Debbie Shaffer retired as a family and consumer science teacher 2017 after 38 years in classrooms, first at Boone Grove High School, and then her latter tenure from 2008 to 2017 at Valparaiso High School.
But she says she never retired from “being an artist.”
“In the classroom, whether it’s in the kitchen area or the sewing studio, there is imagination and creativity, both which are components of the world of artistry,” Shaffer said.
Shaffer provided two of her framed fabric works of art to be included with more than 35 varied selections gathered and showcased from a number of artists to comprise the first exhibition for the new Artists’ Guild of Valparaiso, an expansive gallery space at 257 Indiana Ave. in Valparaiso. Nearly 100 guests, comprised of artists and patrons, mingled at the gallery unveiling March 16 for the opening reception.
“This started as a very small group of our artist friends saying we’ve needed a new artist spotlight space in Valparaiso for a long time,” said artist Colleen Zana, who also serves as the secretary for the board of the non-profit organization.
“One evening late last year, myself and husband Steve were having dinner with artist Peter Steeves and his wife Michelle and we all decided to not just talk about the need for a new art gallery in our community, but to make it happen.”
Peter Steeves stepped into the role of president for the gallery board, Steve Zana is vice president and Michelle Steeves is treasurer.
“Once we started the hunt for space, we quickly found almost every place available was out of our price range,” Colleen Zana said.
“But artists are not only creative, they are also inventive. I saw a space that was for rent with a phone number and I called John Klumpe, who is now our gallery building benefactor. For the design of the space at 257 Indiana Ave. where our gallery is located, there are these very long and wide hallways and corridors with generous pockets of area wall space. John very generously gave us the use of his hallways in his business building and it has formed what is now a considerable size gallery that is now our beacon of artist expression.”
Steve and Colleen Zana said their organization was granted 501C3 status the first week of March 2024.
The building structure and location has a century-old history origin connected with the Pennsylvania Railroad.
“The name in the front of the building event says Pennsy Place,” Colleen said.
“When you divide of the floor plan of the other businesses also housed under this roof, our portion of the building is around 4,000 square feet for the gallery.”
The organization board plans monthly exhibits and events, while promoting artists networking for other opportunities.
“Before opening this space, there wasn’t a place for local artists to inexpensively show their work and be supported, while also the chance to network with other artists and the public,” Steve Zana said.
“We needed this in Valparaiso, and it was important to our board that we didn’t want to profit from our fellow artists. We want to support them, and provide a way for art to be shared while learning from one another. That is the true mission of a guild.
Colleen said artist receptions and new exhibit openings are planned for 7 p.m. the third Saturday of each month.
Artist Peter Steeves, whose first contribution to the gallery is a seven-foot wall covering oil canvas capturing a portrait of late rock icon David Bowie, describes his artwork as “the blank canvas start of a new story.”
“I always describe my paintings as being like children,” Peter said.
“There are some you like more than others, but you are not allowed to have a favorite.”
Philip Potempa is a freelance reporter for The Post-Tribune.
Artists’ Guild of Valparaiso Gallery
When: open every day 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. except holidays
Where: 257 Indiana Ave., Valparaiso
Cost: Free admission
Information: agofvalpo.com
