MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. - Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA)is asking the westside community for its input on another community mural to be located at H.O.P.E. Community Center in Michigan City.
Community meetings to discuss the mural themes are scheduled for June 1, June 8 and June 13 from 6 to 7 p.m. at H.O.P.E. Community Center. All are welcome to share their ideas regarding the mural.
“Public art is a very engaging way to activate the environment for people’s enjoyment and reflection. For community participatory art, it gives the community voice and power. Where art exists, so does value and power, and LCA has made a commitment to serve our residents and neighborhoods outside of the downtown area with art and art experiences. This is the third mural for the westside community facilitated by LCA,” said Janet Bloch, LCA executive director.
Local artist, Bernard Williams will be participating in these meeting, designing the mural based off feedback provided by the community and, ultimately, painting the mural with help from LCA staff and community members.
With 30 years of experience painting murals, Williams stated, “It’s a unique project. It’s literally in neighborhoods. LCA is really trying to do something new. When communities see themselves reflected in artworks, there’s a sense of energy and pride that gets generated. I think art has inspiring and rejuvenating potential for people.”
Williams is no stranger to Michigan City or LCA. He designed the Naomi Anderson Project art installation in Michigan City’s Westcott Park unveiled in 2022, and he has shown in multiple group shows at LCA.
The mural project began in 2022 when the LCA staff participated in community arts programming webinars and learned how others have transformed their neighborhoods with community driven public art.
H.O.P.E. Community Center is located at 222 McClelland Avenue, Michigan City, IN 46360.
For more information about this project, please contact LCA’s marketing manager, Samantha Bean, at 219-874-4900 or sbean@lubeznikcenter.org .
About Lubeznik Center for the Arts
Lubeznik Center for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides access to compelling exhibitions and programs that explore contemporary ideas. The organization is located at 101 W. 2nd Street at the lakefront in Michigan City, Ind. Admission is free year-round.
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