Valparaiso’s latest festival is set to debut June 26-28.
Sand + Steel Art Fest, at Central Park Plaza, is a joint venture of Valparaiso Events and Valparaiso Creative Council.
“It’s very homegrown, and it highlights a lot of local artists. Almost all artists are regional, hyperlocal,” Valparaiso Events Executive Director Katie Abel said.
“I hope it becomes a staple in the region as far as art festivals go,” she said.
Valparaiso Creative Council Executive Director Jessica Corral said what sets the new Sand + Steel event apart is the variety of local artists being featured.
More than 40 vendors have signed up, and the stage will be busy with area performers, Abel said. There will also be two live art demonstrations, about 12 different performers onstage over the weekend, and a handful of free art activities.
There is no admission charge.
“Sand and Steel is the name of it, but it’s not necessarily the theme of it for everybody,” Corral said.
Having the festival downtown, spilling over from Central Park Plaza to the nearby Valpo Creates Center, emphasizes the area as part of Valparaiso’s creative district, she said.
The center is on what was once known as Maker’s Row. “I think Sand and Steel winks at the history as well,” Corral said.
How many people will attend is anyone’s guess, but Corral said the partnership with Valparaiso Events is sure to enhance the festival. “Valparaiso Events always brings out droves of people.”
Valparaiso Events has the experience, while the Valparaiso Creative Council has extensive connections in the arts community, Corral said.
On opening day, South Shore Orchestra will perform “America at 250, a Musical Celebration,” onstage, featuring music by composer John Williams. It’s also the world premiere of a piece titled “Sand & Steel,” written for the event by Chesterton composer Jared M. Coller.
Saturday and Sunday will feature two full days of fine art vendors and various performances on the stage. Various musicians, dance groups, steel drums, “a whole bunch of different exciting things there,” are planned, Corral said.
Art Barn is doing a temporary takeover of the Valpo Creates Center, offering a journal-making activity inside for children and adults.
“Adults can get their faces painted, too,” Abel said, so children won’t be the only ones getting temporary wearable artwork.
Planning the festival began about two years ago. Valparaiso previously had an art festival, but it ended in 2022, among the casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s being rebooted with an emphasis on homegrown art this year and with different organizers.
“We’re working year-round on all of our events,” Abel said, so planning for the next Sand + Steel Art Fest will begin as soon as this year’s event ends.
Doug Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
