Valparaiso accepting Art Walk sculpture submissions
The Valparaiso Art Advisory Committee is seeking artists for the 2026-2027 Valpo Art Walk at Cumberland Crossing. Entering its 15th year, the Art Walk is made possible through a partnership with the Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission and Urschel Development Corporation and administered by Valparaiso’s Community Engagement department. This outdoor exhibit along a popular pathway celebrates creativity and community engagement. Sculptors may submit up to four outdoor works. There is no entry fee and each selected piece receives a $1,500 honorarium. Apply by Dec. 15 at https://2025callforentry-valpoartwalk.artcall.org. Selected sculptures will be displayed in Valparaiso from June 2026 through May 2027.
Wine and Words welcomes Chicago PD star as featured poet
Dialogue Wine Bar will present its signature poetry experience Wine and Words at 9 p.m. Saturday at 601 Lake St., Gary. Doors open at 8 p.m. This month’s featured artist will be LaRoyce Hawkins, best known for his role on NBC’s hit series Chicago PD. This will mark Hawkins’ second appearance on the Wine and Words stage. Hosted by Don “RedRah” Thomas and Angie “Big Sexii” Lewis, Wine and Words shines the spotlight on regional storytellers to expand creative culture in Northwest Indiana. The evening blends artistry, music, food and community, creating a space for first-time voices, local talent and celebrity artists to shine together. More information can be found at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dialogue-wine-bar-presents-wine-and-words-tickets-1268191828899.
Gary charter school to host Giving Tuesday wine fundraiser
The Steel City Academy in Gary will host a Sip and Support fundraiser from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Dialogue Wine Bar, 601 S. Lake St., Gary. Marking Giving Tuesday, the charter school hopes to raise about $10,000 to fund after-school club activities and field trips. Attendees will enjoy drinks, appetizers and music while learning about the impact philanthropy has on the school. Individual tickets range from $75 to $250, group tickets are $600 for six guests, and $800 for 10 guests. Purchase tickets at steel-city-academy.givecloud.co/sip-and-support-a-steel-city-giving-tuesday-experience.
PoCo Muse exhibit features Porter County’s first non-native settler
Porter County Museum’s (PoCo Muse) current exhibit, “From a Bailly Point of View,” tells the story of the pioneer Bailly Family through objects that they owned. The exhibit is on display in the Eunice Slagle and Montague/Urschel Galleries; it will run through April 26 at 20 Indiana Ave., Valparaiso. This new exhibit looks closely at artifacts from the museum’s Bailly Family Collection to shed new light on their legacy in Porter County. An eclectic assortment of items is on display, including an 18th-century travelling trunk, various household utensils, Catholic devotional objects, souvenirs from a European vacation and a gown that may have been worn to Abraham Lincoln’s Inaugural Ball. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, with free admission. Free half-hour guided tours are offered on the third Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. For more information, visit pocomuse.org or find @pocomuse on social media.
Holiday events celebrate the Christmas season in Portage
The City of Portage will kick off the Christmas season with a weekend of events Dec. 6 and 7. Mistletoe on Main will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at Founders Square Plaza, 6300 W. Main St. Featuring Santa’s Parade of Toys at 4:30 p.m., attendees are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. The event will also feature performances by Jennamarie’s Dance and Fitness Studio and the Portage High School Choraliers, and a Holiday Tree Lighting with Mayor Austin Bonta and Santa Claus. Food vendors will open at 4 p.m. The Christmas Craft Show will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7 at Woodland Park, 2100 Willowcreek Road, Portage. In addition to local crafters and vendors, there will be basket raffles, carriage rides, kiddie craft areas, live music and food trucks. Admission is free. For more information, email nlaboy@portage-in.com.
