Musings • September 2024

Now Available! PoCo Muse Magazine Issue No. 8

“They lived their lives as they wanted—surrounded by nature’s beauty, doing the work they loved.”

This issue celebrates the work of two couples who moved from Chicago to Porter County where they found lifelong artistic inspiration in the Indiana dunes.

Serena Ard, Curator of the Westchester Township History Museum, writes about the lives of notable Porter County artists Hazel Hannell and her husband, Vaino (Vin).

Also featured is an adaptation of Joan Barghusen’s April 2024 gallery talk at the exhibition, The Path That Ventures Within, which featured the photographs of her husband, Herb Barghusen.

View the Full Magazine

P.S. - Starting on Tuesday, September 3, we are expanding our public hours to give visitors more time to view our award-winning work!

Tuesday-Sunday, 11a-5p

Special Note: We will be closed to the public on Sunday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day and on Saturday, September 7, during the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival.

WHAT TO DO

History On Tap: 1980 Popcorn Festival

Wednesday, September 4, 5-7p (Presentation at 6p)

Washington Street Tap Room, 11 Washington Street

Against the Grain Gallery Talk & Catalog Release

Tuesday, September 24, 5p

PoCo Muse, 20 Indiana Avenue

Complimentary Guided Museum Tour

Saturdays at 2p

PoCo Muse, 20 Indiana Avenue

No RSVP Required

Family Activity Sundays

Sundays from 11a-4p

PoCo Muse, 20 Indiana Avenue

Try our newest activity for the Building Memory exhibit!

WHAT TO SEE

Against the Grain

Through October 6

Against the Grain brings together objects in the collection made from wood. This featured exhibit explores the wide-ranging dimensions of working with the material and surveys the themes that emerge as artists and craftspeople grapple with its possibilities.

Montague/Urschel Gallery

Building Memory: Artistic Interpretations of Notable Landmarks

Now Open! Through December 1

Artists in our region have been inspired to memorialize the pride of this county’s communities. One way they do so is by celebrating the diversity of architecture. Buildings tell a story, and through them, artists can capture with precision a specific moment in history or imaginatively reflect on shared values.

Robert Cain 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

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: July through September 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. 8

The digital version PoCo Muse Magazine is free to read for everyone. This issue highlights the stories of three Porter County heroes and pioneers.

Looking Back: September 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.

At the Intersection of Art & History

The 25-minute video slideshow called "At the Intersection of Art & History" presents highlights from our permanent art collection and spotlights a few common themes found in the artworks.

“On the Mountain Side,” by Hazel Hannell, watercolor on paper, 1967; throngs of people view the 1980 Popcorn Festival parade at Lincolnway and Washington Street in Valparaiso; detail of etched initials in school desk from the late nineteenth-century, Albert Photographic, 2024; “PoCo Mouse” going back to school, created by Ashley Vernon in 2024; “Teapot,” by Larry (Lars) Jensen, dymondwood, Albert Photographic, 2024; aerial view of Remster Farm, hand-colorized photograph, circa 1960s; detail of Philley Sweetheart Apron, Albert Photographic, 2024; installation view of Lowenstine WWII Roll of Honor, 2023.