The Northwest Indiana region is full of creative individuals oozing with artistic talent. Lubeznik Center for the Arts makes it possible for many to have their moment in the sun by proudly showcasing local work through exhibition displays, its artisan gift shop, and many community events throughout the year. Whether the medium be pencil, crayon, clay, or anything in between, Lubeznik fully paints the picture of talent near and far for all to enjoy.
At Lubeznik, artists of all ages and backgrounds are invited to display their work at the Michigan City center. This setup makes it possible to see exhibits from a nationally known artist and local elementary students in the same visit.
“It’s exciting because you can get art in Michigan City that you'd normally have to travel to Chicago or New York or somewhere bigger to see,” said Marketing Manager Jessie Sexton. “You can come to your local art center and find it all here, even from people you might know as well.”
Lubeznik’s main galleries include the Hyndman Gallery, the Brincka/Cross Gallery, Susan Block Gallery, and others that feature artists nationwide. They include locally based artists from cities such as Chicago but can also feature exhibits from New York and beyond.
Take a trip to the lower level to find the NIPSCO Educational Studios for artwork made by local artists and the Region’s younger creatives. This includes school-based programs, such as art work from elementary students from Michigan City Area Schools currently on display. For younger children looking to explore their artistic talents, Lubeznik also offers a free Teen Arts Council for ages 13-18, with the next meeting coming up soon on May 23.
It’s also possible to bring some of these artists' works home at the center’s artisan gift shop, so make sure to stop by for a unique treasure.
“Our jewelry shop manager, Naomi, is amazing,” Sexton said. “We have items from some local artists, some Chicago artists, and some further out. We have everyday items like pottery, jewelry, prints, paintings, sculptures – you name it, we have it!”
While Lubeznik is open six days a week (closed only Tuesdays) for visitors to explore the exhibitions, the center also hosts many engaging events throughout the year for the community to interact with the art and artists and even share some of their own work.
Lubeznik is always bustling with excitement on the first Friday of the month. Appropriately titled First Fridays, these events offer a ton of different art-related activities for the local community, including open mic sessions, poetry slams, and sometimes opening receptions for exhibitions with a cash bar and a chance to meet the artists, all free of charge.
For a few years now, Lubeznik has also been venturing out into the Michigan City community to bring a pop of color to the area, working with local artists to paint a series of murals across the city.
A multitude of annual and festive staples are also hosted by Lubeznik each year, many of which are happening very soon now that summer has arrived!
The Young Artists Expo event will be held June through July this year with the Lindsey O'Brien Kesling Wishing Tree Foundation to honor talented, school-aged individuals. It will also feature a special annual appearance from the South Shore Dance Alliance to celebrate the youth in arts. On June 22, get ready for a night out supporting the arts at Lubeznik’s Art Bash Gala. This year’s gala is themed “Heroes and Villains and Femme Fatales” to complement an upcoming exhibition at the center. Finally, Lubeznik’s beloved Art Festival, planned for August 17 and 18, will feature plenty of artists, family-friendly art activities, live music, and more, making it a fun way to wrap up the summer before the school year begins.
During the holiday and winter months, Lubeznik also invites the community to come visit its Holiday Market, where many items from the artisan market will be featured in the center’s lobby, as well as a trunk show and special appearances from some of the artists.
Lubeznik has always loved sharing art with the Northwest Indiana community over the years. It has all been made possible through its generous members, who pay just $36 for an individual membership and $64 for a family. To become a member, stop in to fill out some paperwork or complete a brief form on the center’s website to help continue to bring these amazing art experiences to Northwest Indiana.
Additionally, the center is always inviting artists to get involved at the center, and all it takes is a quick email to get started! For those looking to sell their creations at the market, contact Gallery Shop Manager Naomi Elson at nelson@lubeznikcenter.org for more information. For those interested in displaying their work at the center, contact Curator Whitney Bradshaw at wbradshaw@lubeznikcenter.org or Education Director Nelsy Marcano at nmarcano@lubeznikcenter.org to learn more. Summer art classes are also open for registration for those looking to build on their artistic skills.
In the meantime, Lubeznik encourages everyone to come check out the exhibitions. The team is extremely excited for its newest upcoming exhibit “KAPOW! Mighty Mythos,” running from July 1-October 19, which will feature comic books, toys, and the like from 1960-1980 created by Michigan City native and Graf Dairy Hero Foundation Founder Werner Graf. With a local spin on some classic and nostalgic pieces of art, Lubeznik is sure it’s going to be a major hit this summer.
For more information on Lubeznik Center for the Arts, please visit lubeznikcenter.org.
