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Indiana Dunes Visitor Center Art Walk

Beaches & Beyond

IndianaDunesART CULTURE GUIDE

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The biggest work of art your eyes will see is the 15,000-acre Indiana Dunes, with beautiful views of forest, sand dunes and Lake Michigan beaches.

But those who appreciate art and culture will find so much more to enjoy beyond the beach. From the art walk on the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center grounds, to museums and performance art, to artwork and events throughout our communities, you’ll see beauty and inspiration all around.

Explore art, culture and history in Indiana Dunes Country

ARTCULTURE

Artist Douglas David paints the Indiana Dunes. See ever-changing art exhibits at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center

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Indiana Dunes Visitor Center Art walk 4

Community murals 6

Theaters & public art 8 Historic tours 9

Color me creative 10

Museums 12 Bison-tennial public art project 14

Art galleries 16 Calendar of events 18

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WHAT’SINSIDE

Main Entrance

ARTWALKStroll the grounds of the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, located at 1215 N. State Road 49 in Porter, and see five murals, each one created in a matter of hours by the muralist Ryan “ARCY” Christenson, as well as our life-sized Bison-tennial bison and a bench – both painted by ARCY. The seven pieces of art all depict wildlife that is native to Indiana Dunes Country or that visitors can see today in nature.

MEET THEARTISTKnown for his unique style of large scale graffiti/mural art, Ryan “ARCY” Christenson (pictured on the cover) has been perfecting his craft since 2003. ARCY has worked with people and companies in countless industries throughout the world. From graffiti branded media publications and photo-realistic live event murals, to corporate chain identity and celebrity clientele, ARCY continues to demonstrate his growing desire to leave his mark wherever he goes. ARCY currently resides in his home state of Connecticut.

Ryan “ARCY” Christenson

Bison

Owl

Deer

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Main Entrance

5

6Bison

Deer

BenchFo

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Trout

Crane

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Be sure to find the Mickey Mouse

ears hidden on each mural.

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COMMUNITYMURALS

Lovely landscapesA series of four murals showcasing the beautiful landscapes of the Indiana Dunes live on the back of Brown Tire, 2404 Calumet Ave., Valparaiso.

Making a sceneOn the exterior of Lifestyles, a store which has an art gallery and much more, see a mural depicting a fictional streetscape which shows some real folks from the town. Find it at 122 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso.

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Down at the farmThis mural is located on Valpo Velvet Ice Cream Shoppe, 55 Monroe St., Valparaiso, and it pays tribute to the dairy products used to make ice cream.

Back in timeLocated at Main & Sigler in Hebron, this mural represents what Hebron looked like back in the early days of the community. It can be found on the side of a garage.

Seeing starsThis mural shows celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and John Wayne and is on the side of Northside Diner, 100 N. Calumet Rd., Chesterton.

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THEATERS & PUBLIC ART4th Street Theater At this award-winning community theater, see blockbuster musicals and more. Call or check website for schedule. 125 N. 4th St., Chesterton, IN 46304219-926-78754thstreetncca.org

Chicago Street TheatreThis intimate, award-winning venue offers comedies, dramas, musicals and family productions. Call or check website for schedule. 154 W. Chicago St., Valparaiso, IN 46383219-464-1636chicagostreet.org

Memorial Opera HouseMemorial Opera House presents live Broadway musicals and plays, national music acts, live comedy and a once-a-month cabaret series. Call or check website for schedule.104 Indiana Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383219-548-9137memorialoperahouse.com

Orville Redenbacher sculptureGet your photo taken with the sculpture of the popcorn king who built his empire in Valparaiso.Located in Central Park, 70 Lafayette St., Valparaiso, IN 46383

Valparaiso Art Walk Walk along Cumberland Drive and Cumberland Crossing Drive in Valparaiso to see a free outdoor exhibit of more than a dozen sculptures, which change each year. See something you love? The art along the walk is for sale. Do a self-guided tour at your leisureCumberland Drive and Cumberland Crossing Drive,Valparaiso, IN 46383219-462-1161ci.valparaiso.in.us and search for art walk.

Memorial Opera House

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HISTORIC TOURSCentury of Progress Homes Originally constructed for the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, these homes were built to show modern architectural design, experimental materials and new technologies, like air conditioning and dishwashers. Drive or walk past them year-round or get a look inside during the annual tour in October.Annual tour is generally third weekend in October, with tickets on sale second Monday in September. See website for details.Lake Front Drive (between Dunbar and Derby Avenues) Beverly Shores, IN 46301219-395-1882nps.gov/indu/historyculture/centuryofprogress.htm

Chesterton and Porter Walking ToursVisit Westchester Township History Museum/The Brown Mansion to pick up walking tour guides for Chesterton and Porter. Among the historic structures you can walk past in Chesterton is an all-steel Lustron home. The museum also offers an excellent guide to area museums.Wednesday – Sunday 1 – 5 pm; walking can be done at your leisure700 W. Porter Ave.,Chesterton, IN 46304wpl.lib.in.us/museum

Downtown Valparaiso Walking ToursLearn the architectural history of Valparaiso on one of eight walking tours. See elegant houses on Washington Street and marvel at the impressive courthouse square. Visit the website to print self-guided tour brochures.Do a self-guided tour at your leisure or watch for guided tour schedule219-462-1161ci.valparaiso.in.us/index.aspx?NID=224

Century of Progress Homes

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COLOR ME CREATIVE

Unleash your creative side with these coloring pages created by dunes-area artist Holly Jackson (see page 16 for her studio information).

MUSEUMS Alton Goin MuseumThis museum houses cultural artifacts from the Portage region. Nearby are the historic Trager farmhouse and outbuildings. April – November; Saturday – Sunday 1 – 4 pm; Friday by appointment (farmhouse open Saturday only); special Christmas hours 5250 U.S. 6, Portage, IN 46368219-762-8349 during museum hours or 219-762-1675 inpchs.com

Bailly Homestead & Chellberg FarmBailly Homestead is named for Joesph Bailly, the first known non-native region resident, who set up a fur trading post here in 1822. The restored Chellberg farm looks much as it did in the 1800s. The sites are a short hike from one another. Homes open during programs and open houses only. Call or visit website for more informationMineral Springs Road (between U.S. 20 and U.S. 12) Porter, IN 46304219-395-1882nps.gov/indu

Hour Glass House MuseumThe museum focuses on the history of Ogden Dunes and the art of local artists, including materials about Dale Messick, Dorothy Buell, the 1920s ski jump and a shipwreck. 3rd Sunday of the month: 4 – 5:30pm; tours available by appointment through website 8 Lupine Ln., Ogden Dunes, IN 46368Please contact through websiteodhistory.org

Porter County MuseumOnce the sheriff’s residence and local jail, the Porter County Museum is now home to Northern Indiana’s largest collection of area history and treasures. Exhibits are displayed throughout the building and change often. Wednesday – Saturday 9am – 5pm153 S. Franklin St., Valparaiso, IN 46383219-465-3595pocomuse.org

Porter County Museum

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Stagecoach Inn & Panhandle DepotThe Stagecoach Inn & Panhandle Depot are Hebron Historical Society museums. The Stagecoach Inn, built in 1849, features period items and community artifacts. The Panhandle Depot houses railroad memorabilia and an exhibit on military service. June – September: 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month Noon – 3pm or by appointment. Open by appointment only the rest of the year. 127 N. Main St., Hebron, IN 46341219-996-3192

The Beverly Shores Museum & Art GalleryHoused in the iconic Beverly Shores train station, this museum tells the community’s history and has an ever-rotating display of art in its gallery, as well as a gift shop. May - October: Friday – Sunday 11am – 3pm (reception 5 – 7 pm second Friday of each month May to October); 4th of July to Labor Day Monday 11am – 3pm525 Broadway,Beverly Shores, IN 46301219-250-2290

Westchester Township History Museum/The Brown MansionThis free museum offer tours of the restored 1885 home of a wealthy family, public programs, an exhibit of Indiana Dunes and community history and a gift shop. Wednesday – Sunday 1 – 5pm or by appointment 700 W. Porter Ave., Chesterton, IN 46304219-983-9715wpl.lib.in.us/museum

Valparaiso Fire MuseumThe museum offers a fascinating view of fire fighting from the age of leather buckets to the modern era of gasoline fire trucks. Guided tours of the museum and adjoining Task Force Tips fire suppression equipment company available. Call to reserve a group tour.Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm (curator on site Tuesday – Wednesday)3701 Innovation WayValparaiso, IN 46383219-462-6161tft.com

Valparaiso University Brauer Museum of Art Browse seven galleries filled with selections from the museum’s permanent collection of more than 3,500 pieces, including the largest collection of Junius R. Sloan paintings, as well as world religious art and American art. While on campus, see Borders, an acclaimed sculpture installation on the campus grounds, and view the Chapel of the Resurrection, named one of the world’s most beautiful college cathedrals.Tuesday, Thursday – Friday 10am – 5pm; Wednesday 10am – 8:30pm; Saturday – Sunday Noon – 5pmValparaiso University Center For Arts, 1709 Chapel Dr., Valparaiso, IN 46383219-464-5365valpo.edu/artmuseum

The Beverly Shores

Museum & Art Gallery

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BISON-TENNIALPUBLIC ART PROJECT

Broken Wagon Bison Farm Porter is the only fiberglass bison at this bison farm, but he’s so realistically painted that he fooled the more than 100 real bison. Named after the county in which the farm is located, Porter is right outside the gift shop and you can visit him 9am – 5pm Monday through Saturday.563 W. 450 North, Hobart, IN 46342 219-759-3523brokenwagonbison.com

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Wilson was painted by the artistic kids at the Dunes Learning Center and he can be viewed at West Beach from sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset daily.376 N. County Line Rd., Gary, IN 46403 (Gary address, but property is in Portage, IN)219-395-1882nps.gov/indu

Indiana Dunes Visitor Center Beshkno (you can call him Benny) is the Potawatomi word for “bald eagle.” Benny is painted with a native American theme as a nod to the area’s history and he can be viewed anytime outside the Visitor Center.1215 N. State Road 49, Porter, IN 46304 219-926-2255indianadunes.com

Pines Village Retirement Community This patriotic bison celebrates our nation and our military. Old Glory was painted to look like our flag and features the seals of our military branches. You can visit him 8am – 4:30pm daily outside Pines Village.3303 Pines Village Circle, Valparaiso, IN 46383 219-465-1591pinesvillage.org

Indiana Dunes Visitor Center’s Beshkno (Benny)

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The “Bison-tennial” public art project features countless custom-decorated, life-size fiberglass bison throughout Indiana, including eight in Indiana Dunes Country (seven of which can be visited). Check them out!

Portage High School (NOT AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC VIEWING)Appa was painted by a group of senior art students. They decorated him to represent the area’s ecology, riverwalk, steel mills and dunes. Appa is inside the school and isn’t available to the public, but check him out on Facebook.6450 U.S. 6, Portage, IN 46368 facebook.com/phsbison

Task Force Tips Task Force Tips, which makes fire hose nozzles and other equipment, picked a Dalmatian/firefighter theme for their bison, which can be viewed 9am–4pm weekdays outside the business. There’s also a small firefighting museum at the business that is available during the same hours.3701 Innovation Way, Valparaiso, IN 46383 219-462-6161 tft.com

United Way of Porter County Decorated with iconic images from the area, including the Indiana Dunes State Park pavilion, the Century of Progress Homes and Dunn’s Bridge, this bison can be viewed during business hours at the United Way.951 Eastport Centre Dr., Valparaiso, IN 46383 219-464-3583porterbison.com

Valparaiso Community Schools Victor was painted by students and represents the schools as a fierce Viking. Visitors are welcome to see him anytime and get a picture! He is right outside the administration building.3801 N. Campbell St., Valparaiso, IN 46385

Pines Village Retirement Community bison

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ART GALLERIESAir One PhotographyAerial and panoramic photos of the Indiana Dunes, Chicago and more, plus posters and gifts.Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm23 Washington St., Valparaiso, IN 46383219-462-1182aironephoto.com

Chesterton Art CenterArt on exhibit and for sale, arts classes and gift shop.Monday – Friday 11am – 4pm; Saturday – Sunday 1 – 4pm115 S. 4th St., Chesterton, IN 46304219-926-4711chestertonart.com

Holly Jackson Art Studio & GalleryFind lively, innovative and colorful works inspired by the Indiana Dunes area.Wednesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm or by appointment103 S. 2nd St., Chesterton, IN 46304219-926-8290facebook.com/HollyJacksonArtist

LifestylesOn the ground floor, find jewelry, toys, kitchenware, gourmet foods, garden items, greeting cards and collectibles. Upstairs, find wall art, sculptures and furniture.Monday – Saturday 9am – 7pm 122 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383219-464-9167valpolifestyles.com

The Beverly Shores Museum & Art GalleryHoused in the iconic Beverly Shores train station, this museum tells the community’s history and has an ever-rotating display of art in its gallery, as well as a gift shop.May – Oct. Friday – Sunday 11am – 3pm (reception 5 – 7pm second Friday of each month May to Oct.) 4th of July to Labor Day Monday 11am – 3pm 525 Broadway, Beverly Shores, IN 46301219-250-2290

Holly Jackson Studio

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The Ellen Firme GalleryThe exhibits include photography, paintings, sculptures and prints. Purchase handmade greeting cards and the various works of art. Opening reception is 5 – 8pm on the second Friday of each month. Gallery shares the building with the Glenn L. Firme art supply store.Monday – Friday 10 – 5pm; Saturday 10am – 4pm; call for Sun. hours 92 W. U.S. 12, Beverly Shores, IN 46301219-874-4003firmeartofficesupply.com

Valparaiso University Brauer Museum of ArtWander through seven galleries filled with selections from the museum’s permanent collection of more than 3,500 paintings, photographs, sculptures and more. The museum owns the largest known collection of works by Junius R. Sloan (1827-1900), a Hudson River School painter who lived and worked in the Midwest, and also owns a fantastic array of world religious art and American art from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. While on campus, see Borders, an acclaimed

sculpture installation on the campus grounds, and view the Chapel of the Resurrection, named one of the world’s most beautiful college cathedrals.Tuesday, Thursday – Friday 10am – 5pm; Wednesday 10am – 8:30pm; Saturday – Sunday 12 – 5pmValparaiso University Center for the Arts, 1709 Chapel Dr., Valparaiso, IN 46383219-464-5365valpo.edu/artmuseum

White Key GalleryThe gallery, located in a more than 125-year-old Victorian building, features everything from paintings to wood, glass, paper and metal art. Several different artists’ works are featured.Tuesday – Wednesday 1 – 5pm; Thursday – Friday 1 – 7pm; Saturday 10am – 2pm404 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383219-221-8461whitekeygallery.com

White Key Gallery

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Enjoy in JulyPop-Up, A Valparaiso Art ExperienceCome to Valparaiso to see artwork displayed in numerous participating businesses and also enjoy performing arts during the several days that art pops up. Vote for your favorite.Various locations,Valparaiso, IN 46383219-464-8332popupvalpo.com

Enjoy in AugustSand Sculpture ContestWatch the sand come alive with dragons, monsters and fairy tale characters. Participate with friends and family, or watch others’ creations.Indiana Dunes State Park1600 N. 25 East, Chesterton, IN 46304219-926-1390in.gov/dnr/parklake/2980.htmThere is a fee to enter Indiana Dunes State Park.

Enjoy in AugustChesterton Art FairThis long-running art fair features more than 100 juried artists in all mediums.Dogwood Park1100 North & 23rd Street, Chesterton, IN 46304219-926-4711chestertonart.com$5 adults; under 12 free.

Enjoy in SeptemberGLOW: Art after DarkGlow-in-the-dark art exhibits and performances, stargazing, a nocturnal nature education program and children’s activities. Taltree Arboretum & Gardens450 W. 100 North, Valparaiso, IN 46385219-462-0025

$10 adult (13 to 54); $8 senior (55+); $5 child (5 to 12); free (4 & under)

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Enjoy in SeptemberHooked on Art — Live Street Art FestivalExperience fall in the Midwest with a festival that celebrates live street art in progress. Join as participants complete a work of art, from start to finish, over the course of a day. Live art, music and family-friendly activities are just a few of the highlights.Thomas Centennial Park220 Broadway, Chesterton, IN 46304219-728-1638hookedonartfestival.comFree admission

Enjoy in September28th Annual Celebration of the ArtsSchoolhouse ShopA two-day multimedia outdoor art fair.278 E. 1500 North, Chesterton, IN 46304219-926-1551schoolhouseshop.comFree admission

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Find out more about art, history and culture at

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TOURISM

IndianaDunes

AWARD-WINNING COMMUNITY THEATER IN AN INTIMATE SPACE FULL OF POSSIBILITIES. 4th Street Theater has been a hometown staple in Chesterton and the Northwest Indiana region for nearly two decades. If you are looking for a night of high-quality theater without the price tag, look no further. Located on Fourth Street in downtown Chesterton, the nonprofit theater is an example of what passion and love can do for the arts. Dedicated to serving its community, 4th Street Theater offers a safe haven for artists of every kind to explore compelling works; from Shakespeare to the American Musical, no genre is off limit, and

all are welcome. Each year the black box theater astounds its patrons, offering huge productions in a small intimate venue seating 50, while priding itself on innovation, artistry, and entertainment. Whether it is a two-man show or a twenty-five member cast, every show is larger than life, reminding us what it is to be human. 4th Street Theater also sponsors an annual 6x10 Play Festival, inviting aspiring playwrights within 200 miles to submit original plays for production. So come cry, laugh, and applaud with us as our local artists help you re-imagine what community theater can be, and show you that the love of an amateur can match the skill of a professional.

4th Street Theater Producing Award-Winning theater in Northwest Indiana

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125 N. Fourth StreetChesterton, IN 46304219-926-7875www.4thstreetncca.orgMail to: P.O. Box 2281, Chesterton, IN 46304