Lubeznik Center for the Arts Celebrates Service

LCA-Thank-You-2018Lubeznik Center For the Arts, an arts hub integrating contemporary art exhibitions with educational programming for kids and adults in Michigan City and the Michiana region, recently celebrated the retirement of several longstanding board members.

Nick and Sue Bridge, Suzanne Cohan-Lange, Shari Diamond, and Bunny Fisher were honored for their service at a special event held in the Hyndman Gallery at the LCA.

"Luckily for us," observed LCA Executive Director Janet Bloch, "each person has committed to continue to support the center."

Together, the retiring members have played a significant role in establishing the LCA at its present location in the heart of what is now Michigan City's Arts District.

LCA Board President, Mike Hackett, states "On behalf of the entire board I want to thank all the outgoing board members for their long-standing commitment to Lubeznik Center. They have brought so much passion, dedication and expertise to their efforts on the board. Being a board member is a commitment for which we all volunteer. I can only hope that those that join the board in the future will bring that same excitement and work ethic."

Bunny Fisher has been the LCA's longest serving board member. As past president, she was instrumental in developing plans for the conversion of what had been the Restaurant Management Building into an art center. Fisher also established the LCA's annual gala fundraiser, now known as ArtBash.

At 13 consecutive years of service, artist Suzanne Cohan-Lange who, with husband, Richard Lange, owns and operates the Blink Gallery on Michigan City's Franklin St., was asked to join the LCA board by Fisher. In addition to serving a two-year term as board president, she also curated major exhibitions at the LCA by sculptor Richard Hunt and photographer Victor Skrebneski.

Artist Nick Bridge has also served as board president. His wife Sue has, as Bloch said, "done everything from develop the ArtMaker programs and events, run meetings, write beautiful persuasive letters and wash floors!" Sue Bridge has also chaired the annual Art Bash many times. "Sue and Nick have the special distinction of attending and bringing their friends to more LCA events than any board member since they joined," said Bloch.

Shari Diamond made an exhibition of Belle Epoch posters possible and, according to Bloch, "added so much wisdom to the governance committee."

"Bunny, Suzanne, Sue, Nick and Shari brought the Lubeznik Center to where it is today," said Bloch. "We have a noted stature in the arts in Northwest Indiana and a reputation for art education that we can all be proud of."