Art lovers gathered together to be wowed by the work of multiple artists and entertainers at the sold out 2014 Lubeznik Center ArtBash.
The ArtBash is an annual event, usually held off campus in the past. However, this year the event was happily held at home.
The proceeds of the event are well spent towards enabling the LBA, to mount 9 exhibits yearly, deliver art, music and dance for over 800 children and adults and to provide leadership to local economic development initiatives.
The ArtBash kicked off at 6:00 pm. Leading up to the event was an orange carpet for guests to walk, or strut, setting the mood of the night. To start the event, savory culinary delights and libations were handed out throughout the gallery from local restaurants, and guests had the chance to browse exhibits and meet artists and experience them creating their masterpieces. Also during this time period, a silent auction was held.
Then at 7:30, the event shifted pace and the event-goers made their way to an artful tent set up just outside the building. They were given a chance to try a dark chocolate brownie topped with homemade blueberry ice cream from Spire Restaurant while viewing an intense dance performance as well as to celebrate Don Babcock. Then, the live auction took place.
The LCA Arts Leadership Award was given out to Don Babcock, the Director of Economic Development at NIPSCO for his contribution to the economic viability of NWI and his commitment to the arts in the past and present.
“I’m flattered and it’s just absolutely phenomenal. I can’t say enough about the Lubeznik Center. They've done so much for Michigan City and the region. They are literally a game changer,” Babcock said. “There are so many other good, deserving people in Michigan City and in NWI. I think that it's important for all of us to focus on the great future ahead of us because were all going to work hard to make it.”
According to Marketing Director Amy Davis, there was entertainment at the ArtBash that highlighted what the LCA does and that helped guests make connections to their mission, all while being able to enjoy themselves at the event.
“We are really excited about being able to really show our guests what we are all about,” Davis said. “The programs for the evening will not only entertain, but will demonstrate how we make an impact in the community and deliver a high quality art curriculum that benefits children and adults who might not have an opportunity to experience the arts.”
The entertainers and the artists of the night included LA-based DJ HMU, Karen Gubitz, a fiber artist who created a woven basket in her material possessions exhibit, Laura Marie Panozzo, who created a “Power of Potential” bird sculpture using wood and invited spectators to help create the bird and then auctioned it off, Barrie Cole, a Chicago-based writer, performer and playwright who gave a performance about LCA’s mission and MegLouise, a Chicago-based dance company that entertained the audience with a modern and interactive dance inspired by Terry Karpowicz, Liliana Castellanos and Johanna Moscoso who investigated the narratives of the culture of South America.
The art benefactors included Glenn, Kathy and Sam Lubeznik, the owner operators of McDonald’s and Rodney Lubeznik and Susan D. Goodman from NIPSCO. The art patrons were Briar Leaf Golf Club, Bulk Transport Corp., Harbor Trust and Investment, Horizon Bank, La Porte Savings Bank, Michigan City Paper Box Company, Yardscapes, Art Friend and 1st Source Bank.
The media sponsors were Idea in Motions Media and Shore Magazine.