News briefs: Digital business program, art exhibit applications and more

Purdue Extension hosts Digital Ready Businesses program

A Purdue Extension workshop series that seeks to help Indiana small businesses build or enhance their online presence will return in a new format, focusing on practical applications of social media and AI for small businesses, in a four-part workshop series. Three workshops are in-person: “Claim Your Online Turf for Small Businesses,” Feb. 4; “Social Media for Your Small Business,” Feb. 11; and “Evaluating Your Online Marketing Effectiveness,” Feb. 18. All three will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Porter County North County Complex, 3560 Willowcreek Road, Portage. The final workshop, “Artificial Intelligence for Your Small Business,” will be held virtually on Feb. 25. Zoom video conferencing software required. Participants can attend all four sessions or only those that meet their needs. Sessions are $20 each or the complete series for $60. Registration deadline is Wednesday. E-mail Gina Avila for registration details at ghavila@purdue.edu. For more information, contact Avila at 219-465-3555 or via email.

MBACD accepting proposals for art 2027 exhibition season

The Miller Beach Arts and Creative District (MBACD) is accepting proposals for the 2027 art exhibition season. The Exhibitions Committee accepts proposals for solo and group shows in all media. The call is open to all artists residing in the NW Indiana region and the larger Chicago/Midwest area. The MBACD Exhibitions Committee strives to develop a schedule of exhibits that represent a variety and balance of 2D and 3D media, to provide space for underrepresented artists and artists of color, and to curate work to best showcase it and the gallery space. The Exhibitions Committee is comprised of artists and art professionals from the Miller community. Proposals will be accepted via email through Feb. 28. Applicants will be notified of committee decisions by early spring. The MBACD does not charge a fee for applying to exhibit. For complete information about proposal submission, requirements and examples of past/current exhibits and organizational activities, visit https://millerbeacharts.org/exhibition-proposals/. To apply or for more information, email exhibitsmbacd@gmail.com.

Community invited to shape the future of Valpo REC

Valpo Parks invites residents, users and stakeholders to share their ideas and priorities as planning moves forward on the Valpo REC project, which will transform the city’s last remaining empty industrial site into a year-round, multi-purpose facility designed to be a central hub for the community. The Valpo REC will offer diverse sports programs, interactive play areas and educational opportunities, all within a single, dynamic campus. To ensure the project reflects the needs and aspirations of the community, Valpo Parks has launched a comprehensive set of public surveys and encourages broad participation by March 1. The engagement window includes the following surveys: Community Survey; Active Senior/Adult Survey; Sports Programming Survey; Outdoor Amenities Survey; Rental Space Survey; and General Comments Form. All surveys are designed to be user-friendly and can be completed online. Residents are encouraged to participate in as many surveys as are relevant to their interests and experiences. Survey links and additional information about the Valpo REC project can be found at bit.ly/ValpoREC and social media channels Valpo Parks and Valparaiso Now.

The Empty Bowl Fundraiser supports Food Bank of NW Indiana

South Shore Arts, 1040 Catering and Strack and Van Til will sponsor The Empty Bowl Fundraiser from 4 to 7 p.m. Feb. 6 at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster. The event will feature beautifully crafted ceramic bowls made by local potters and fresh soup prepared by 1040 Catering. Enjoy live music throughout the event and a cash bar. A canned food donation bin will be available to support the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. A $35 adult donation includes the ceramic bowl and one serving of soup. A $10 kids donation includes soup only. Additional servings of soup are $10 each. Register at https://www.southshoreartsonline.org/#/empty-bowl/.

Upcycled Valentine’s Card Party

The Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County and the Art Barn will partner to host a family-friendly Upcycled Valentine’s Card Party from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Art Barn School of Art, 695 N 400 E, Valparaiso. Learn how to make beautiful Valentine’s Day cards from recycled and upcycled materials using containers, paper and other materials that might otherwise end up in the landfill. Hot and cold beverages and sweet treats will be available during the workshop as well. All materials and supplies will be provided. The cost is $5 for children, $15 for adults. Register at artbarnschool.org. For more information, call 219-465-3694 or email info@portercountyrecycling.org.