The Art Advisory Committee is composed of community members serving on a volunteer basis. The Committee meets to recommend public art projects to the Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission for approval. Meetings are held as needed.
The Valparaiso Art Advisory Committee is comprised of community members who serve on a volunteer basis:
Laura Campbell, Chairperson
John Cain
Minakshi Ghuman
Marilyn Hanson
Gregg Hertzlieb
Laurie Mullet
Doug Pierce
Erin Urschel
Jill Schrage
Orville Redenbacher Sculpture
Honoring the legacy of Orville Redenbacher, the City of Valparaiso installed a life-size sculpture of Redenbacher in Central Park Plaza in September 4, 2012. Through a nationwide selection process, the Redevelopment Commission, advised by the Art Advisory Committee, commissioned sculptor Lou Cella for the project. Fully funded through the generosity of private donors, the Orville Redenbacher sculpture is now the most photographed citizen of Valparaiso.
Valparaiso Art Walk at Cumberland
The Valparaiso Art Walk at Cumberland is a free outdoor sculpture exhibit, waiting for you to explore, on your own time, at your own pace. The sculptures will be on display in the Cumberland Crossing Area through April 2015. See something you cannot live without? The art is for sale, and you can find out more details by contacting Ken Thompson, through the Midwest Sculpture Initiative (MSI) at 517-486-4591.
City Bike Locker Project
In the spring of 2012, the Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission partnered with the art teachers of the Valparaiso Community elementary schools to create vinyl works of art to cover the City's bike lockers. Bike lockers are available to anyone 18 or older who regularly — defined as three days a week or more — commutes part of the way by bicycle. For information about reserving a locker, please call Valparaiso Parks at 219-462-5144.
"Just Around the Corner" South Shore Arts Poster of Central Park Plaza
In 2013, Valparaiso commissioned Neil Kienitz to create a poster of Central Park Plaza to commemorate its installation. Posters can be purchased from the Porter County Museum, 219-465-3595.
Why Should I support Public Art?
Supporting public art and a vibrant cultural community beautifies and animates the City, attracts residents and tourists, complements adjacent businesses, attracts educated employees, and contributes to a culturally diverse, creative and vibrant environment.
