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CURRENT EXHIBITIONS

Exhibitions: Current Exhibitions
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Worldviews by
Julia Holmaas

October 1 - November 1, 2024

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Reception: Saturday, October 5 from 2-4 pm

"...The act of creating drawings and paintings allow me to
see and more importantly feel and connect with my surroundings. I have been keenly observing and learning about the natural world since childhood, photographing, drawing and painting landscapes, flowers, trees, animals, and people." -Julia Holmass

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Julia is currently board president of The Art Barn School of Art, and teaches watercolor classes throughout the year at Art Barn. She is greatly involved in the arts and is a longtime member of the Area Artists Association, Chesterton Art Center and is a founding member of Duneland Plein Air Painters.

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Image: Julia Holmaas, Fishing Big Water, watercolor

Upcoming Exhibtions

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS

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Holiday Gift Gallery

November 8 - December 24, 2024

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Reception: Friday, November 15 2024 from 5-7pm

Call for Artists: 

Art Barn's Holiday Gift Gallery is in its 7th year! We are looking for artists to sell a variety of articles: 2D media, fine crafts, ceramics, glass art, textiles, jewelry, ornaments, cards and more for Holiday giving for every budget. Please email your application to Dina@artbarnschool.org

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More to Come

Art Within Reach

January 7-31, 2025

Reception: TBD

Duneland Photography Club

February 1-28, 2025

Reception: TBD

Opportunity Enterprises Exhibition

March 1-28, 2025

Reception: TBD

PAST EXHIBITIONS

Past Exhibitions
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Butterflies and Beyond

August 6 - September 27 2024

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Reception: Friday, August 16 from 5-7pm

Pollinator Pop-Up: Friday, August 16 from 4-6pm

Butterflies and Beyond Market: Saturday, September 21 at Art Barn's 8th annual Art Blitz from 9am-5pm

​The invitational exhibition features 14 regional artists who make art about the diverse pollinator species and plants native to Northwest Indiana. Many are familiar with the endangered monarch butterfly and the milkweed plants the caterpillars feed on, but there are thousands of other species that make their home here and pollinate trees, flowers, and even food crops. Northwest Indiana is home to over 300 native bee species, thousands of beetle pollinators, bird pollinators such as hummingbirds and orioles, and hundreds of butterfly and moth species that make our ecosystem special. 

 

In 2021 we began an initiative to support pollinators with our first major project to create  our “Monarch-Maker Gardens” with funding from NiSource Foundation and Cleveland Cliffs Foundation.  With gardens in place we began offering nature-based educational art programs that relate to the gardens and bring awareness to the importance of native plants and pollinators.  Many of these programs are in collaboration with other community organizations including Shirley Heinze Land Trust, Humane Indiana Wildlife, Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Audubon.

 

Observing the number of artists in the community that are producing art about this same topic, we invited thirty-four artists of diverse backgrounds and experience to participate in this exhibition. When submitting work we encouraged them to consider butterflies along with other important pollinators that make Northwest Indiana home, as well as the native plants they rely on for food and shelter.  Their interpretations exemplify the importance of native species and the impact they have in our world.  Artwork represents 14 pollinator and 12 plant species as well as 3 specific locations locally.

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Exhibiting artists: Carol Estes, Betsy Fleek, Chris Hartz, Christine Hubbell, Susan Kirt, Kristina Knowski, Judy Lynn, Nancy Natow Cassidy, Mary Ann Pals, Ann Tompkins, Mindy Wallis, Melissa Washburn, Nicole Wilbur, Gail Woolever and Bonnie Zimmer.

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Area Artists Association
"Knee High by the Fourth of July" Exhibition

July 2 - August 1, 2024

Reception: Saturday, July 13, 2024 from 2-4pm

The Art Barn is hosting the A3 Summer Show, “Knee High By The Fourth of July” is an embedded marker on our land, our country, and our lives.  Artists working in multiple disciplines and mediums, challenge this marker.  Art can reflect upon the past, represent the present or look into the future. As we move ahead, what will be our visual markers for success and prosperity? What do we think about these traditions that may no longer be true?  What part does art play in building new foundations or in sustaining past traditions?  The show opens July 2, with an Artist Reception on Saturday, July 13 from 2:00-4:00pm, with 18 of our 44 members participating.

 

Area Artists Association (A3) is a non-profit organization of professional artists affiliated with the Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) in Michigan City, Indiana. The purpose of our organization is to support, recognize, and encourage regional artists and provide opportunities for exhibitions of their art and for professional development.

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Participating Artists: Larry A Brechner, Jane Cowley, Bunny Dimke, Deb Dyer, Carol Estes, Amanda Freymann, Dorothy Graden, Diane Grams, Julia Holmaas, Kuhn Hong, Laurel Izard, Laura Kittle, Tim Lace, Teresina Pavel, John Ryszka II, Laurie Schirmer Carpenter, Ginny Scott, Joan Spohrer

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Image: Laura Kittle, Through the Trees, Acrylic on cardstock, 2023
 

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Duneland Photography Club "Summertime!" Exhibition

May 28 - June 27, 2024

Reception: Friday, June 7, 2024 from 5-7pm

The Duneland Photography Club is a group of individuals helping each other improve their photography skills through classes, photoshoots, meetings, individual mentoring, community service, and other activities. 23 Duneland Photography Club members are inspiring some of these to highlight the significance of our region.

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30th Annual
Juried Art Exhibition

April 13 - May 23, 2024

Reception: Friday, Apr 19, 2024 from 5-8pm

Art Barn is excited to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Juried Art Exhibition. We received 171 artist applications, with 100 out of the 416 submitted pieces being selected, making that a 24% acceptance rate for this year's exhibition.

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The purpose of this long-standing exhibition is to promote the creation and recognition of original quality 2-dimensional works of art, as well as ceramic arts.  The exhibition attracts entries from established and aspiring artists from Northwest Indiana, Chicago suburbs and Southwest Michigan and beyond.

 

Brian Byrn, Director and curator at the Midwest Museum of American Art will bring an expert curatorial eye to this year’s artwork selection process, and as juror Mr. Byrn will help Art Barn ensure the highest standards and integrity. In 1994 he served as the inaugural juror for Art Barn School of Art’s first Juried Art Exhibition. It is a celebration to have Brian return as juror for the 30th anniversary of this exhibit.

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Art Barn provides numerous purchase and merit awards for the Juried Art Exhibit, totaling $6,000. ​All proceeds generated from this exhibition, aside from awards, support Art Barn School of Art educational programs and exhibitions.

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Thank you to our Event Sponsors: Sue & Andy Arnold, Jean Bargeron, and Konrady Plastics

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Thank you to our Award Donors: Sue & Andy Arnold, William T. Wilson, Sandy Appleby, Marc T. Nielson Interiors, Larry & Sandy Holt, Charles & Denise Kirkland, Brauer Museum of Art, Harold Woodridge & Fran Kras, Cosmopolitan Dentistry, Julia Holmaas & James May, Blick Art Materials, SFC Gallery, Ginny Takacs, Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, Vanis Salon & Day Spa Valpo, Philip's Ace Hardware, Linda Canfield, Chesterton Women's Club, Barbara Lucente, United Art & Education, Lemon Tree Mediterranean Grill, Third Coast Spice Cafe, Glenn L. Firme Assoc., Flanagin's Bulk Mail Service, Brian Byrn

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Opportunity Enterprises Student Exhibition

March 2 - April 5, 2024

Reception: Friday, Mar 8, 2024 from 5-7pm

Art Barn is thrilled to partner with Opportunity Enterprises (OE), well established in the community for providing programs that serve adults with disabilities. The specialized art education program brings OE clients to Art Barn for weekly art education programs.

 

The culmination of this program is an exhibition featuring student work. The display celebrates  student accomplishments and demonstrates how they have used art materials to express their own individual perspectives. 

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All purchases benefit the artists with a portion of the
proceeds benefiting Art Barn School of Arts &
Opportunity Enterprises programming in the community.

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TREASURES FROM THE ARCHIVE AT COUNTRY INN & SUITES

Nov 29 - Mar 5
Reception:  Thursday, Jan 11 from 4:30-6:30 pm

The exhibition is free to attend and will be on display from November 29, 2023 through March 5, 2024. The public is invited to an opening reception on Thursday, January 11 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm with light bites and refreshments.
“We are thrilled to be included as a collaborator for this exhibition”, states Art Barn Director Amy Davis Navardauskas. “Country Inn and Suites is partnering with key arts organizations to install exhibitions in their gallery year-round. For us it provides an extension of our mission to highlight regional artists and provides greater access to art for new audiences.”
All works are available for purchase and will provide a legacy for growth as we strategically expand our programming and community reach. 100% of all sales benefit Art Barn programs and operations.

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STUDENT AND INSTRUCTOR EXHIBITION 

Jan 25 - Feb 29, 2024

Reception: Friday, Feb 2, 2024 from 5-7pm

Instructors who taught, and students who participated in, 2023 classes were invited to showcase their art to the Art Barn community. The purpose of this exhibition is three-fold: It provides an opportunity for instructors to share their work with students and the greater community; to provide a platform for students to share their projects and creative efforts; and for Art Barn to shine a light on classes and workshops, while inspiring others to explore our educational offerings.

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This year's exhibition includes 19 participants with a total of 46 pieces of artwork, including paintings, ceramic/clay and glass work. Exhibiting Instructors: Julia Holmaas, Mindy Milan, Mary Ann Pals, Suzie Rosso, Kim Vander Vinne.  Exhibiting Students: Sandy Appleby, Judy Davis, Deborah Dee, Betsy Fleek, Jennie Girton, Rebecca Grochowski, Nick Karris, Fran Kras, Lauren Orchard, Olga Petryszyn, Kajal Puranik, Beth Purdy, Linda Stanley, Mariann Straw, Agnes Turman

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HOLIDAY GIFT GALLERY

Nov 8 - Dec 23
Reception:  Friday, Nov. 10, 5-7pm

For the season, Art Barn's gallery will overflow with small items perfect for holiday giving.  Visitors will find works of fine art and fine craft at price points designed for every budget. Purchases support local artists as well as art educational programs in the community!

 

This curated exhibit, now in its 6th year, features fine crafts including ceramics, woodworking, fiber arts and jewelry as well as small works including drawing, prints, paintings, mixed media, and photography.

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DIVERSIFIED ART VISIONARIES (DAVe) EXHIBITION

September 23 - November 3

Opening Reception: Sunday, October 1, 2-4pm

The group is composed of volunteers who are both artists and art enthusiasts, and their mission is to enrich the community by developing an enthusiastic environment that supports the arts.

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​Artists include: John Brudek, Barbara Cunningham, Dawn Diamantopoulos, Gretchen Elaine, Carol Estes, Dina Heijselaar, Leslie Lambert, Tony Lipka, Kathy Los-Rathburn, Clinton Mason, Julie Miller, Kerri Mommer, Gary L Price, Jethroe Smith, Penelope Thrasher, Chris Tozer, and Judi Tussey.  A large variety of media and techniques are represented in the exhibit including: acrylic, alcohol inks, collage, cyanotype, ink, mixed media/found objects, oil paint, pastel, photography, plaster, pulp painting, and watercolor.

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TREASURES FROM THE ARCHIVE
Art Barn Legacy for Growth Collection

Aug 12 - Sep 22 

Reception: Aug 25, 5-7pm

In the recent past our collection focus has been on works produced by our founder, Janet Sullivan, who was a prolific artist, but who surrounded herself with a community of artists who participated, instructed, exhibited and sold work at Art Barn. “Treasures from the Archive'' is intended to highlight them and their artistic contributions to the community. 

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Board and Collections Committee members John Bernbom and Denise Kirland have curated works by key artists Ruth Bremner, Norman LaLiberte, Tom Lynch, Joanne O'Conner, Harriet Rex Smith, and Janet Smedley. 

 

Additional Artists: Inara Cedris, CA Gallagher, Jean Grasdorf, Ed Rosen, Art Barn founder Janet Sullivan, Valfred Thelin, Jean Uhl Spicer and an unknown artist.

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Artwork purchases provide a legacy for growth as we strategically expand our programming and community reach.

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ARTISTIC LANDSCAPES
Artistry by Mark Vander Vinne

July 5 - Sep 22 

Reception: July 16, 2-4pm

Mark Vander Vinne, a Northwest Indiana landscape painter, is primarily influenced by two movements - Tonalism and Impressionism, especially American Impressionism. His style reflects the design and mood of Tonalism, and the gestural brushwork and the color of Impressionism. His love for illustration and abstract art occasionally seeps into his work.

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Like his many teachers, Mark aims to inspire and share his passion and knowledge of art through his workshops. He has an upcoming workshop in October at the Art Barn. Mark uses a limited palette of oil paints and approaches his paintings and workshops with the same attitude - to have fun, continue learning and growing, and always be passionate and give it his all.

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Mark graduated from the American Academy of Art in Chicago, IL. He has furthered his education through workshops with master artists Ken Auster, Scott Christensen, Marc Hanson, and Kenn Backhaus. His award-winning paintings have been featured in numerous solo & group exhibitions, plein-air events, and private collections.

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VIBRANT COLORS
Artistry by Jean Head

July 5 - Aug 11

Reception: July 16, 2-4pm

Local artist Jean Head has been drawing and painting since she was a young girl.  In 1970 she moved to Valparaiso, Indiana, and studied with Harriet Rex Smith, Konrad Juestel, and Dave Sander, and attended workshops at Valparaiso University and the Art Barn.

 

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JIMMY DUKE JOHNSTON MEMORIAL WALL

July 5 - Aug 11

Reception: July 16, 2-4pm

Jimmy Duke Johnstonn was the spirit of Open Studio, the magic maker of art, the calm and present goodness that is the reason so many have loved the Art Barn studio.  His critiquing eye and suggestions for improvement will be sorely missed.  

 

Nothing phased him and everything entertained him, especially Janet's shenanigans.  He had a permanent twinkle in his eyes and a zest for life.  He was a railroad guy who found his passion for art and grew into a collectable artist with works all over the Region.  He took paper, repurposed it, and turned it into amazing still life's.  Loyal and true, that's Jimmy Duke, who was 100 percent for art and artists.  

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WATER DANCING
Photographs by Norman Turner

May 22 - June 29

Reception: May 27, 2-4pm

Norman Turner is an award-winning photographer born and raised in Lake Co., IN. When he is not photographing a wedding or taking portraits he can be found taking blue light pictures of his beloved downtown Chicago or leading a group of aspiring photographers in photo excursions throughout the region. Most recently Norman has created a unique series of waterdrop images which are the primary focus of this exhibition.

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29th ANNUAL JURIED ART EXHIBITION

April 15 - May 18, 2023

Reception: April 28, 5-8pm
Awards Presentation: 6:30

88 pieces by 85 different artists were selected for inclusion in the 29th annual Juried Art Exhibition. There were 174 applicants from Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Dakota, Texas, Utah & Wisconsin who submitted a total of 422 pieces.

The purpose of this long-standing exhibition is to promote the creation and recognition of original quality 2-dimensional works of art, as well as ceramic arts.  The exhibition attracts entries from aspiring and established artists from Northwest Indiana, Chicago suburbs and Southwest Michigan and beyond.

 

Our 2023 Juror, artist and professor Aimee Tomasek, brought an expert eye to this year's artwork selection process, and helped Art Barn ensure the highest standards and integrity.

Sponsored By:

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Purchase Award Donors: Sandy Appleby, Marc T. Nielsen Interiors and William T. Wilson. 

Merit Award Donors: Sandy Appleby, Blick Art Materials, Linda Canfield, Chesterton Women's Club, Cosmopolitan Dentistry, Flanagin's Bulk Mail Service, Patricia Glatz, Glenn L. Firme Assoc. - Art Supplies, Jack Richeson Art Supplies, Julia Holmaas & James May, Larry & Sandy Holt, Charles & Denise Kirkland, Lemon Tree Mediterranean Grill, Leonard Anglis DDS, Marc T. Nielsen Interiors, Debra Nau, SFC Gallery, Ginny Takacs, Third Coast Spice Cafe, United Art & Education, Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, Vanis Salon & Day Spa - Valpo, and Harold Woodridge & Fran Kras.

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OPPORTUNITY ENTERPRISES
STUDENT EXHIBITION

March 7 - April 7, 2023

Reception: Mar 10, 5-7pm

Art Barn is thrilled to partner with Opportunity Enterprises (OE), well established in the community for providing programs that serve adults with disabilities. The specialized art education program brings OE clients to Art Barn for weekly art education programs.

 

The culmination of this program is an exhibition featuring student work. The display celebrates  student accomplishments and demonstrates how they have used art materials to express their own individual perspectives. 

​

All purchases benefit the artists with a portion of the
proceeds benefiting Art Barn School of Arts &
Opportunity Enterprises programming in the community.

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STREET PHOTOGRAPHY:
IMAGES INSPIRED BY VIVIAN MAIER

January 28 - March 3, 2023

Reception: February 4, 2-4pm

This exhibition is a culmination of photographs taken by the Duneland Photography Club as inspired by the works of Vivian Maier (1926 – 2009), an American street photographer whose work was discovered and recognized after her death. She took more than 150,000 photographs during her lifetime, primarily of the people and architecture of Chicago and elsewhere.  Maier's photographs, some of which were found in a Chicago storage locker, received international attention and her work appeared in exhibitions, books, and documentary films.  Meier’s work inspired Duneland photographers to capture the depth and significance of our Region.

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For more information on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dunelandphotoclub/

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