Lubeznik Center Hosts Special Appreciation Evening for Members

On Friday night, the Lubeznik Center for the Arts hosted an event to show appreciation for its supporting members.

The Lubeznik Center, located in Michigan City, curates exhibits of contemporary art and provides community outreach and engagement. There are currently nearly 400 members with varying levels of commitment. Members receive benefits such as tickets to the LCA’s Lakefront Art Festival and discounts on classes and workshops at the center.

See all the photos from the Lubeznik Center for the Arts Members Appreciation Night here.

Nancy Moldenhauer has been a member for a number of years, having discovered the center after moving back to Michigan City in 1999. Some of the most memorable exhibits she has seen at the center include a photo exhibit featuring views of earth from space, and x-rayed fish skeletons.

 "It’s important to support the arts locally,” explains Moldenhauer. “They also do a lot of outreach in the community through working with kids and teaching classes.”

Building manager Adam Lesniwski insists that the center lies at the heart of community building in Michigan City. Lesniwski moved from Portage with little knowledge of the area and the center, but feels the center has helped connect him with the community.

"Now, I see this as a place where I can thrive,” said Lesniwski. “I’ve learned so much since working here and really feel I am becoming a part of a community.”

The event itself was hosted in the Hyndman Gallery, which was adorned with prints from this summer’s Steamroller Printmaking Project. Members mingled, savored artful hors d’oeuvres, and admired current exhibits before hearing the remarks of the artist, Lora Fosberg.

Fosberg currently resides in Michigan City and works in a variety of mediums including printmaking, sculpture, and collage. Fosberg’s exhibit, Everything Looks Perfect From Far Away, will be at the center starting July 17th. When asked about her thoughts on the importance of the center for the community, Lubeznik stresses the center a critical component of art in the region.

“Lubeznik is the anchor of the arts district,” says Fosberg. “This is our beating heart. It gives the art district credence…it’s a gem.”

Marketing Director, Amy Davis concluded the evening with a message of sincere thanks for the members and their involvement. This membership recognition event has taken place for a number of years, each one of them being different. But appreciation for local art, its supporters, and the growth of community through art remains constant.

Note: Upcoming events at the center include the First Friday Poetry Slam (April 3rd) and the Lakefront Art Festival in August.