The city is appreciating added art these days as two new installations have already appeared: the Cumberland Crossing Art Walk and downtown bike lockers. “We're excited to add spots to enjoy and appreciate art in our city. It’s another way for residents and visitors to enjoy all our city has to offer,” said Mayor Jon Costas.
The added arts are largely due to a new nine-member Art Committee formed through the Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission. “We like the idea that Valpo has become a destination for people to come for dinner, to enjoy our parks, and to do business. We wanted to build on that with art,” said Laura Campbell, President of the Redevelopment Commission and chairman of the Art Committee. The committee chose three initial projects:
Art Walk— A series of 15 sculptures create a free Art Walk on the city’s north side, in the Cumberland Crossing area (between Vale Park Road and Bullseye Lake Road). The sculptures will be leased for a period of one year. Each work is also for sale and the city will earn a commission on any sales generated from the Art Walk. Enjoy an enormous Rubik’s Cube (#3), talk to your friends through the Purple Whisper Bench (#5), and experience a Waterfall (#13), just to name a few. The Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission funds the project.
Bike Lockers— The city’s 10 downtown bike lockers have become public art displays, each highlighting a design from one of the city’s public elementary and middle schools. The art was selected by the principal at each school and then transformed into a wrap for each locker. The Redevelopment Commission funded the production costs along with a $500 grant to each school.
Orville!— A bronze statue of the city’s iconic popcorn king, Orville Redenbacher will be seated in Central Park Plaza by Labor Day, along with a plaque honoring Charlie Bowman, the other half of the dynamic duo that innovated the famous popcorn. Artist Lou Cella of Chicago is creating the work. Cella has also created such sculptural works as Harry Caray and Ernie Banks at Wrigley Field and the 7-acre war memorial park in Munster. The sculpture is being funded through private donations. To contribute, call the Valparaiso Parks Foundation at 219-462-5144.
Check out the free Valparaiso Art Walk at Cumberland Crossing, with 15 eyecatching sculptures. You can enjoy the Art Walk at your own pace, any time between now and April, 2013.