The Artists’ Guild of Valparaiso (“AGV”) will host a Grand Opening of its new gallery at 255 Indiana Ave., Valparaiso. The reception on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. is free to the public.
“On August 30, 2024, our Guild experienced a grave loss with the sudden death of Director and Vice President, Steve Zana,” stated Peter Steeves, AGV President. Steve, with Board members Colleen Zana and Peter and Michelle Steeves, founded the Artists’ Guild of Valparaiso just a few short months ago. “Steve worked tirelessly to help transform the dream of a local guild where member artists coalesce to support each other’s creativity to the reality being celebrated at the Grand Opening,” he added.
Coupled with the Gallery 255 Grand Opening is the start of the Guild’s September Members Exhibition featuring contemporary artworks created by over 70 member artists in a variety of styles and media. “We invite all art lovers to attend the Open House and Members Exhibition,” said AGV Secretary, Colleen Zana. “Two and three-dimensional works by our artists will be displayed through October 17 at the Gallery 255 Indiana Ave and at our Wing, 257 Indiana Ave.”
Visitors will be able to see award-winning member Wesley R. Baker’s abstract painting, In Whose Name?. Wesley describes how it is often painful to watch the news and contemplate the dark side of what humans are capable of. “Some of the most heinous acts in ancient to modern history have been carried out in the name of someone’s God,” he says. Baker’s painting depicts Jesus seated on the globe, head in hands, asking us, “In whose name is this being done?”
AGV member, Cortney McDonald, is a graphic designer and painter. Her oil on canvas titled, Uncles and Cousins, highlights the somber, too brief moments of loving intimacy shared by families after the loss of a loved one. McDonald, a Valparaiso resident, has a Bachelor of Arts from Valparaiso University where she currently serves as a Strategic Freelance Partner in Design.
Gallery 255 hours are Thursday through Saturday, 4 to 7 p.m., and Wing 257 is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. A docent will be present during regular business hours at Gallery 255 to answer questions about both spaces. The AGV Gallery and Wing are operated by the not-for-profit Artists’ Guild of Valparaiso. More information is available at www.agofvalpo.com.
Photos:
Wesley R. Baker, “In Whose Name””
and
Cortney McDonald, “Uncles and Cousins”
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