Lubeznik Center for the Arts

1 Lubeznik Center for the arts Annual Report 2010. L. ubeznik Center for the arts is a young organization. The energy and spark that comes with youth has never been more evident than in Lubeznik Center events and exhibits this past year. The Center sparked the interest of young and old alike as student designers from regional colleges and universities showcased their fashions on the runway and poets performed at a high energy poetry slam emceed by hosts featured on HBO. It is exciting when the realization comes that there are great things that can be achieved. When it was formed, The Lubeznik Center was a totally new concept of what a regional cultural Center could do and be. The Lubeznik family and other benefactors wanted the Center to be a positive force in the region, demonstrating the important role of , and expanding appreciation for, the arts .

2 The Center has brought together national as well as internationally renowned artists and through its affiliate, the Area Artists Association, has provided opportunities to showcase the achievements of local and regional artists. From conceptual abstract paintings to sublime sculptural pieces constructed from the environment, the exhibits have been both provocative and inspiring. Although the visual arts remain a central focus of the Center , this past year there was greater emphasis on the performing arts as well, with jazz vocal and piano concerts. With all the emphasis these days on economic challenges and the dominance of impersonal technology, it might be easy to overlook the importance of the arts and culture in assuring that a community and region are highly desirable places to live and work. One of our goals must be to make certain that doesn't happen.

3 The Lubeznik Center for the arts provides arts leadership and the creative spark that can help define our community's profile. Leigh Morris Board President Carolyn Saxton Executive Director T. his is a place that ignites the spark of inspiration and imagination. The new economy requires creative and critical thinking skills that arts and cultural experiences are uniquely able to instill. In fiscal year 2010, LCA programs reached more than 450 economically disadvantaged children through summer art camps, 1000 children in after-school programs, 1200 individuals at Family Art Night . events and close to 100 adults with developmental disabilities with twice weekly art instruction. Lubeznik Center for the arts is committed to reaching those who have limited access to cultural experiences. As part of that commitment we rely on grants and donations so that participating families will not be denied access due to inability to pay.

4 We provide scholarships for qualified children and adults, and field numerous requests to bring our experienced staff and art programs to community events hosted by organizations for children and adults. Led by instructor Alison Jaksa, this year's summer art camp 1200+. engaged children aged 7 to 13 in eco-friendly projects children and parents including branch weaving, kite making and boat building. attended our family art night events at locations throughout Michigan City. T. he nonprofit arts industry has the power to spark economies creating jobs, attracting investment, stimulating tourism and generating tax revenue. Working with civic and philanthropic organizations, Lubeznik Center for the arts provides leadership in promoting the arts as a catalyst for economic redevelopment. We participated in the planning and launch of Northern Indiana's Art & Earth Trail, bringing tourism dollars to the region.

5 We nurture practicing artists and provide opportunities that keep artists in our communities. As part of that initiative, we continue to work with the city to encourage development of affordable live/work space on historic Franklin Street and serve as an anchor to the new Uptown arts District. We've been instrumental in securing and installing public art throughout the area, including two enormous bench planters in Michigan City's new Charles Wescott Gateway Park. Decorated with hand crafted ceramic tiles, this community-wide public art project was coordinated by Lubeznik Center staff in partnership with the Literacy Council of LaPorte County, and funded by LaPorte County's Unity Foundation. In 2010, Lubeznik Center for the arts Lakefront Art Festival welcomed nearly 100 exhibiting artists and over 700. hand made ceramic tiles 6000 visitors to Michigan City's Washington Park.

6 Created by school children, artists and community members. A. rt can be a spark for conversation. Lubeznik Center seeks out world-class art exhibits that educate and provoke discussion. Such was the case with Anne Frank: A Private Photo Album, an exhibit of 70 rarely seen black-and-white photographs from the Frank family photo albums. Our exhibition calendar is complemented by top-notch interpretive programs designed to enhance the art experience and promote introspection with presentations led by authorities on particular subjects, from art historian Joan Chesterton to tattoo artist Harlan Thompson. Our Area Artists Association presented artist talks, exhibits, and studio tours, nurturing regional opportunities. 2010 cultural offerings included live musical performances, cutting-edge fashion shows and poetry slams. Free First Fridays @ 5 continued to serve the community with live entertainment and opportunities to mix and mingle.

7 Our newest offering, Awesome Gigs, sponsored by Shoreline Brewery, attracted a younger crowd with casual after-hours discussion led by professionals in enviable careers. Exhibits and other Lubeznik Center activities attract over 18,000 visitors each year. Nearly 300 people celebrated the opening of our New 5000. Moderns and Seeing the Light exhibitions at a First Friday @ Children and adults were 5 reception featuring live music by Button. moved by our Anne Frank exhibit, presentations and educational programs. we are the spark Staff Board of Directors Alison Jaksa Lubeznik Center 's Brett Maniscalco Executive Director President Larry Jensen Area Artists Patty Mershon Schaefer Carolyn Saxton Leigh Morris Jennifer Laurent Association Amy Davis Navardauskas Education Director Vice President Jim Laughlin Barbara Balis Lynn Retson Janet Bloch Suzanne Cohan-Lange John Leinweber Carol Block Clinton Rigg Exhibitions Curator Treasurer Rod Lubeznik Tom Brand Sara Scherber CarolAnn Brown Rachel Saxon Beth Olympidis Laurie Schirmer Carpenter Dee Schult Facilities manager Secretary Jon T.

8 Rounds Dani Lane Ed Raab Anneke Dekker Ginny Scott Marketing Director At-Large Rex Richards Kevin Firme Edwin Shelton Sandi Weindling Sherri Ashby-Modrak Michael Riley Kathleen Gleser Ronald Stec Amy Davis Navardauskas* Mike Bell Bruce Smith Susan Henshaw Carole Stodder Operations Director Phillip Bender Leona Marshall Ted Taylor Hal Higdon Melissa Washburn Susan Block Alene Valkanas Julia Holmaas Gwynne Winsberg Gabrielle Mendoza Joe Coar Includes 2009 and 2010 Laurel Izard Sophie Koss*. Anneke Dekker board members Larry Jensen Helen Molinaro Pete Disser Julie Kasniunas Melissa Washburn James Dworkin George Kassal Shari Pettis*. Bunny Fisher Connie Kassal Esther Guncheon Michael Godnick Deborah Landry *Retired or resigned in 2009/2010. Steve Hale Rich Manalis It takes a community to support a community art Center . To our staff, board, partners, volunteers, members and donors: thanks!

9 Partners Indiana Builders Association Michigan City Chamber St. Paul's Catholic Cynthia Ashby Indiana Department of Commerce Middle School Don Babcock Anne Frank Center USA. of Corrections Michigan City Parks & School of the Art Institute of Scott Baldwin ArtSpace Recreation Chicago Indiana Department of Paula Bartholome Barker Woods Enrichment Natural Resources Michigan City Public Library Sinai Temple Center Jon Bausback Indiana University Michigan City Rotary Club Smithsonian Magazine Boy Scouts of America Northwest Mike Bell LaSalle Council Michigan City Senior Center Social and Learning Institute International Academy of Phil Bender Boys & Girls Club of Morgan Township Southern Shore Design and Technology Middle School arts Association Ron Bensz Michigan City Ivy Tech Community National Park Service Saint Stanislaus Elementary Liz Bernel The Bookstore College Northwest (Indiana Dunes)

10 STRIVE Mentoring Program Susan Block Columbia College Chicago Jewish Federation of Nativity of Our Savior Swanson Center Christine Boos Corner to Cornerstone Northwest Indiana, Inc. New Prairie High School Temple Israel Dennis & Pat Boy Dunebrook Kipp Lead Charter School The News Dispatch Thea Bowman Judi Burnison Dungarvin Kouts Elementry North Central Community Leadership Academy Karen Burns East Chicago Lighthouse The Lakeshore FM Action Agency Charter School Times Media Company Patricia Carlisle Lakeshore Public Television Northwest Indiana Food Bank of Valparaiso High School Joan Chesterton Lamar Homeschoolers Northern Indiana Wanatah Public School Larry & Margaret Clifford LaPorte High School Notre Dame Gary Lighthouse Elementary School Washington Park Zoo Joe Coar Charter School LaPorte Co. Convention &. Visitor's Bureau Porter County Museum West Gary Lighthouse Rita Cochran Girl Scouts of Charter School Suzanne Cohan-Lange LaPorte County LaPorte County Purdue University Symphony Orchestra North Central Western Michigan Steven Cohen High Praise Ministry University LaPorte Co.