Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is excited to once again host the 2021 Lubeznik Arts Festival (LAF) on August 21 and 22 in Michigan City, Indiana. The popular festival is currently in its 39th year and is one of the highlights of summer in Northwest Indiana.
Historically, the event was held at the beach in Michigan City. In 2014, LCA shifted gears and moved the event to LCA’s grounds to connect festival goers to the organization’s dynamic programming and exhibitions. This move allowed attendees to truly connect the event back to LCA and see that LCA breathes life into the arts community in the Region and lives up to the organization’s mission.
Janet Bloch, Executive Director for LCA, cherishes the event for uplifting the art community in the tri-county area and connecting the Michigan City community with artists from all over. Artists came from Chicago, Illinois; Carmel, Indiana; St. Joe, Michigan; and even Florida.
“Our mission is to provide the most accessible, high-quality art programming and art experiences to the community,” said Bloch. “We explore contemporary ideas and generate discussion. We're not elitist. We are very inclusive. We're free six days a week and we're closed on the seventh (Tuesday).”
LCA and its staff and volunteers work hard to bring the art to the people no matter their background or socioeconomic status. LCA strives to meet Region residents wherever they are.
“We don't want any barrier between somebody having a fantastic arts experience,” said Bloch.
That accessibility begins with meeting the financial and cultural needs of the community.
“We have scholarships for all our programs for both adults and children. We're trying to be as accessible as we can,” said Bloch. “We're going to be starting some new bilingual programming. We are very aware of how many segments of the population we could serve well with a little more attention. The board and staff is really about community. We've really worked hard to select people who have it in their hearts to work for the community.”
LCA knows that their mission is to focus on community needs first, then the art.
“I always say you could have the greatest show, but if the community doesn't come and feel welcome, it's worthless,” said Bloch. “For us, building accessibility is how we make this come alive for people.”
Eric Spruth is an active volunteer for LCA, and he and his family are very much connected to the mission of LCA. As an art therapist for Cermak Health Services of Cook County, Spruth understands that building a community and engaging everyone within it is important. So important, that he continues that mission by involving his two children with the LCA community at the LAF year after year.
“I started coming here and just loved all the exhibitions. Slowly but surely, I got to know the whole crew here,” said Spruth. “I got to know all of the great people that are part of this team. Our family would come here consistently for all the openings.”
LCA hosts many events throughout the year that are open to members and the community. Spruth described memories of attending these events with his family and watching his young children clear the refreshments table.
“It’s a testament to the group of people that run this place. They're very family oriented,” said Spruth. “You're always kind of waiting for that shoe to drop and someone to tell you that you've had enough Triscuit crackers. They were always really cool to us, so our family really wanted to get involved with the programs we heard about at the openings. Now, years later, I have two young adults flanking me at the events at LCA.”
Spruth described the arts programs as being influential for both his children and himself over the years.
“They're all wonderful programs, so I encourage every family in Northwest Indiana to become family with the Lubeznik Center and to engage in the educational summer camps.”
LCA prides itself on connecting teens to art programs to help young people learn how to express themselves through art and even find pathways to pursuing the arts after school through the Teen Arts Council. Nelsy Marcano recently joined LCA’s staff as the Education Director and has big plans for continuing LCA’s mission of making art accessible in the Region.
Marcano is excited for the weekend and the great attendance for the weekend festival.
“I think it's a great turnout,” said Marcano. “And tomorrow is going to be even bigger, so I'm excited to meet people and keep networking and really get the word out for our programming.”
Marcano mentioned many programs that families can look forward to in the coming weeks.
“Today, we have the family art tent for two days at the art festival. We're offering free crafts for families and children,” said Marcano. “Coming up, we have a free Family Day on September 11 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and it is going to be a bilingual event. We will have Spanish speakers on the premises, so that all families can come and enjoy free art activities, refreshments, and a tour of this current exhibit. We will also have our Teen Arts Council coming up starting on September 30.”
The Teen Arts Council meets on Thursdays once a month from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The program is for any student. Local artists come out to teach the students, and the students will have some studio time where they can build a professional portfolio.
LCA is certainly a place for families, and there is still one more day to attend the 2021 LAF. LCA has great news for community members who want to attend the second day of the festival.
“What's really exciting this year is Sunday is our first time presenting a free family day for everybody thanks to McDonald's of LaPorte County,” said Bloch.
Come out on August 22 to the Lubeznik Center for the Arts. For more information about free family admission and other events and programs, visit https://www.lubeznikcenter.org/.