The Lubeznik Center for the Arts proudly announces the award recipients from the 26^th Annual Lakefront Art Festival. Artists were selected by a panel of five judges including: Lionel Bolin & Jean Rudd – collectors and fine craft connoisseurs, and Lionel is a Board member of the Lubeznik Center; Steve and Joyce Rebora – Sculptor & Painter respectively, both from Chicago; Rich Bukva, photographer and owner of Bukva Imaging, a photography studio & print shop located in Michigan City. Judging took place on Saturday, August 18^th and winners were announced later in the afternoon.

Ribbons and a total of $3000 in cash awards were presented in five categories this year: Category I - Best Two-Dimensional Art, including paintings, watercolors, oil, printmaking and drawing: 1st Place, Susan Sturgill; 2nd Place, Neil Kienitz; 3rd Place, Clark Stoeckley. Category II - Best in Three-Dimensional Art, including sculpture, wood, metal, stone, ceramics and glass: 1st Place, Mark Donham; 2nd Place, Patricia Hecker; 3rd Place, Jon Hook. Category III - Best Jewelry: 1st Place, Regina Boger; 2nd Place, Cynthia Hicks; 3rd Place, Bob & Marguerite Vonesh. Category IV - Best Photography: 1st Place, John Peer; 2nd Place, Jonathan Shuff; 3rd Place, James Richmond. Category V - Best Fiber Art, including basketry, weaving & wearable art: 1st Place, Samuel Yao; 2nd Place, Carol Adamson; 3rd Place, Bonnie Eastwood. Congratulations to the artists!

The Festival took place Saturday and Sunday, August 18^th & 19^th. Artist participation was up by 20% over last year and the Lubeznik Center is impressed with the range and quality of the artists’ work. This is a 50% increase in participation over just 2 years ago!

Mark your calendar for the 2008 Lakefront Art Festival which will take place on August 16^th and 17^th in the same location. For more information, call 219-874-4900 or visit http://www.lubeznikcenter.org.