Visitors to Michigan City’s Washington Park can shop the very best of fine art and craft at the 29th annual Lubeznik Center for the Arts Lakefront Art Festival, Saturday and Sunday August 21st & 22nd. 
Work by over 100 artists and craftspeople from across the country will be on display, featuring beautiful one-of-a-kind items at every price range. A team of jurors reviewed prospective artists earlier this year to ensure quality and variety. Offerings run the gamut, from jewelry and wearable art to sculpture and painting. Lubeznik Center Board Member, and owner of Michigan City’s Blink Gallery, Suzanne Cohan-Lange says, “We looked at an amazing range of submissions from some very talented artisans. The work gets better and better every year.”
Newcomers include Dave and Cathy Davis, jewelry makers from Trenton, MI. Although they have a storefront in Trenton, they enjoy the opportunity to meet new people. “Why wait for our customers to come to us?" says Cathy, "We like to go to our customers.”
Several popular artists from previous years will be returning, including 2009 first place winner Samuel Yao, whose breathtaking baskets are a perennial favorite. Artist Braxton Eikenberry will be back with his beautiful stained glass panels. He says that he likes to integrate found objects because “they have their own special history and vibe” and is particularly excited about his new glass and metal sculptural pieces.
Another popular feature of the festival has returned this year: the international food court! Everything from brats, burgers and hot-dogs to burritos, chicken pitas and walleye sandwiches can be sampled without ever leaving the park. Got a sweet tooth? Roasted nuts, homemade ice-cream or tropical shave ice might be more to your taste.
The free Children’s Art Activity Tent is back this year as well, with fun painting activities and clay on the potter's wheel. On Saturday at 2 p.m., Michiana Clowns will be on hand to entertain with face painting & balloon sculptures while Washington Park Zoo will delight small visitors with an on-site petting zoo.
A complimentary shuttle service will deliver festival-goers to the gate from several nearby locations offering free parking to visitors:
- Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets North lot (near US 12)
- Lubeznik Center for the Arts
- Michigan City Chamber of Commerce
- Michigan City, City Hall
- Parking lot at 5th & Pine
All lots are a short walking distance to Washington Park (3-4 blocks or about 5 to 10 minutes). Note that there is a fee to park inside Washington Park.
Part of Michigan City's "Anchors and Art Weekend," the Lakefront Art Festival will share the park with the In-Water Boat Show this year — making these popular events bigger and better than ever.
Lubeznik Center’s Lakefront Art Festival hours are 10:00 a.m.— 6:00 p.m. (Chicago time) on Saturday August 21st, and 10:00 a.m.— 5:00 p.m. on Sunday August 22nd. Admission is just $4.00, LCA members and children under 12 are free.
The Lubeznik Center is located at 101 W. 2nd St., at the lakefront in Michigan City, IN. Gallery Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:00am to 5:00pm, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Galleries are closed on Mondays. For more information please visit www.lubeznikcenter.org or call 219-874-4900. All times are based on Chicago time.