Musings • February 2024

New Exhibit Now Open

The Path That Ventures Within: Inspirations Found Along Indiana Dunes Trails

January 20-May 12, 2024

Taken along the crisscrossing trails of the Indiana Dunes, the color photographs of Herb Barghusen (1933-2015) depict a familiar landscape, well-known to the many visitors of the National Park. For Barghusen, this area and its remarkable history exerted a powerful force on his imagination, transforming into a spiritual forest where illusions slid in and out of view and fantastical creatures suddenly took shape. The photographs are paired with short poems by the poet Robert Longoni (1936-2022), who shared a fascination with the dunes landscape.

Coming Soon

The Great Conflagration: Academy of Music Block Fire

February 15-May 12, 2024

In February 1926, Valparaiso’s Academy of Music Block at the southwest corner of Lincolnway and Washington Street was destroyed by fire. This small exhibit in the Robert Cain Gallery documents that fateful fire and its aftermath through original photographs.

WHAT TO DO

At the Intersection of Art & History: Video Installation

Thursday, February 1 through Tuesday, February 13

Robert Cain Gallery

Audio Tour of Connections

Available February 3

Access through soundcloud.com/pocomuse

Complimentary Guided Museum Tour

Saturdays at 2p

PoCo Muse

No RSVP Required

Family Activity Sundays

Sundays from 11a-4p

PoCo Muse

New Activities Each Week!

WHAT TO SEE

The Path That Ventures Within: Inspirations Found Along Indiana Dunes Trails

Closes May 12, 2024

The imaginative color photographs of Herb Barghusen (1933-2015) depict the landscape of the Indiana dunes and are paired with short poems by the poet Robert Longoni (1936-2022) who shared a similar fascination with the area.

Montague/Urschel Gallery

Connections: Permanent Collection

Take a closer look. Gathered throughout the PoCo Muse are pairs of objects that speak to each other in surprising ways. The objects may appear different at first glance, but after closer consideration, they may reveal important relationships.

Eunice Slagle Gallery

Selections from the Philipp Brockington Collection

Through February 13

Philipp Brockington (1940-2023) left the PoCo Muse Collection a number of notable artworks in his estate plan. A selection of these works from Porter County artists will be on display in the Robert Cain Gallery.

Robert Cain Gallery

Lowenstine WWII Roll of Honor

The Lowenstine WWII Roll of Honor was displayed on the courthouse square from 1943 until 1973 in commemoration of the Valparaiso citizens who contributed to the war effort during World War II. It was installed in the PoCo Muse in December 2022.

MORE TO EXPLORE

Muse News: January through March 2024

Stay up-to-date with all that’s happening at the PoCo Muse by checking out our most recent newsletter, Muse News.

PoCo Muse Magazine: Issue No. 6

In case you missed seeing Ever Yours before it closed, this edition of the PoCo Muse Magazine dives even deeper into our Golden Age postcards featured in the exhibit. The digital version PoCo Muse Magazine is free to read for everyone.

Looking Back: February 1924

Each day on social media, the PoCo Muse looks back by featuring century-old historical excerpts selected from the Evening Messenger and Valparaiso Daily Vidette newspapers.

Installation view of The Path That Ventures Within: Inspirations Found Along Indiana Dunes Trails, Albert Photographic, 2024; Magic of Autumn, by Frank V. Dudley (1868-1957), oil on canvas, 1936; Soap box derby helmet, 1957, Albert Photographic, 2024; “Cowles Bog Trail,” Herb Barghusen, 2010; Engraved Limestone Block from Columbia School, 1892, Albert Photographic, 2023; “Untitled” by Vin Hannell (1896-1964), gouache and watercolor on paper, 1930, Albert Photographic, 2024; Installation view of Lowenstine WWII Roll of Honor, 2023.