School of Arts galleries presents fine arts faculty exhibits
The Indiana University Northwest School of the Arts is hosting two gallery shows: an exhibition of new works by School of the Arts Dean David Klamen and an installation by visiting lecturer of photography Giselle Mira Diaz. Nonexistent, a collection of paintings and ceramics by Klamen, will be on exhibit at the School of the Arts Gallery in the Arts and Sciences Building, 3415 Broadway, Gary. An Opening Artist Talk and Reception will take place at 5 p.m. Tuesday. Rotten Fruit, a mixed media show exploring colonialism and agriculture by Diaz, will be on display at the Gallery for Contemporary Art in Savannah Center, 65 W. 33rd St., Gary. An Opening Talk and Reception will be held at 1 p.m. Feb. 13. Both shows open Tuesday and run through early March. The School of the Arts Gallery and the Gallery for Contemporary Art are open from Noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. More information is with Erin McHugh at ermchugh@iu.edu or 219-981-5627.
CHS to host annual Big Band Bash
Chesterton High School’s (CHS) Music Department will host its annual Big Band Bash at 7 p.m. Feb. 7 and 8 in the CHS Cafeteria, 2125 S. 11th St., Chesterton. The Big Band Bash Gala will be held Feb. 7 with raffles and music. Dance Night, featuring an expanded dance floor will take place Feb. 8. Swing Dance lessons will be offered at 6:30 p.m. Enter through Door 31. The evening will feature raffles, refreshments, and music performed by CHS’s Jazz Ensemble and Maroon Jazz Band. Reserved seating (tables of 6) is available on both nights. General Admission tickets will be available at the door Feb. 8 only. Students can receive a discount. Reserved tickets must be purchased online. Tickets are $20 for reserved seating, $20 for general admission, $15 for students. Purchase tickets online at https://cur8.com/projects/15971. Proceeds from the Big Band Bash will benefit the upcoming All That Jazz performance on May 10 with special guest artists Bonzo Squad.
Valpo welcomes the public to spring semester performances
Join Valparaiso University as they present a variety of events including jazz, Gospel, dance, music from blockbuster films, a baroque masterwork, and a musical theatre performance. Performances are free unless otherwise noted. Epic Film Music Concert will begin at 7 p.m. Feb. 8 at Chapel of the Resurrection, 1600 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso. Enjoy music from the big screen as the Valparaiso University Chamber Concert Band and the Valparaiso High School Bands perform this year’s Epic Film Music Concert: “Music of Asia.” Band Festival Concerts will be held at 3 and 5 p.m. Feb. 15, at Chapel of the Resurrection. At 3 p.m., the Valparaiso University Luce Concert Band will combine with guest high school students for the Valparaiso University Small High School Band Festival. The performance will be a sensory-friendly and welcoming concert. Valparaiso University music therapy students will lead activities with members of the neurodivergent, autistic, and disabled communities in Northwest Indiana. At 5 p.m., the Valparaiso Community/University Concert Band, Valparaiso University Luce Concert Band, and guest musicians from local community bands will present the annual community band festival. More information is with Michael Fenton at 219-464-6757 or michael.fenton@valpo.edu.
IU Northwest offering free dental exams, cleanings for children
The annual Give Kids a Smile event, hosted by the Indiana University Northwest Dental Hygiene Program in partnership with the American Dental Association, will provide free dental exams, dental cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments and oral hygiene instructions to children ages 5 to 12 years old who do not have dental insurance. The event will be from 8 a.m. to Noon Feb. 15 and Feb. 22 in the IU Northwest Dunes Medical/Professional Building, 3400 Broadway, Gary. Dental hygiene students from IU Northwest will provide care, alongside a licensed dentist and dental hygienists. Space is limited. Walk-ins will not be accepted. Schedule an appointment by contacting the Dental Clinic at 219-980-6772. Reference “Give Kids a Smile” program when scheduling.
Upcycled Valentine’s Family Workshop
The Recycling and Waste Reduction District and the Art Barn will host the Upcycled Valentine’s Family Workshop for ages 5 and older from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Art Barn School of Art, 695 N. 400 E, Valparaiso. Learn how to transform trash into valentines from recycled and upcycled materials, such as various containers, paper and other materials that might otherwise end up in the landfill. Hot and cold beverages and sweet treats will be available during the workshop as well. All materials and supplies will be provided. Space is limited. Register at artbarnschool.org. The cost is $15 for the first person registered in a group, $5 for each additional person in the group. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information, contact the Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County at 219-465-3694 or visit info@portercountyrecycling.org.
