Today marks the eighth annual Art Blitz at the Art Barn School of Art, offering demonstrations and hands-on art activities for all ages.
This year's event features sunflower and butterfly gardens, live music, food, free admission and parking, along with the "Butterflies & Beyond" exhibition.
Many works in the exhibition come from regional artists in the Art Barn collection.
Long-time volunteers, John Bernbom and Harold Woodridge, both board members of the Art Barn, have contributed to the event for many years, with Harold also serving as a ceramics teacher.
"It's important; we know art is essential for kids, but really, art is important for everyone," Bernbom said. "People who do art are generally happier and more focused. They have a sense of accomplishment, and it’s a great thing to do. This year’s event is fantastic. I’ve been involved for years, even before I joined the board. I remember coming here and just looking around — it’s always been a special experience."
There are so many things in store at Art Blitz, and the best part is that local artists are featured. It's a wonderful opportunity to support and appreciate the talent in our community.
"Art Blitz does a couple of things," Woodridge said. "First, it acts as an open house, giving people a chance to see what the Art Barn is all about. A lot of people in Valparaiso drive by or hear about it but have never been here. This event allows them to explore without committing to a class. You can just come, look around, and see what we’re doing. Plus, artists are displaying their work."
The wheel-throwing class stands out as one of the highlights of the program. Bernbom believes that its impact on the community is significant, contributing positively to both participants and local culture.
"It's something I'm familiar with—visiting art museums and enjoying art. That's important," Bernbom said. "That's why I do it. Seeing all these people volunteering for this purpose is wonderful, truly inspirational."
Bernbom has big ideas for the future. His vision is vivid.
"This event is our outreach to the community. It's free to get in, free to park, and with sixty-nine acres, we have plenty of room to grow. Our classes are so popular, and it's great to have the space to expand,” Bernbom said.
The attraction also brings in more classes to the school. This expansion enhances the variety of learning opportunities available to students.
"More and more people want to take classes here," Bernbom said. "It has become incredibly popular with both adults and children. And let me tell you, the adult classes are fantastic. I've taken them myself as, well, an adult. I get a lot out of it, and I think many others do too. We plan to continue thriving and offering more classes in the future."
This is great for Berndom, as he teaches ceramics. He’s excited about the opportunities it creates for his students to learn and grow in his class.
"The class is called the intro and intermediate wheel-throwing classes," Woodridge said. "We give people a basic introduction to working with clay — learning how to center it on the wheel, open it up, and create basic forms. The classes are structured to meet you at your skill level. So, if you've never touched clay before, that's fine — we'll get you started. If you've taken classes before, even if it was back in high school, we'll help you pick up where you left off."
They have a lot of animals, which contributes to a vibrant and lively atmosphere. The presence of these animals not only brings joy to the community but also offers unique learning experiences for everyone involved.
"We've got live chickens! I haven’t seen the animals yet, but I’m excited," Bernbom said. "If you come during the week, they’re out wandering around, eating bugs and scratching about. Jan Sullivan started this place a long time ago, and it's nice that she left the land and the building as her legacy. We're trying to do her justice."
Woodridge is excited to see what’s in store. He looks forward to discovering new treasures and experiences that await him, eager to explore all the possibilities.
"There are instructors here giving demonstrations, so you can see the type of work they do," Woodridge said. "There's live music, food trucks, and the best part is — it’s all free! You can come, wander around, and spend the whole day doing projects like glazing pots, working on murals, or painting chairs. Even if it’s just small tasks, creating something feels great. Plus, just watching the demonstrations and enjoying the music is all at no cost. With sixty-six acres, it’s a beautiful setting, especially on a sunny day like today.
For more information please visit https://www.artbarnschool.org/art-blitz.
