Art Barn School of Art is introducing three new exhibitions in July. "Jean Head: Vibrant Colors" and the "Jimmy Duke Johnston Memorial Wall" will be exhibited starting July 5 through August 11. "Mark Vander Vinne: Artistic Landscapes" will start on the same date but run through September 22. The public is invited to meet the artists at the opening reception on July 16 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Light bites and refreshments will be served.
Artist Jean Head, originally from Pittsburgh, PA, moved to Valparaiso in 1971. She attended educational workshops at The American Academy of Art in Chicago, Valparaiso University and Art Barn, and studied with renowned local artists such as Harriet Rex Smith, Konrad Juestel and Dave Sander. During her lifetime, Jean has created a large body of work, a selection of which will be available for viewing in one place during this exhibition.
Prolific artist Jimmy Duke Johnston was originally scheduled to exhibit with Head, but passed away in March 2023. He will be remembered through a small exhibition of works from Art Barn's collection along with borrowed works from Julia Holmaas, Sandra Hass Yamhure, Dina Heijselaar, Laurie and Thom Carpenter and the Schoolhouse Shop. His bold, colorful abstractions have been adored and collected by many in the community.
"Jimmy Duke was the spirit of Art Barn's weekly Open Studio, the magic marker of art, the calm and present goodness that is the reason so many have loved the Art Barn studio," said Sandy Appleby, a long-time friend and board member. "Johnston's critiquing eye and suggestions for improvement will be sorely missed."
Additionally, Mark Vander Vinne, a Northwest Indiana landscape painter, will be exhibiting works in the Art Barn Lobby from July 5 through September 22. Vander Vinne is primarily influenced by two movements - Tonalism and Impressionism, especially American Impressionism. His style reflects the design and mood of Tonalism, and the gestural brushwork and the color of Impressionism. He states that while capturing authenticity by working from life is crucial, he also enjoys experimenting with techniques in the studio. He believes that some pieces require more time and thought than what working outside allows for.
Like his many teachers, Mark aims to inspire and share his passion and knowledge of art through his workshops. He will be teaching "Painting the Artistic Landscape", a 3-day Guest Artist Workshop, from October 13 through 15 at Art Barn. Mark uses a limited palette of oil paints and approaches his paintings and workshops with the same attitude - to have fun, continue learning and growing, and always be passionate and give it his all. Learn more and register at artbarnschool.org.
ABOUT ART BARN SCHOOL OF ART
Art Barn School of Art is dedicated to fostering a love of art in its unique 69-acre environment in Porter County, IN. The Art Barn offers a full range of art education classes for children and adults and is a venue for performing arts and weddings. On September 16 Art Barn will host its annual outdoor Art Blitz, engaging visitors in art-making, demonstrations, music and food. For more information: www.artbarnschool.org, info@artbarnschool.org or 219-462-9009.
High resolution images available upon request.
Photo provided by Art Barn.