The Center for Creative Solutions announced the annual celebration of World Creativity and Innovation Week 2012, in La Porte County and the region. This year’s theme is "from da Vinci to Steve Jobs." The week’s events include:
Friday, April 13, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., the Center for Creative Solutions will host a kick-off celebration at IU Life-Works, located on 3777 North Frontage Road (off of Highway 421 near Culver’s Restaurant), Michigan City. The evening will feature a conversation between Leonardo da Vinci and Steve Jobs, two of the most creative persons the world has ever known. They will share their thoughts on the creative process.
In addition, Ivy Tech culinary students will compete in a creative food contest. IU Health - La Porte Hospital will be showing the latest innovations in medical equipment. Students from the Michigan City Robotics team will demonstrate their latest project. Three A. K. Smith Center students will be recognized for their creative work in an academic setting. The Land of Lakes Art Alliance members will show their work and Debra Sawyer will perform on the harp.
Every one attending may sample the contest food, witness exciting demonstrations, tour the LifeWorks facility and Camp Chanute and enjoy art and music.
This event is free and open to the public. All attendees will also receive a free pass for admission to the Porter County Museum’s special tool exhibit.
Thursday, April 12, Ivy Tech Gerald I. Lampkin Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center will sponsor its annual Leader Luncheon at Portage Riverwalk.
During the week, the public is invited to the La Porte Public Library, main branch, to see a special da Vinci exhibit.
On April 16 at the Coolspring Public Library, youngsters can experience what it is like to live in space. They can participate in a simulated space mission, use a remote simulator arm, test their astronaut reflexes, eat space food, and simulate working in micro-gravity.
April 16 - 30 at the Fist Lake Public Library, children of all ages will have a chance to show their inventions. Participants’ names will be entered for random prize drawing.
Thursday, April 19, Ivy Tech Gerald I. Lampkin Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center will host its annual Pride & Pedestal event at the Indiana Welcome Center.
Now until mid-July, the Porter County Museum is hosting a special exhibit on tools. The museum is located at 153 Franklin Street in Valparaiso.
Partners for "World Creativity and Innovation Week 2012: from da Vinci to Steve Jobs" are the Center for Creative Solutions, Ivy Tech Gerald I. Lampkin Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, IU Health - La Porte Hospital, the La Porte Public Library and the Society of Innovators. Cynthia A. Hedge, CEO of the Center for Creative Solutions, noted "The purpose of Creativity and Innovation Week is to celebrate and demonstrate the ability of all people to think creativity. Throughout World Creativity and Innovation Week, every person is encouraged to recognize and use their own creativity in their homes, schools, jobs, organizations and communities". She stated that Creativity and Innovation Week is also designed to make citizens aware that our society, our nation, and our economic viability depend on Americans’ ability to tap individual and collective creativity. "Whether new ideas seem small or huge, they can have profound effects on our everyday lives."
Anyone interested in more information about the week, creativity and innovation or the Center for Creative Solutions may contact the Center at 219-861-0955.