Art Fest in Valparaiso Showcases Creativity and Community

Wes Thorn demonstrated wood art at the inaugural Sand+Steel Art Fest in downtown Valparaiso. Thorn, a Portage resident and self-taught carpenter, used 120 grit sandpaper to swiftly smooth the edges of wooden pieces he planned to paint. He humorously remarked, “It’s cheaper than therapy. I sip whiskey and try not to cut off a finger.”

Melissa Dombrowski from Crown Point, along with her 3-year-old son Wyatt, participated in making a pocket sketch book at the fest. The activity was sponsored by the Art Barn in Valparaiso. The event, held at Central Park Plaza, took place on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

Thorn, whose background is in welding and fabrication, spoke about his journey into carpentry. “I’m not really good at listening to people tell me things,” he admitted, gesturing toward his large paintings on display. Creating these artworks requires days of sanding, he shared.

The Valparaiso Creative Council’s Jessica Corral convinced Thorn to perform a four-hour demonstration, prompting him to produce a smaller painting. Thorn crafts puzzle-style artworks by cutting, sanding, painting, and gluing pieces into frames. His method of selecting colors involves a “color lottery,” assigning numbers to pieces and using 15 or 16 colors to introduce randomness.

Dinah Pethes and Gayle Sandquist explored vendor offerings during the art fest, which featured works from over 50 local artists across different art forms and provided interactive experiences. The event highlighted the Valparaiso Creative District.

A visit to the Art Institute of Chicago inspired Thorn. Viewing Piet Mondrian’s geometric paintings he thought, “I can do this. I can do my own version of that.” Although his initial paintings were not to his satisfaction, continuous practice improved his skills.

Thorn admires Jackson Pollock’s abstract style and occasionally embraces dripping paint techniques when supplies run low. This approach aligns with Thorn’s occasional spontaneous artistic ventures.

Beth Vottero, a Valparaiso-based artist, involved passersby in contributing to her painting. Her interactive approach allows for diverse creative input, fostering a sense of community. Previously, she took up painting two years ago as a personal journey of exploration and growth.

Leah Romano McMeen, a graphic artist from LaPorte, charts creative paths by transforming her paintings into marketable items like posters and prints. Returning to painting after a 20-year break, she captures nostalgic scenes that resonate with audiences.

Deb Weiss, a retired art teacher from Gary, creates bird sculptures adorned with found objects. Each bird is unique and often features hearts, symbolizing emotions displayed openly. Her creations, covered in road maps, hold special significance to her and her clients.

Jennifer Hernandez-McDuell conducted sand-based activities for the Porter County Children’s Museum. Activities included building sand sculptures with hyperkinetic sand and creating colorful sand art, a valuable experience for developing motor skills in young children.

Evalina Moreno volunteered with the Art Barn to help children craft pocket sketchbooks, encouraging creativity through decorative art. Marin Arizzi assisted in engaging kids, noting the importance of fostering artistic skills early.

Parents like Ray Beliveau and Catrina De Rivera appreciated the festival’s family-friendly atmosphere. De Rivera’s children enjoyed various creative activities, marking the event as a memorable and positive family experience.

Freelance reporter Doug Ross covered the event for the Post-Tribune.