Welcome to the 50th episode of Joleen’s Happy Time Craftcast! This week, Joleen sits down with Maria—a painter and photographer known for her dreamy, nature-inspired work that blends whimsy with wonder. Maria shares how her creative spark was reignited by everyday walks, curious questions from her kids, and the beauty hiding in plain sight. Together, they talk about playful ways to invite inspiration back in, how acrylic gouache became Maria’s go-to medium, and what happens when you let go of perfection and just make. Whether you’re a watercolor wanderer, a camera-happy hiker, or just someone who loves a good nature walk, this episode will fill your creative cup and remind you that there’s wonder everywhere—if you slow down enough to see it.

Artist Maria Overlay shows her design at the corner of Valparaiso Street and Vale Park Road. As a reminder, the City of Valparaiso invites artists to submit designs for the expanding utility box art program before the end of the year. The utility box art program is funded by the City’s Redevelopment Commission. For more information and how to submit designs, visit https://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/1571/Public-Art

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Valparaiso Creative Council would like to announce Maria Overlay Fine Art as one of our three featured artists for this first quarter!

Her works will be on display January 26-April 12 at Lower Lincoln and Roots Market Café in downtown Valparaiso Now

Join us in welcoming her talent to our community! She is known for her rich, bold, colorful paintings which provide exceptional depth and delicate detail.

Yes! Her works are available for purchase! Click “see all comments” below for examples of each piece, pricing, and how to contact Maria.

She is available @mariaoverlayfineart on Venmo for any interest you may have. *Please confirm interest with Maria before submitting payment.

Artist spotlight We are happy to be featuring some beautiful pieces from Maria Overlay Photography in our lobby. All of these images were taken here in the NWI area. The labeled artwork is available for purchase and can be paid for through her website. Come on in and take a look!

This Sunday at 7pm on Lakeshore Public Media 89.1FM Art On The Air our show features two artists featured in the Valparaiso Creative Council winter exhibit. First with self-taught artist Maria Overlay and next woodworking artist Mary Rooney whose work will be on exhibit at Lower Lincoln and Roots Cafe through April 13th.

Our Spotlight is on La Porte County Symphony Orchestra’s Sunday March 10th concert featuring the work of composer, Ingrid Stoelzel at Holdcraft Performing Arts Center.

Tune in on Sunday at 7pm on Lakeshore Public Media 89.1FM for our hour long conversation with our special guests or listen at lakeshorepublicmedia.org/show/art-on-the-air

, Listen to past ART ON THE AIR shows at lakeshorepublicmedia.org/AOTA

or brech.com/aota

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