Art Barn School of Art focuses on three main functions: education, exhibitions, and events. Located on a sustainability-focused farm, Art Barn provides a get-away for its community through art. Located in Valparaiso, Art Barn offers fun, interactive art education and events to all community members, regardless of age or art experience.
Art Barn was established in 1969 when Jan Sullivan and her husband, Bud, purchased a 19th-century farm east of Valparaiso. Here, Jan began hosting workshops, classes, and plein air painting in the woods and fields of the farm. Jan’s vision has lived on as Art Barn continues to grow.
Through its many different events and exhibitions, Art Barn is a place for people of all ages to learn about art, echoing its mission to provide quality art education programs in a supportive, creative environment in order to enrich the quality of life in the Region.
Art Barn’s vision is to be a recognized forum for the arts in a collaborative, community-based setting that provides an idyllic and supportive place for exploration, growth, inspiration, and development of artistic endeavors. Through its multitude of events, Art Barn does just that.
On September 18 and 19, Art Barn will be hosting Art Blitz 2021. Free to everyone, Art Blitz helps Art Barn highlight its educational art offering with activities, an outdoor exhibition of regional art, and collaborations with other arts organizations. The festival encourages all visitors and residents to actively engage in various art activities. The festival will offer live music, food, painting, weavers, clay, kids activities, adult mini-classes, and fun for all ages.
Visitors can also check out the exhibits the Art Barn offers. Until September 19, art enthusiasts can check out Jan Sullivan’s Nature: Works by the Founder of Art Barn School of Art. This exhibition celebrates the art, life and legacy of the Art Barn founder.
A new exhibition, Opportunity Enterprises Exhibition, will begin on October 1 and will run until November 1. For this exhibition, Art Barn partnered with Opportunity Enterprises to provide a creative space for students at Opportunity Enterprises over the past year. The exhibition showcases original artwork created by the students that have participated in classes at Art Barn.
Art Barn also offers a variety of classes for community members of all ages. Ranging in length and pricing, both the children and adult classes allow community members to explore different styles and mediums. Guest artist workshops, family workshops, summer camps and special classes are also available for each age group.
Art Barn creates a safe space for all people, artists or not, to explore their creative side and learn about art in a fun, interactive way. For more information about Art Barn as well as the class and event schedules, visit https://www.artbarnschool.org/.
