plaza.

Dinah Pethes and Gayle Sandquist were among those exploring the Valparaiso Creative District during the event. The Sand+Steel Art Fest not only provided a platform for artists but also served as an inspiration for community connection through art. For instance, Beth Vottero encouraged visitors to contribute to her painting, highlighting inclusivity in the creative process. One attendee described how unknown outcomes in their art often led to surprising results.

Additionally, the fest offered more than traditional painting. Leah Romano McMeen, a graphic artist from LaPorte, captures nostalgic scenes in her work, such as a well-known coal tower and tree in Michigan City. Deb Weiss, a retired art teacher, also showcased her whimsical bird sculptures adorned with various found objects, making each piece unique in its right.

In support of community art education, Jennifer Hernandez-McDuell, affiliated with the Porter County Children’s Museum, organized sand-based activities to foster motor skills development in children. Projects included creating sand sculptures and vibrant sand art. Meanwhile, Evalina Moreno of the Art Barn helped kids design pocket sketchbooks, linking art to personal creativity and identity.

Families like the Slepikas enjoyed cooling off in sprinklers at the fest, which served as a delightful contrast to indoor crafts. Marin Arizzi, also from Valparaiso, assisted in the children’s craft activities, emphasizing that art should be accessible to all. She encouraged children by recognizing that each person’s artistic journey is unique.

Visitors like Ray Beliveau and Catrina De Rivera appreciated the opportunity to engage with art and spend quality time with their children, who enjoyed diverse activities like sand art and bubble wand decoration. The Sand+Steel Art Fest proved to be both a celebration of local artistic talent and a testament to the joy of creativity brought by community gatherings.