Wednesday, January 11
Members’ Hard-Hat Tour and Reception
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Informatika, opening to the public on January 14. Meet artists Andy Plioplys and Peter Gray as they install this exhibition of work emerging from the cutting edge of medical imaging. LCA membership and reservations are required to attend this exclusive event. Phone 219.874.4900 or email to reserve your space. Not a member? Join today!

Saturday, January 7
Opera Appreciation with Dennis Brittain
11:00 – 12:30 p.m.

The Metropolitan Opera’s Peabody and Emmy Award-winning series The Met: Live in HD continues for its sixth season with live HD transmissions to Michigan City’s AMC Showplace Cinema. Learn the stories and musical structure behind the performances with opera buff and educator Dennis Brittain at Lubeznik Center for the Arts. Reservations are required. A $3 suggested donation is requested.

Friday, January 6
First Fridays @ 5: Happy Re-new Year
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Join us for an evening of renewal and inspiration. Get a tarot reading or a massage by therapists from Blue Chip Casino’s Spa Blu, nutrition advice from Nature’s Cupboard, take a “peaceful pause” with practitioners from The Massage Therapy & Wellness Center, create a vision board with hypnotherapist Randi Light and sample exotic teas at our monthly after-hours open house. Admission is free. Refreshments will be available.

Saturday, December 17
Chili Night in the Uptown Art District
3:00 – 7:00 p.m.

The fine art of chili will be served up by Kristy Bardol of Soda Dog during the UAD’s first annual Chili Night sponsored by Michigan City Mainstreet Association. Kristy says they’re going to “spice it up” and calls their chili entry “bold & traditional”.  Twelve cooks at twelve venues will participate, with a limited number of tasting tickets sold on a first come, first served basis at the December 2nd First Friday event.

Saturday, December 10
Uptown Arts District Culinary Walk
3:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Lubeznik Center presents the fine art of pizza during the UAD’s first annual Holiday Culinary Walk benefiting Michigan City’s Mainstreet Association. Play, shop, celebrate and sample the best of Michigan City during this “Winter Wonderland” event at locations throughout the Uptown Arts District. Tasting tickets are just $1 each and available at participating venues.

Friday, December 2
First Fridays @ 5: Holiday Artisan Market
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Kick off the season with an evening of holiday cheer and inspiration. Browse our spectacular Holiday Artisan Market, view current exhibits and enjoy live music by the Marquette Singers.  Purchase an artist-made ornament (or two!) and help us raise funds to benefit Lubeznik Center education outreach. Refreshments will be available. Admission is free.

November 8, 2011
Holiday Artisan Market Opening Day

A spectacular display of gift-giving possibilities, including offerings from some of the Midwest's finest craftspeople, put the art into holiday shopping at this annual showcase. Shop early for the best selection!

November 4, 2011
First Fridays @ 5: Day of the Dead
5:00–8:00PM

Celebrate El Día de los Muertos, which honors deceased family members, at this month’s after-hours open house. Bring photographs, favorite foods, candles and mementos to leave at our ofrenda (altar) honoring the deceased, and then celebrate among friends with art, refreshments from the Hacienda Mexican Restaurant and a modern dance performance by Élan Dance Company. Special thanks to Bridge Inn Dockside Suites for lodging our performers! Admission is FREE.

September 11, 2011
Trail Creek Fun Float Reception
12:00PM

Join the Northwest Indiana Paddling Association at this year’s Trail Creek Fun Float. Named “Meehwaysebeway” by the Potawatomi Indians (which means “a creek along which there was a trail”), Trail Creek has served as a trading route, source of food and water trail. Recent efforts to revitalize the waterway have helped highlight its recreational potential. Last year over 140 paddlers spent a beautiful day on the water before gathering at Lubeznik Center for refreshments, and to view current exhibitions. This year, paddlers will have an opportunity to view original Lake Michigan Water Trail and Shirley Heinz Land Trust poster art, as well as dozens of “fish prints” created by local school children as part of Coastal Week’s educational programming. Learn more at www.nwipa.org.

October 7, 2011
First Fridays @ 5
5:00–8:00PM

Take advantage of this opportunity to view Melissa Jay Craig: Transcriptions in Lubeznik Center’s Brincka/Cross and Robert Saxton Galleries before new exhibitions open on the 14th, plus new work in our Area Artists Association Gallery. Mix and mingle at this month’s after-hours open house. Admission is free.

May 31– September 5, 2011
Blue Star Museums

Lubeznik Center is proud to support this Operation Appreciation initiative from Blue Star Families in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. This summer we’ll admit active duty military families to the center free of charge.

September 2, 2011
First Fridays @ 5: Chill Out
5:00─8:00PM

Chill out to the cool guitar stylings of award-winning guitarist, Peter Aglinskas, plus Dilly Bars, courtesy of Jack’s Dairy Queen in Lake Station, IN.

Possessing a vast repertoire, ranging from soul to traditional Spanish and flamenco, Aglinskas will feature original solo fingerstyle guitar arrangements from his “Sepia Session” and “South Shore Soul” recordings at this month's First Friday after-hours event. Admission is free.

August 20 & 21, 2011
Lubeznik Center for the Arts Lakefront Art Festival
Washington Park

Now in its 30th year, Lubeznik Center’s Lakefront Art Festival brings the very best of art and fine craft from artists throughout the country to Michigan City's Washington Park. Your $4 admission supports world-class exhibits, programs and outreach across the region. LCA members and children under 12 are admitted free. Sponsored by: Bulk Transport, The Chronicle, Lakeshore Public Television, The Lakeshore 89.1 FM, Lamar, Michigan City LaPorte Convention and Visitors Bureau, McDonalds, The News Dispatch, NIPSCO, Post-Tribune, The Times Media Company, Shore Magazine, WIMS AM1420, WNIT Public Television.

August 5, 2011
First Fridays @ 5: Art my Car
5:00─8:00PM

Fresh off his “Awesome Gigs: Grafitti Artist” presentation on July 21, artist Marco Salazar returns to demonstrate his technique on Lubeznik Center Gallery Shop manager, Esther Guncheon’s car. Come watch this work of art evolve over the course of the night as you mix and mingle. Admission is free.

July 21, 2011
Awesome Gigs: Graffiti Artist
7:00─9:00PM

What does it take to become a graffiti artist? Do you need formal training? Can you make a living at it? Have you been arrested for art? Learn the answers to these questions and more when our Awesome Gigs series continues with fine art painter, air brush artist and muralist, Marco Salazar. Admission is free. Sponsored by Shoreline Brewery.

Saturday, July 9, 2011
Saddle Up Soirée
Firefly Farm, LaPorte

Featuring live musical performances, equestrian demonstrations, line dancing and cowboy cuisine, this year’s annual fundraising dinner dance at scenic Firefly Farm will be one you won’t want to miss. Get ready to cowboy up!

July 1, 2011
First Fridays @ 5: Text Messages Artists Reception
5:00–8:00PM

Celebrate the arrival of our newest addition to the sculpture garden, Amanda Katz’ Vessel, plus 2 new exhibitions: Text Messages, featuring the work of Jean Bevier, Jennifer Boe, Karin Vance Chickadel, Lora Fosberg, Amanda Katz, Michael Bill Smith and Charles Wickler; and Melissa Jay Craig Transcriptions, featuring sculpture works of handmade paper that explore scale, color and texture.

As always, refreshments will be available and admission is FREE.

Sunday, June 12
Jazz Concert with Monika Herzig
7:00PM

Acclaimed jazz pianist, composer and Owl Studios recording artist, Monika Herzig returns to Lubeznik Center with a concert spotlighting music written by women. Reprising a program that she recently performed in Rome, Herzig will infuse the program with the history of women in jazz and beyond while featuring music by Marian McPartland, Jessica Williams, Billie Holiday, May Aufderheide, and Carol King as well as original compositions. Herzig’s tributes cover many genres of jazz — from blues to swing to ragtime. Admission is $6 for Lubeznik Center members and $10 for the public. Tickets will be held at the door. Doors open at 6:15, program starts at 7:00 p.m. For information or reservations please phone 219.874.4900.

Sponsored By WIMS AM 1420

Friday, June 3
First Fridays @ 5: Summer Vacation
5:00─8:00PM

Kick off your summer, and your shoes, at this month’s First Friday open house! Enjoy summer foods, fashions and music – and enter our first annual flip flop contest. Bring your best flip flops to enter. Judging begins at 7:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded in several categories, including:

Most Unusual
Best Use of Bling
Beachiest
Flip Flop Formal Wear
Tot Flops

…plus a book signing by Jonita Davis, author of a history of Michigan City’s Washington Park and an artist reception for “Material Girl,” Tommy Fitzsimmons. Admission is free.

Thursday, May 19
Joan Chesterton
Woman as Artist, Woman as Muse: Diamond Collection Posters of the Belle Époque 1890-1910
7:00PM

Join Lubeznik Center for the Arts for an illuminating evening of art history and insight with American Art expert Joan Chesterton. Doors open at 6:30, program starts at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $3, free for LCA members. Phone 219.874.4900 for reservations. Program support provided through a matching grant from the Indiana Humanities Council in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Friday, May 6
First Fridays @ 5: An Evening of Short Plays by Local Authors
5:00─8:00PM

Join us for an evening of dramatic performances by local artists. Refreshments will be available. Admission is free.

Friday, April 1
First Fridays @ 5: Poetry Slam
5:00–8:00PM

Poetry Slam is back by popular demand!  Join us for a spirited evening of creative, collaborative and competitive spoken word performance. Refreshments will be available. Admission is free. Phone 219.874.4900 for more information.

Thursday, March 24
Members Preview Event
5:30 pm–8:00 pm

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming season with Lubeznik Center Exhibition Curator Carol Ann Brown and gain insight into the curatorial process. Meet Clemens Bak, son of 100 Views of Chicago artist Bronislaw Bak and hear his father's incredible story, tour the LCA Permanent Collection rooms, preview this year's Lakefront Art Festival offerings, get a sneak peek at plans for July's Saddle-up Soirée and enjoy a light buffet provided by Emma’s Eats as you mix and mingle at this members-only event. Reserve by March 20: 219.874.4900.

Friday, March 4
First Fridays @ 5: Chicago Style
5:00–8:00PM

Tour “100 Views of Chicago” while enjoying the flavors of Chicago at our monthly after-hours open house. Refreshments will be available. Admission is free. Phone 219.874.4900 for more information.

Saturday, February 5
Family Art Day
12:00 pm–2:00 pm (CST)

Join us for a day of family fun and art sponsored by Tri Kappa’s Delta Mu chapter. Alison Jaksa, popular instructor of Lubeznik Center's Young Artists’ Studio will engage the entire family in a creative Underground Railroad quilt project. Students of all ages will design and produce a quilt square celebrating African-American’s hard won road to freedom. The resulting squares will be assembled into a quilt that will hang in Lubeznik Center's NIPSCO Art Education Studios in celebration of Black History Month. All supplies will be provided. Tuition is just $5 per person. A limited number of scholarships are available. Phone 219.874.4900 for more information.

Friday, February 4
First Fridays @ 5: Beer Tasting
5:00–8:00PM

In keeping with our “Saloon Society Chicago Style” exhibit, sample the brewing arts at this month’s after-hours event. Participating breweries include Michigan City’s Shoreline Brewery; Crown Brewing of Crown Point, IN; and Figure Eight Brewing of Valparaiso. Author Rita Kohn will be here to read and sign copies of her book, “True Brew: A Guide to Craft Beer in Indiana.” Admission is free. Phone 219.874.4900 for more information.

Thursday, January 20
Awesome Gigs: Brewmaster
7:00–9:00PM

What kind of training does it take to become a brewmaster? Do you have to be born with the skill? Or can it be developed? Do you ever get bored with beer? Learn the answers to these questions and more when our Awesome Gigs series continues with Shoreline Brewery’s Sam Strupek. Admission is free. Phone 219.874.4900 for more information.

Friday, January 7
First Fridays @ 5: Happy Re-new Year
5:00–8:00PM

Have the holidays taken a toll on your well-being? Join us for an evening of renewal and inspiration.

For one night only, our galleries will host a variety of local practitioners eager to share their knowledge of massage, acupuncture, herbs and more. See into your future with a card reading or commit your intentions to paper by creating a vision board. Take advantage of opportunities to sample healthy foods, gain inspiration from current exhibitions or shop for bargains at the Gallery Shop. Kick back and relax, the holiday season is over! Admission is FREE.

Through December 30, 2010
Get Lucky!

Imagine yourself behind the wheel of this classic 1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SL:

• 8 Cylinders
• Automatic transmission
• Air conditioning
• 83,000 miles
• Maintained by Classic Imports of New Buffalo
• Convertible with optional hard top
• Original “Buttercup” exterior

Proceeds benefit Lubeznik Center arts programming, education and outreach throughout the region. Tickets are just $100 each. Only 250 chances to win will be sold. Make sure you get yours! Drawing to be held December 30, 2010. You need not be present to win. Purchase online or in person at Lubeznik Center. Phone (219)874-4900 for more information.

December 3, 2010
FREE First Fridays@5: Holiday Artisan Market
5:00–8:00PM

Trim your tree with art! Help us raise funds to benefit Lubeznik Center education programming by purchasing one-of-a-kind, handcrafted ornament, or make one yourself! Refreshments will be available. Admission is free. Phone 219.874.4900 for more information.

November 30, 2010
Joan Chesterton
Beyond the Arches: Selected Works from McDonald’s Corporate Art Collection
7:00PM

Join Lubeznik Center for the Arts for an illuminating evening of art history and insight with American Art expert Joan Chesterton. Doors open at 6:30, program starts at 7:00 p.m.  Admission is $3, free for LCA members. Phone 219.874.4900 for more information.

November 19, 2010 7:00PM
Untapped: Saloon Society Panel Discussion

Join Lubeznik Center for the Arts, for a “spirited” evening of history and insight with Chicago writer and newsman Rick Kogan. This event is free and open to the public.

November 13, 2010
Beyond the Arches: Selected Works from McDonald’s Corporate Art Collection
Benefit Exhibit Preview and Reception: November 13, 6­-9 pm
Public Opening Reception: November 19, 5­-8 pm

An enthusiastic supporter of emerging artists for over 30 years, McDonald’s collection spans decades and includes contemporary works by regional, national and international artists. Be among the first to see these distinguished and rarely viewed artworks at a reception and celebration benefiting Lubeznik Center exhibits, education and outreach. Tickets are $50 per person.

Sponsors:

November 11, 2010
Holiday Ornament Workshop
6:00–9:00PM

Help us raise funds to benefit Lubeznik Center education programming. Create an ornament (or two) to donate to our first annual Holiday Artisan Market, opening on Friday, December 3.  Celebrate the season with crafts and camaraderie at this open studio workshop. Bring your own supplies — we’ll provide the refreshments! This event is free and open to the public.

November 5, 2010
FREE First Fridays@5: Day of the Dead
5:00–8:00PM

Celebrate El Día de los Muertos with refreshments, music & more! This event is free and open to the public.

October 21, 2010
Awesome Gigs: Rock n’ Roll Photographer
7:00 pm–9:00 pm

Awesome Gigs returns in October with special guest, Bobby Talamine. One of the top rock n’ roll photographers in the country, he has photographed virtually every notable musical act since 1977 including Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, Rolling Stones, Mariah Carey, U2, The Who, Bruce Springsteen and more. Bobby will answer questions like, “How does one become a Rock n’ Roll photographer?” “What kind of training do you need?” “What kind of equipment do you use?” and more. Join Bobby for a casual Q&A at Shoreline Brewery following the program.

Admission is FREE.

Sponsors:

October 1, 2010
First Fridays @ 5: Poetry Slam returns!
5:00 pm–8:00 pm

ATTENTION POETS, PERFORMERS, RAPPERS AND RANTERS! Poetry Slam returns to Lubeznik Center for the Arts on Friday October 1.

Our last Poetry Slam proved to be entertaining for performers and audience members alike. A creative, competitive spoken word performance emphasizing audience involvement and welcoming a wide range of voices, anyone is welcome to perform, but all competitors must adhere to the following rules:

• All work must be original and of the performers’ own construction
• No props, costumes, or musical instruments
• You must pre-register in order to read

Do you have what it takes to slam the competition? Please contact Janet Bloch, at 219.874.4900 for more information, or to register.

Saturday, September 25, 2010
Be a Spark!
12:00–3:00 p.m. (CST)
6:00–8:00 p.m. (CST)

Are you a Lubeznik Center member, volunteer or instructor? Have you participated in one of our classes or workshops? Have you exhibited in one of our galleries? Then you are a Spark!

Your support makes it possible for us the deliver the spark of inspiration and imagination throughout the region with world-class arts programming, education and outreach. We’d like to recognize and celebrate that support in our upcoming fundraising campaign and annual meeting. Please stop by on Saturday, September 25 between the hours of 12 and 3, or 6 and 8 to have your portrait snapped as part of an effort to create a stronger, more vibrant Lubeznik Center for the Arts.

Sunday, September 12
NWIPA Trail Creek Fun Float Reception

Join the Northwest Indiana Paddling Association for their 4th Annual Trail Creek Fun Float, an Indiana Coast Week event celebrating the natural splendor of our Lake Michigan Coastline. Last year, nearly 70 canoeists and kayakers took part in this 6 mile trip from Lake Michigan to International Friendship Gardens and back. This year’s Fun Float will emphasize the native ecology and natural history of Trail Creek, as well as ongoing restoration and revitalization efforts throughout the watershed. Afterwards, participants will gather at Lubeznik Center for the Arts where current exhibits feature works inspired by the natural world. Refreshments will be provided by sponsors including Family Express, Great Lakes Catering and Shirley Heinze Land Trust. Participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt sponsored by NIPSCO.

Paddlers should meet at Michigan City’s Washington Park Boat Ramps at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 12. Free parking will be available for Fun Float paddlers in Washington Park. Chicago River Canoe and Kayak will provide rental canoes and kayaks. Contact Ryan Chew at 312-823-3384 or ryanwc@sbcglobal.net by September 10th to reserve.

Sponsors:

May 31– September 6, 2010
Blue Star Museums

Lubeznik Center is proud to support this Operation Appreciation initiative from Blue Star Families in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. This summer we’ll admit active duty military families to the center free of charge.

August 21–22, 2010
Lubeznik Center for the Arts Lakefront Art Festival

Part of the Anchors and Art Weekend, the 29th annual Lakefront Art Festival will showcase the best of art and craft from artists throughout the country. Enjoy food, fun and art in Michigan City’s lakefront Washington Park.

August 1, 2010
Concert: Monika Herzig
Doors open at 6:15pm
Performance at 7:00pm

Acclaimed jazz pianist, composer and recording artist, Monika Herzig returns to the Lubeznik Center for the Arts with a concert spotlighting Indiana-born composers and songwriters  including Cole Porter, JJ Johnson, Hoagy Carmichael, David Baker, Freddie Hubbard and Julia Niebergall to name just a few.  Herzig, with guitarist Peter Kienle, perform all genres of jazz — from blues to swing to ragtime. Admission is $10, $6 for LCA members.

July 7, 2010
Awesome Gigs: Harlan Thompson, Tattoo Artist
7:00PM

How does one become a tattoo artist? What is a typical day like? What kind of training do you need? Learn the answers to these questions and more at this unique presentation by Drawn to Tattoos curator, and owner of Pioneer Studios, Harlan Thompson. Join Harlan after the event for a casual Q&A at Shoreline Brewery. Admission is FREE.

Sponsored By:

June 12, 2010
Rock the Runway
4:00 pm

4 celebrity judges and a fashion icon.
1 winning designer.

Emerging designers Rocked the Runway on Saturday, June 12 at Lubeznik Center for the Arts.  Hosted by fashion icon Nena Ivon and juried by an all-star panel including Cynthia Ashby, ANKO, Linda Heister and Shore’s own Joe Durk, this fashion showdown rocked to electronica music by Button.

June 4, 2010
First Fridays @ 5
5:00 pm–8:00 pm

Join us for a Family-Friendly First Friday @ 5 featuring a carnival atmosphere, light bites, libations & more!  

May 22, 2010
A Night in Venice
6:00 pm–Midnight

Join Lubeznik Center for the Arts members, board, friends, supporters and staff for A Night in Venice, a magical night of dinner and dancing plus live and silent auctions featuring fabulous packages, one-of-a-kind getaways and unbelievable offers. Proceeds benefit Lubeznik Center for the Arts community outreach, education, and exhibits.

May 7, 2010
First Fridays @ 5
5:00 pm-8:00 pm

ATTENTION POETS, PERFORMERS, RAPPERS AND RANTERS! Lubeznik Center for the Arts continues their First Fridays @ 5 series on May 7th with a Poetry Slam, hosted by Poetry Slam pioneer Marc Smith.

What's a Poetry Slam, you ask? Simply put, a Poetry Slam is a creative, competitive spoken word performance − emphasizing audience involvement and welcoming a wide range of voices. Lyrics, love letters, diatribes, poems and prose are all welcome!

The night of the Slam, judges will be appointed from the audience to score each performer on a scale from 0 to 10, evaluating both content and performance. The audience is encouraged to respond to both performers and judges in any way they see fit − from impassioned cheering to good-natured heckling.

The winners will take home bragging rights and prizes. Anyone is welcome to perform, but competitors must adhere to the following rules:

• All work must be original and of the performers’ own construction
• No props, costumes, or musical instruments
• You must pre-register in order to read

Do you have what it takes to slam the competition? Please contact Janet Bloch, Lubeznik Center's Education Coordinator at 219.874.4900 for more information, or to register. Deadline for early registration is at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 30th.

April 24, 2010
Opening Reception
7:00-9:00 pm

Celebrate the opening of our new exhibits featuring work by Tony Fitzpatrick, Carl Holzman, Harlan Thompson and Twila Beahm with light bites, libations and a chance to mix and mingle. This event is free and open to the public.

March 16, 2010
New Moderns Panel Discussion
7:00 pm

Artist, curator and educator Doug Stapleton leads a discussion of abstraction and form in conjunction with the current exhibit, “The New Moderns: In Search of Form.” Panel members include: “New Moderns” curator and local artist Carole Stodder; Brauer Museum Director, Gregg Hertzlieb; and exhibiting artist William Conger. Admission is free for LCA members and students, $3.00 for guests.

William Conger, Geisha
(detail)

March 5, 2010
First Fridays @ 5
5:00 pm-8:00 pm

Back by popular demand! Recipient of the Chicago Cultural Department’s “Artists International” Award, Peter Aglinskas infuses his music with elements from the contemporary worlds of jazz, funk and rock, with technique firmly rooted in the classical music tradition. Enjoy Peter’s sultry guitar stylings, along with light bites, libations and more. Admission is free. Don’t miss out!

February 27, 2010
Greta Pope
Paris Noir... American Jazz in Paris!
7:00 pm

International entertainer and vocalist Greta Pope performs songs of the legendary African American musicians who brought American jazz to Paris in the 1920’s and 30’s including Josephine Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Eartha Kitt, Billie Holiday and Nat King Cole. Join us at 6 p.m. for a glass of wine or champagne, plus refreshments with a French flair. Tickets are $20, $15 for LCA members. Seating is limited. Tickets will be held at the door. Call 219.874.4900 for more information.

February 5, 2010
First Fridays @ Five
The New Moderns Opening Reception
5:00-8:00 pm (CST)

A distinctly modern First Friday @ 5 will celebrate the opening of our “New Moderns” exhibit with art, refreshments and electronica music by Button. This event is free and open to the public. Phone 219.874.4900 for more information.

Eleanor Himmelfarb, Fandango
Celebration (detail)

February 4, 2010
Souper Bowl of Caring 2010
3:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. (CST)

Buy a bowl, feed the hungry. Enjoy an unlimited soup dinner in a one-of-a-kind handmade bowl at this Empty Bowls benefit for affiliated food pantries of the Food Bank of Northern Indiana. Tickets are $15, available at Lubeznik Center or by calling 800.879.7040.