Attendees at the inaugural Sand+Steel Art Fest in downtown Valparaiso experienced a unique blend of artistry and community involvement. One of the highlights was Wes Thorn’s wood art demonstration, showcasing his woodworking skills with a touch of humor and personality.
Thorn, hailing from Portage and identifying as a welder and fabricator, shared his self-taught carpentry skills during the event. Using 120-grit sandpaper, he meticulously sanded wooden pieces for his puzzle-style artworks, choosing colors through a ‘color lottery’ system. Though he admits to speeding up his process for the demonstration, his larger works require days of effort in sanding and painting.
Another participant, Melissa Dombrowski of Crown Point, engaged with her son Wyatt in creating pocket sketchbooks, a project sponsored by the Art Barn. The fest hosted a variety of interactive art activities, enticing attendees to explore creativity in an approachable manner.
Dinah Pethes and Gayle Sandquist, among many visitors, wandered through the festival’s offerings. Over 50 local artists presented their work, ranging from fine arts to interactive experiences. The Valparaiso Creative District provided a backdrop for artists to display their diverse talents.
Artist Beth Vottero, of Valparaiso, invited festival-goers to contribute to her painting. Encouraging spontaneous creativity, Vottero began painting recently, driven by the desire to attempt new endeavors without regrets.
Leah Romano McMeen, a graphic artist from LaPorte, returned to painting after a hiatus and leveraged her designs on posters and postcards. She discovered nostalgia as a powerful theme driving interest in her artwork.
Deb Weiss, an art teacher from Gary, found sculptures more marketable than paintings. Creating unique bird sculptures adorned with items from her surroundings, Weiss aimed to reform her tendency to collect excess belongings.
For children, the Porter County Children’s Museum offered sand-based activities, contributing to motor skill development. Valuable crafts, such as pocket sketchbooks, were facilitated by Art Barn volunteers, helping children realize their creativity in a hands-on environment.
Families, such as the Slepikas twins from Chesterton, enjoyed the water activities. Various interactive and educational experiences at the fest were enjoyed by parents and children alike, contributing to a lively, community-driven event.
Overall, the Sand+Steel Art Fest served as a platform for local artists to connect with the community, showcasing a wide range of creative expressions and providing an enjoyable experience for people of all ages.