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Life Work: The Artists Hazel & Vin Hannell

OPENS MAY 9, 2025 - This featured exhibition explores what it means to be an artist by mapping the artistic journeys of Vin & Hazel Hannell from Chicago to Furnessville and beyond. The Hannells had prolific, passionate, and generous careers that established them as emblematic regional artists of the mid-twentieth century.

Hazel’s life spanned three centuries, and Vin’s artistic origins went back to Finland. The couple worked in many different media: sculpture, drawing, painting, printmaking, and pottery.

Life Work is part of a collaboration with the Art Barn School of Art, Chesterton Art Center, Pines Village Retirement Communities, and Westchester Township History Museum, all of which will host events about the Hannells this year.

 
Events
Closed for Exhibit Changeover
Apr 24
Closed for Exhibit Changeover
Closed for Exhibit Changeover
Apr 25
Closed for Exhibit Changeover
Explore the Stagecoach Inn
Apr 26
Explore the Stagecoach Inn
Closed for Exhibit Changeover
Apr 26
Closed for Exhibit Changeover

Founded in 1916 by the Porter County Historical Society (now the PoCo Muse Foundation), the PoCo Muse is the oldest institution devoted to the history and culture of Porter County.

Artifacts were displayed in the lower level of the Valparaiso Public Library from 1916 until 1937, on the top floor of the Porter County Courthouse from 1938 until 1973, and inside the 1871 Porter County Jail from 1975 until 2020. The PoCo Muse opened its doors at 20 Indiana Avenue in downtown Valparaiso on May 19, 2022.

Our exhibits and programs highlight Porter County’s rich history, and have much to tell visitors about our county’s past, present, and future. We hope that when you visit, you leave with a better understanding of the unique character of Porter County, along with its diversity, vibrancy, and beauty.

“This may be the best small museum in the USA.”

— Natalie Z. | Yelp review

“Truly a gem in our community […] we are very fortunate to have such an amazing local cultural resource!”

— Ben | Facebook review

I brought my daughter who thought it'd be totally lame […] so we made a bet. If it was, I would have to get her a cupcake from the local bakery. I did not have to buy the cupcake. 

—Wende B. | Facebook review

“The public programming they provide is informative, reflective and fun. The exhibits challenge visitors to think of history in the context of their own lives. Museum-goers discover their shared history, and we are a stronger community as a result of these discoveries.”

— Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas

"The institution has tackled difficult subjects like civil rights and homelessness but has managed to stimulate engagement and conversation. More importantly, the Porter County Museum has demonstrated the true diversity that exists within our borders."

— Former Chesterton Town Manager C. Bernard Doyle

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