ELECTRIFYING MUNSTER TRANSFORMS UTILITY BOXES INTO ART
The Munster Civic Foundation is transforming an often-overlooked piece of everyday infrastructure into a town-wide gallery through its new initiative, Electrifying Munster – Beauty and the Box. The multi-year public beautification program will bring original, locally designed artwork to the 32 electrical utility boxes the town owns, most of which sit at signalized intersections throughout the community. Currently, 12 boxes have been secured throughout Munster. Under the program, Munster residents, local businesses, and Munster-based civic and nonprofit organizations can sponsor an available utility box and work with a graphic artist to design original artwork, which is then applied as a durable vinyl wrap. Each sponsorship covers the design, production and installation of the artwork, and sponsors retain their box for two years. Boxes are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and sponsors may reserve their preferred location with a 50% deposit. Sponsorship costs range from $2,000 to $2,500 per box. The Foundation also is inviting local graphic artists to submit original designs for consideration through a Call for Artists RFP. Sponsorship packets, box location maps and the sponsorship commitment form are available at munster.org/electrifying. Residents, businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring a box, submitting an artist design, or supporting the Foundation’s work may contact the Munster Civic Foundation at [email protected] or visit munster.org/electrifying for full program and sponsorship details.
FARMERS MARKET VOTING UNDERWAY
Voting is now underway for Indiana’s Ultimate Farmers Market Challenge. Now in its fourth year, this contest is a chance for community members across the state to vote for their favorite hometown farmers market to encourage local engagement and statewide recognition. Voting will run through Aug. 5. Farmers market fans are allowed one vote per person, per day. The winning farmers market will be announced Aug. 8. Farmers market nominations include: Cedar Lake Farmers Market, Lake County; Chesterton European Farmers Market, Porter County; Coffee Creek Farmers Market, Porter County; Farmers Market on Main – Hebron, Porter County; St. John Farmers Market, Lake County; and Zandstra’s Farm Market, Lake County. To vote and for more information, visit indianagrown.org/local-events/ultimate-farmers-market-challenge/.
JOURNEY TO COSTA RICA DURING VIC’S FOURTH FRIDAY
Join the Valparaiso International Center for a journey to Costa Rica during their next Fourth Friday Speaker Series from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 201 N. Washington St., Valparaiso. The featured speaker, Meylan Li, will share her experience growing up in Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, on Costa Rica’s northwestern Pacific coast. Known as the folkloric capital of Costa Rica, Santa Cruz is celebrated for its rich traditions, colorful festivals, music, dance, cuisine and enduring cultural heritage. Li’s journey has taken her far beyond her homeland. She spent two years living in China before returning to Costa Rica to complete high school and earn her Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Today, she calls Valparaiso home, where she works for a long-term care pharmaceutical company while pursuing U.S. licensure as a pharmacist. Following the presentation, guests will have an opportunity to ask questions, share in conversation and enjoy refreshments. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. More information is at valpovic.org.
MILLER BEACH ARTS DISTRICT HOSTS EXHIBIT, RECEPTION
Miller Beach Arts and Creative District is hosting the art exhibit “The Path: Rewilding and Resilience” through Aug. 28 at the Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts, 540 S. Lake St., Gary. An opening reception will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday with a cash bar and light refreshments. An Artist Talk will be held at 2 p.m. Aug. 9. “The Path: Rewilding and Resilience” is a two-person show by artists Kerri Mommer and Dawn Diamantopoulos that explores ideas centered on protecting and restoring natural environments – “rewilding” as a return to nature – and personal resilience. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday. More information can be found at millerbeacharts.org.
FRANCISCAN PRESENTS FAITH-BASED DIABETES INITIATIVE
Franciscan Health will host the latest installment in its free, faith-based diabetes initiative in partnership with local churches and community organizations. Fan Out Diabetes is a faith-based diabetes initiative that pairs minority LaPorte County congregations with Franciscan’s Community Health Improvement program and community organizations. The partnership brings two-day diabetes education, prevention and detection mini workshops to the church after Sunday services. The programs are free of charge. The events feature education, screenings, insurance enrollment assistance and more. The next sessions will take place at noon on Aug. 16 and Sept. 13 at River of Life Church, 516 Decatur St., Michigan City. Participants are asked to attend both sessions. The Fan Out Diabetes workshops are sponsored by Franciscan Health, the Michigan City Chapter of the Indiana Black Expo, CareSource, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Covering Kids and Families of Indiana and Dunebrook. Registration is not necessary and participants need not be members of the congregation to attend. For more information, contact Nila Williams at [email protected].