Art, Sand and Community: A Fresh Look at Valparaiso’s First Fest

Valparaiso welcomed a lively gathering that turned downtown into an open‑air gallery and playground.

Sand+Steel Art Fest

The highlight was the new Sand+Steel Art Fest, where artists mixed traditional craft with playful experimentation.

Wes Thorn – a self‑taught carpenter from Portage who transforms rough wood into colorful puzzles.
Uses 120‑grit sandpaper to smooth edges before painting, joking that the process is cheaper than therapy.
Picks colors like a game: numbers each piece and randomly assigns one of fifteen hues, trusting the universe to guide him.
Inspired by a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago, where Mondrian’s geometry sparked his own bold designs.
Beth Vottero – a nursing professor from Valparaiso who invites passersby to add their own strokes to her canvas.
Believes art should be approachable, especially for children who fear making mistakes.
Her own journey began two years ago when she realized that every research project is about human experience, and painting became a way to explore that.

Leah Romano McKeen – graphic artist who shares how nostalgia fuels sales.
Prints of vanished landmarks and natural scenes resonate with locals who remember those places.
Draws inspiration from the Indiana dunes, often sketching birds that appear in her work.
Deb Weiss – turned a love of birds into marketable art.
Repurposes found objects—maps, jewelry, household trinkets—to create unique bird figures.
Her process is slow and meticulous; each piece can take months, but the demand keeps her busy.

Jennifer Hernandez‑McDuell – organized sand activities at the Porter County Children’s Museum, teaching kids fine motor skills through creative play.
Evalina Moreno and Marin Arizzi – helped young participants craft pocket sketchbooks, encouraging self‑expression.
Parents' Praise – Ray Beliveau and Catrina De Rivera noted how the experience keeps children engaged without cluttering homes.

Overall, the event proved that art can be both personal and communal, offering a space where creativity thrives for all ages.