Wes Thorn showcased his wood art skills at the Sand+Steel Art Fest in downtown Valparaiso. Using 120 grit sandpaper, Thorn demonstrated his woodworking by quickly sanding edges of wooden pieces. He quipped, “It’s cheaper than therapy.” As a self-taught carpenter and welder by trade, Thorn mentioned, “I’m not really good at listening to people tell me things.” He displayed large paintings, explaining the intensive sanding process involved. For the event, he created a smaller painting after being persuaded by Jessica Corral, the Executive Director of the Valparaiso Creative Council.
Thorn’s puzzle-style artworks are crafted by cutting, sanding, painting, and assembling them into frames. He sometimes uses a “color lottery” to randomly assign colors. He was inspired by a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago, where works by Piet Mondrian motivated him to explore geometric styles. Initially, he felt his paintings lacked quality, but he improved with experience. Influences like Jackson Pollock shaped his journey to abstract art; he noted, “I do do some drippers.”
Melissa Dombrowski and her son Wyatt engaged in creating a pocket sketchbook at the festival, part of a craft activity sponsored by the Art Barn. The event provided opportunities to interact with the Valparaiso Creative District, featuring more than 50 local artists across diverse disciplines. Dinah Pethes and Gayle Sandquist were among the visitors exploring the vendor stalls at the festival.
Beth Vottero, a nursing professor, allowed attendees to contribute to her canvas. She began painting two years ago to explore her creativity and provide different experiences. “I don’t want to die thinking of anything I didn’t try,” Vottero said. Leah Romano McMeen, a graphic artist, combines her skills to market paintings through various forms, such as posters and postcards. Inspired by local scenery, she returned to painting after a 20-year hiatus.
Deb Weiss, a retired art teacher, creates unique bird sculptures adorned with household and found objects. Clients often want the sculptures, which can take months to finish. “I’m having a really good day. They’re selling like crazy,” Weiss mentioned. Her birds frequently feature road maps as an essential design element.
Jennifer Hernandez-McDuell coordinated sand-based activities for children, emphasizing the development of motor skills through play. Activities included sandbox play and crafting pocket sketchbooks. Evalina Moreno and Marin Arizzi from the Art Barn facilitated the crafting projects. Arizzi emphasized the importance of nurturing children’s creativity, saying, “I think every kid has the ability and desire to do art in their own way.”
The festival brought families together. Catrina De Rivera relished attending with her three children, appreciating the full day of art and play without the usual household chaos. The event also provided publicity for local art centers like the Art Barn, which offers various classes to the community.