Art classes start soon

Arts Place has a variety of art classes scheduled to start in the coming weeks.

The next class scheduled to begin is macrame bracelet making on Oct. 4. Other classes to begin in October include toddler art for 3 to 5 year olds on Oct. 6, intermediate wheel throwing and Halloween cookies and canvas on Oct. 16, and American folk art for homeschoolers Oct. 26.

Additional classes are slated to begin in November and December.

To register for classes, visit myartsplace.easybooking.site. For more information, email [email protected]   or call (260) 726-4809.

VA health care

The deadline for some veterans to enroll in VA health care is Sept. 30.

Veterans who deployed to a combat zone, left active duty between Sept. 11, 2001 and Oct. 1, 2013, and never enrolled in VA health care are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care. They can apply online at va.gov or in person at a VA facility.

Auction scheduled

Arts Place will host its annual holiday benefit auction Nov. 17.

This year’s event is themed after “A Christmas Story.” (Jay County Civic Theatre will present its production of the musical Dec. 7, 8, 9, 15, 16 and 17 at Arts Place.)

The auction will feature refreshments, a silent auction and a live auction.

For more information, email [email protected] or call (260) 726-4809.

Auditions set

Creative Arts Theater of Wells County will hold auditions for its production of “White Christmas” Oct. 6 and 7.

Auditions will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 6 and 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 7 at the Creative Arts Council, 428 S. Oak St., Bluffton. They are open to ages 12 and older.

Those interested in auditioning are urged to pre-register at wellscocreativearts.com/holiday-production.

Performances will be Dec. 7, 8 and 9. For more information, call (260) 824-5222.

Exhibit open

“Landscape: Speculations and Provocations” is on display until Oct. 5 at the Jay County Campus of Arts Place.

The exhibit features the work of Ruth Lantz. The Illinois artist draws inspiration from landscapes and digital art forms, including video games.

Arts Place is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.

For more information, email [email protected]  or call (260) 726-4809.

Grants available

Indiana Destination Development Corporation has announced the availability of two grants — the Indiana Destination Development Grant and IN Indiana Placemaking Activation Grant.

The placemaking activation grant offers communities the opportunity to create IN Indiana artwork and signage in highly visible locations throughout the state. (The City of Portland, Arts Place and Portland Main Street Connect partnered to receive a grant this year that funded the new mural on the north side of Community Resource Center.) The development grant offers funding for “high-impact projects that raise Indiana's capacity for attracting visitors, providing tourism experiences and enhance residential quality of life.”

“Indiana is a diverse state that’s full of character, and we plan to continue showcasing that through these placemaking and development projects,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. 

The deadline to apply is Feb. 2. For more information, go to visitindiana.com.