Painting Donation Commemorates 100th Anniversary of Artist’s Birth

Sue and Andy Arnold, of Chesterton, recently purchased “Flowers of Mexico” by Jan Sullivan (1921-2016) from the Art Barn School of Art collection to donate to the Porter County Community Foundation. Sue currently serves on the Art Barn’s board of directors and Andy is a member of the Foundation’s board.  

On behalf of the Porter County Community Foundation, Bill Higbie accepts a Jan Sullivan painting donated by Andy & Sue Arnold. (Pictured left to right: Andy Arnold, Sue Arnold, Bill Higbie (Porter County Community Foundation President & CEO), Amy Davis Navardauskas (Art Barn School of Art Executive Director)

 “The Community Foundation greatly appreciates the Arnolds’ generosity”, said Bill Higbie, President and CEO of the Porter County Community Foundation.  “It is a privilege to become the home for this painting by Jan Sullivan, founder of the Art Barn School of Art and one of Porter County’s most well-known and prolific artists”, Higbie added.

 Porter County Community Foundation has provided much needed funding to help expand art programs with the addition of a ceramic arts studio at Art Barn.  Support was also provided to update the lobby and renovate restrooms to be more inviting and ADA compliant.  Art Barn was recently awarded a grant to assist in the purchase of a utility tractor for grounds maintenance.

 Art Barn director, Amy Davis Navardauskas states, “we are truly grateful for the grant funding the foundation has provided to expand programs and support operations.  This investment has enabled us to grow as an organization”, continued Navardauskas. 

 See more of the permanent collection during “Jan Sullivan’s Nature: Works by the Founder of Art Barn School of Art” which is currently on display at Art Barn School of Art through Saturday September 25, 2021. The reception on Saturday September 18 from 3:00 to 5:00p.m. (during the annual Art Blitz festival) will provide an opportunity for the public to celebrate exhibiting artists and Sullivan’s centennial birthday.  Admission to the festival and reception is free and refreshments will be served.

 For more information about the exhibition, our collection or works for sale, please visit artbarnschool.org, email info@artbarnschool.org, or call 219-462-9009.

Grants Awarded to Two Nonprofit Organizations Benefiting Wildlife and the Arts

The Porter County Community Foundation awarded two grants, one to the Art Barn School of Art and the other to Moraine Ridge Wildlife Rehabilitation Center – a subsidiary of the Humane Society Calumet Area. 

With the funds, the Art Barn School of Art was able to host adult art workshops for community members to attend.  The funds provided the art supplies for the classes, scholarships for local artists to attend the classes, and brought in nationally known professional artists to teach the workshops.

Moraine Ridge Wildlife Rehabilitation Center used the funds to host Wildlife Live Animal Education Programs for children and Porter County residents of all ages. Through these programs with hands-on educational opportunities, community members learn about Indiana’s native wildlife and gain an understanding of the impact that our daily lives have on our native species.