Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) and the Lindsey O’Brien Kesling (LOK) Wishing Tree Foundation will host the 10th annual LOK Young Artist Expo (YAE) showcase on Friday, June 2 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Central at LCA as part of their free First Friday programming.

This year’s exhibition is a showcase of 39 talented youths, ages 7 through 17 in a wide range of media, including sculpture, textile arts, metal art, painting and drawing. The artists this year hail from three states: Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. The artwork was chosen through individual portfolio review the students completed with LCA’s education director. The LOK YAE will be on view in LCA’s NIPSCO Art Education Studios from May 27 through July 8, and much of the young artists’ artwork is for sale.

In addition to the exhibition, the evening’s presentation will begin at 6 p.m. This year’s program includes performances by South Shore Dance Alliance out of Merrillville, Ind., a longtime partner of the LOK Wishing Tree Foundation. Second City of Chicago graduate and actor, Timmy Barron will return for another year of emceeing and entertaining the crowd with his comedy.

"We have witnessed 10 years of ‘dreams and wishes’ unfolding with our youth. This year, several of YAE’s alumni will share how this programming has facilitated them to where they are now. LOK hails our devoted partner educators. Where else within this tri-state region do opportunities such as this expo flourish? We celebrate these young DREAMERS!” said Dot Kesling, co-founder of LOK Wishing Tree Foundation. 

Guests can enjoy complimentary appetizers and a cash bar. Attendees will also be able to peruse the other LCA galleries. Now until June 16, “Citizen,” an exhibition about the complex perspectives of US residents as many struggle for justice, freedom and basic human rights, will be on display. All LCA’s galleries are open to the public six days per week, free of charge.

The LOK YAE is made possible by an ongoing collaboration between LCA and the LOK Wishing Tree Foundation. LOK is a “living legacy to Lindsey O’Brien Kesling.” It has a dual mission: carbon monoxide education and supporting young people in achieving their highest potential, unleashing their talents and acting upon their dreams through a wide variety of creative and performing arts opportunities. LCA works to ensure everyone in our community, including young people, receives equal access to outstanding cultural experiences.

To learn more about the LOK Wishing Tree Foundation, please visit lokwishingtree.org . To learn more about LCA, please visit LubeznikCenter.org or call (219) 874-4900.

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