17 pieces selected by the City’s Volunteer Art Advisory Committee for the New Art Walk at Cumberland Crossing. Using steel like that manufactured throughout Northwest Indiana, these new pieces are metal sculptures built by Greg and Alex Mendez of Decatur, Indiana. The Exhibit is located at the corner of Cumberland Drive and Vale Park Road.
“This show is almost a retrospective of our work,” said Artist Alex Mendez. “Of the 17 pieces, some represent our earliest work, some are mid-career and 10 were created especially for this show,” he said. The Mendez brothers currently have work on display throughout the country, including Florida, South Dakota, Georgia, Minnesota and Iowa. The pair are also familiar to Valparaiso as they’ve had pieces included in the Art Walk in years past and have had several works purchased for permanent display, including Alex’s abstract guitar located outside the Urschel Pavilion in the Costas Family Plaza and his Three Curves at Central Park Plaza.
Each of the brothers has his own unique style with Greg’s work being largely figurative and inspired by movement, classical Greek influences and fashion, while Alex’s work is primarily abstract, featuring geometric shapes, interesting angles and unique combinations. Both artists create entirely by hand, from concept to completion, including hand painting, with no machine fabrication or powder coating. Pieces can take months to a year to complete. “We want our pieces to radiate a happy feeling. The last thing we want is to give anyone a negative feeling, like sadness, anger or anxiety,” said Greg Mendez.
Valparaiso’s Art Walk was introduced in 2011 as a celebration of public art and has included a revolving free display of outdoor sculptures that can be enjoyed year-round. The display is possible through the generous support of the Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission, private donors and Urschel Development Corporation.
Current sponsors include 1st Source Bank, Centier Bank, Kyle and Maggie Clifton, Patricia Crise, OnePointe Management, Pines Village Retirement Communities, the Sarkisian Family, Megan and Stu Summers Family, Thorgren Tool & Molding, Inc., and Urschel Giving.
The current Mendez installation will be on display through Spring 2025. Works are available for purchase with more information available at tinyurl.com/PublicArtValpo. The Art Walk has been organized by the City of Valparaiso’s Office of Community Engagement.
Caption: Artists Greg and Alex Mendez with Alex’s work entitled “3.1.” The Mendez brothers have installed 17 new works at Valparaiso’s Art Walk at Cumberland Crossing. The display is possible through the generous support of the Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission, private donors and Urschel Development Corporation. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/PublicArtValpo.
More Valparaiso Articles. . .
Valparaiso Creative Council To Construct Sculpture at Skate Park
Valparaiso Creative Council (@valpocreates) is a non-profit organization comprised of community leaders entrusted with developing the Creative District for Valparaiso, IN. They are building this vision through art events, initiatives, public projects, and supporting local artists in ALL mediums, even sculpture! Continue Reading . .
Jennifer Prough ’91, Ph.D., Appointed Dean of Valparaiso University Christ College
Valparaiso University announces Jennifer Prough ’91, Ph.D., has been formally appointed dean of Christ College — The Honors College, effective immediately. Dean Prough served as interim dean in the 2017 – 2018 school year, and has continued to serve in that capacity since 2021. In her role as dean, Prough is responsible for the strategic…
Congressman Frank Mrvan Endorses Hannah Trueblood
U.S. Congressman Frank Mrvan (D, CD1) has joined Republican Art Elwood in endorsing Hannah Trueblood’s candidacy for Valparaiso mayor. “Hannah Trueblood’s passionate commitment to her community drives her desire to seek public office. Her initiative to build upon the quality of life and place that makes Valparaiso an attractive place to…
Valparaiso’s Sustainability Project Wins Green Project Award
Valparaiso’s energy conservation and environmentally conscious decisions has garnered them the Indiana’s Green Project of the Year. Over the years, Valpo’s sustainable solar project has added 772 solar panels to five separate City facilities. The award recognizes Indiana’s leading project for sustainable development and has saved taxpayers more than $5.2 million in electrical…
Two New Appointments to Engineering By Mayor Matt Murphy
Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy Announced two new appointments to the city’s Engineering Department. Interim Engineering Director, Max Rehlander, and Interim Chief Deputy Engineer, Bill Laird, were announced. Rehlander joined the City of Valparaiso in 2021 as Deputy City Engineer. He was formerly with Abonmarche Consulting and American Structurepoint Inc. where he worked on projects ranging…
Valpo Parks Legacy Moves to It’s Next Chapter with New Director
“I look forward to serving as the next Director and building upon the strong legacy of Valpo Parks,” stated new Director, Kevin Nuppnau.
Valparaiso has been blessed to have access to quality parks, and Nuppnau, the new Director, pledges to “keep raising the standard.” They commit to doing the very best every day to exemplify a positive attitude and a strong work ethic to deliver extraordinary outcomes. Continue Reading . . .
Busy Schedule for Memorial Opera House – Valpo
So much going on at the Opera House downtown Valparaiso, we wante to give you a heads up on the rest of the year. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee takes place July 20, 2023 – August 6, 2023 Six awkward spelling champions learn that winning (and losing) isn’t everything.…
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
