The Chesterton Art Center is dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of Northwest Indiana. We believe that art is for everyone!
Planning A Visit
Chesterton Art Center is free and open to the public weekdays from 11am to 4pm and on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm CST with additional hours for special events or programs. To learn about those, sign up for our monthly e-newsletter at the bottom of this page.
While our front entrance is not accessible to those using wheelchairs or walkers, our southern classroom entrance is accessible and open during our business hours and for special events. We have accessible classroom and restroom facilities, and our interior galleries include ramp access. Any visitor or group with questions about accessing our facilities, or who may require further accommodations, may call our offices at (219) 926-4711 or email us at gallery@chestertonart.org.
History
After establishing the first juried Chesterton Art Fair, in 1960 a group of local artists founded the nonprofit Association of Artists & Craftsmen of Porter County (AACPC). Ernest Schwidder was the AACPC’s first chairman and Gloria Rector was the Center’s first paid director.
The original Art Center was located on the top floor of the Main Street building at 119 S. Calumet Road in Chesterton. In the 1970’s, the historic machine shop building on 4th Street was acquired and christened the Gilbert Gallery. The Center’s name later changed to the Chesterton Art Gallery, and presently the official name is the Chesterton Art Center.
In 1992, a two-story classroom was added adjacent to the main galleries which now hosts over 150 classes and workshops annually.
Today the AACPC can proudly say that the Art Center membership has steadily increased to over 350 members, offers continuing education for the arts, and is a venue for regional artists to display and sell their artwork.
Chesterton Art Center is an IRS 501c3 non-profit arts organization.
Support Us
Any amount you would care to donate makes a huge difference. You may donate through our website or, drop a check in the mail.
