Art Barn School of Art presents Views of VU, a curated exhibition celebrating the architectural beauty and scenic character of Valparaiso University through the eyes of regional artists. This exhibit will be on display through January 7, 2026 at Das Gallery, located at Country Inn & Suites, 2020 Laporte Ave, Valparaiso, IN. Visitors will discover diverse interpretations of the VU's iconic chapel alongside views of other significant university locations, each rendered with the distinct vision and technique of local artists who have been inspired by this campus.
VU's Chapel of the Resurrection by Dave Sander, on loan from Art Barn’s Legacy for Growth Collection.
Situated just steps from Valparaiso University, Das Gallery at the Country Inn & Suites welcomes visiting families, alumni, and community members throughout the year. Views of VU offers a unique opportunity for guests to experience and acquire original artworks that commemorate meaningful connections to the university and its landscape.
"We are thrilled to be included as a collaborator for this exhibition," states Art Barn Executive Director Amy Davis-Navardauskas."Country Inn and Suites is partnering with key arts organizations to install exhibitions in their gallery year-round. For us it provides an extension of our mission to highlight regional artists and provides greater access to art for new audiences."
Rooted in Art Barn's core value of commitment to community, this exhibit supports Art Barn's mission by representing these talented artists of our region. This collaborative exhibit brings together works by members of the Duneland Plein Air Painters and the Duneland Photography Club, showcasing both plein air paintings and photographs that capture the university's most cherished landmarks.
Each week from early April to the end of October, members of the Duneland Plein Air Painters meet in a different location in the region to paint in the open air. Carrying on a long tradition of painting outdoors in natural light, these artists record their impression of local scenes while surrounded by the elements of nature.
The Duneland Photography Club is a community social forum to promote knowledge of photography through informative programs at meetings, special activities, and approved instruction. They are a teaching club comprised of 70 members from across Northwest Indiana that endeavors to help members in their photography at any level, from beginner to professional.
Most works in this exhibition are available for purchase.
Participating artists: Steve Bensing, Julia Holmaas, Christine Newton, Dave Sander, DeBorah Stipanovich, and Mark Zimmerman
ABOUT:
Art Barn offers a diverse range of programs, including adult & youth classes, community workshops, and guest artist workshops, fostering creativity, diversity, and connection. Art Barn hosts an annual Juried Art Exhibition in June that recognizes the creation of original quality 2-D works of art, as well as ceramics. The exhibition, with a 30-year history, attracts 400+ entries from aspiring and established artists from the region and nation. The mission of the Art Barn School of Art is to inspire creativity across generations by providing an inclusive, nature-based space where artists of all skill levels can explore, experiment and grow through the arts.