Valparaiso Creative Council announced today that Jessica Corral has been appointed as Executive Director. An experienced leader in our community, Jessica assumed responsibilities on November 14th, 2022. She will be the first Executive Director the VCC has appointed to move their Arts-based community mission forward.
Jessica comes with over 25 years of experience in the art world. She has been a teacher the last 15 years, fostering the artistic talent of our Valparaiso youth. Within the past 10 years she also expanded into community building, grant writing, fundraising, and business expansion through DIY Art Studio. Her diverse knowledge in many arenas provides a myriad of experience to support the ambitious needs of the VCC.
“Jessica has an energy and passion for the Valparaiso Creative Council’s mission that is so infectious,” said Board President Stephanie Swearington. “We are very excited to work with her to bring more community art projects, events and activities to Valparaiso.”
During her 12 years with Valparaiso Community Schools, Jessica Corral has established and coordinated the annual “Spring into the Arts” festival with her VCS elementary arts team. This exhibit features upwards of 1,000 students in multiple venues throughout downtown Valparaiso for an entire month each spring. Corral has raised over $100,000 in grants and funding to keep the festival and student-based art projects at the forefront of attention and support. Art initiatives are at the core of her experiences.
“I’ve developed the knack for leading projects that have many moving parts. It mirrors my role as an art teacher,” Corral stated. “Leading as the Executive Director will grant me a new opportunity to use these skills and experiences towards VCC goals. I am honored to be entrusted with carrying out this vision.”
Jessica has been an ambassador of the Arts, whether designing for clients, teaching elementary learners, building a business based on community needs, creatively serving on boards and organizations, or even through local showcasing of her personal artwork.
“Jessica’s appointment to the board has been a great decision,” long standing board member Kaye Frataccia Seibert said, “We needed someone with grit to go after the goals we set forth now that the infrastructure is in place.”
Jessica earned her Bachelors at Indiana University in Fine Arts, with a focus on Studio Production and Graphic Design, and continued her education by acquiring her Masters in Education. She is a resident of Valparaiso and has two children who currently attend Purdue. “The idea of an Arts District was developed thanks to community demand. After rejoining the board last year, it was clear VCC was heading in a powerful direction of growth. I can’t help but be excited about this momentum,” Jessica stated, “Get ready for some #ARTrageous projects for Valpo! (pun intended!)”
About VCC
The Valparaiso Creative Council enriches the community by promoting, developing, and advocating for and with local arts efforts, artists, and organizations by providing educational, programmatic, and marketing support. We believe that when people come together to create, explore, and celebrate art, culture, and innovation, communities thrive.
The VCC is deeply committed to the tangible expansion of our Valpo Arts District, tackling action items established by our city administrators and residents. We serve as a liaison between artists, the city, businesses, and residents alike towards this endeavor.