Tallian rips inadequate state spending, illusory tax cuts

INDIANAPOLIS | State Sen. Karen Tallian, D-Ogden Dunes, who led budget negotiations for the Senate Democrats, is disappointed with the spending and tax cut plan approved last week by the Republican-controlled General Assembly.

Bird series by local artist landing at Dunes Learning Center

CHESTERTON | A series of artworks depicting native perching birds by artist Melissa Washburn will be landing at Dunes Learning Center just in time for the spring migration — and for the center’s National Get Outdoors Day Open House and Picnic on June 8.

Onward, upward with the arts

One Region's recent Quality of Life Indicators Report gave the arts and culture sector the report’s only upwardly trending indicator of our region’s quality of life, noting that arts and culture enrich the lives of area residents and visitors.

Origami takes on new facets, new fans

Origami, which began hundreds of years ago in Japan, has in recent decades attracted the attention of artists, scientists and mathematicians, said Vanessa Gould, director of the 2010 documentary "Between the Folds."

Skip 'Liz & Dick' and watch a film they headline

NEW YORK (AP) — The good news: If you thought "Liz & Dick" would be lame, you aren't wrong.

Art Works Tour panel discussion

In the shadow of Audrey II from "Little Shop of Horrors," National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Rocco Landesman discusses creative placemaking Tuesday at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster.

Art Works Tour panel discussion

Rocco Landesman, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, discusses creative placemaking Tuesday at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster.

Art Works Tour panel discussion

From left, Lewis Ricci, executive director of the Indiana Arts Commission; Brenda Myers, executive director of the Hamilton County Convention and Visitors Bureau; State Rep. Eric Koch, R-Bedford; Joanna Beatty Taft, founding executive director of the Harrison Center for the Arts in Indianapo…

Art Works Tour panel discussion

Lewis Ricci, from left, Brenda Myers, State Rep. Eric Koch, Joanna Beatty Taft and National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Rocco Landesman discuss creative placemaking Tuesday at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster.

Creating places for the arts to flourish

MUNSTER | Despite funding cuts to art programs in public schools nationwide, the arts create economic development and revitalize entire communities.

Justin Bieber's new album impresses

Justin Bieber performs June 17 during the 2012 Much Music Video Awards in Toronto.

Arts, athletics are important parts of child's development

I was encouraged by Mark Kiesling's May 21 column concerning the importance of athletics and the arts in our schools.

Workers raise the rafters on proposed cultural arts center in C.P.

Nicole Schmied, development director for the Indiana Ballet Theatre, walks outside the former Lake County Nurses' Home on Friday in Crown Point. A new roof is being installed on the building, which is line to become a cultural arts center. The hope is to have a new roof in place by the end o…

DANCE - Dancing at Central Elementary

Second-graders at Central Elementary School in Valparaiso learn a dance with United Dance Arts instructor Caitlyn Hasek on Tuesday.

DANCE - Dancing at Central Elementary

Central Elementary School second-grader Anja Wagner dances with United Dance Arts instructor Caitlyn Hasek during gym class Tuesday in Valparaiso.

DANCE - Dancing at Central Elementary

Central Elementary School second-grader A.J. Kjelstrom spins while freestyle break-dancing Tuesday during a program with United Dance Arts instructor Caitlyn Hasek in Valparaiso. Today is the final day of National Dance Week, and United Dance Arts was teaching kids dance moves in gym class.

DANCE - Dancing at Central Elementary

Second-graders at Central Elementary in Valparaiso learn a dance with United Dance Arts instructor Caitlyn Hasek, right, on Tuesday.

DANCE - Dancing at Central Elementary

Aiden McNeil, a second-grader at Central Elementary School in Valparaiso, learns dance moves Tuesday with United Dance Arts instructor Caitlyn Hasek. Today is the final day of National Dance Week.

DANCE - Dancing at Central Elementary

Central Elementary School second-grader Anja Wagner jumps while learning dance moves in gym class Tuesday with United Dance Arts instructor Caitlyn Hasek at the Valparaiso school. Today is the final day of National Dance Week.

Artists sought for sculptures of historical black lawmakers

INDIANAPOLIS | The state's art, history and building agencies are seeking sculptors to craft two bronze busts of historical black lawmakers to be permanently displayed in the Statehouse.