Tom Brand is a man whose life has been lead with the pursuit of art. A dream and a craft that he has continually studied, practiced and participated in as his journey has led him from Chicago to his new home as a member of the Lubeznik Center in Michigan City.
With a lifetime of oil painting experience, 30 years as an offset printer as well as years of experience serving as a founding member, board member and officer for organizations like Chicago Artists' Coalition, Area Artists Association, and the Lubeznik Center, Brand's involvement with the art community follows him wherever he goes and welcomes the opportunity to exhibit and interact with the artistic members of Michigan City.
"Most art communities are volunteer efforts and that is the great thing about it, they will accept any volunteers," says Brand.
Brand's experience as a successful artist in the Chicago area helped him build his career and interact with other artists, but after a series of circumstances led to him needing a space for an art studio that was not as drastically expensive as many spaces in the Chicagoland area, it was recommended through a friend that he consider the Town of Pines located in Michigan City as an area to move and display his work.
"It was during this time that I made friends with the director of the Lubeznik Center, which at the time was called the Blank Center," says Brand. I volunteered my time there and soon ended up becoming a chairman of the Area Artists Association."
Brand credits the Lubeznik Center for not only welcoming him and his wife into the community but also giving him the outlet and space needed to display his work.
"Thye gave us space to display art as well as other artists to interact with, it was and still is a great experience," says Brand.
Along with the Lubeznik Center, Brand also became actively involved with the Michigan City Art community as well as displaying his artwork throughout La Porte County as well as working with various organizations such as the La Porte Conventions and Visitors Bureau.
Brand's most recent involvement is being an active member of the Michigan City's Uptown Arts District project working together with local artists to bring artists, art, and culture to Michigan City and La Porte County.
"Both my wife and I have been heavily involved in the Uptown Arts District as well as Artspace," says Brand. "It's such a positive way to bring the community together and bring art and culture to the community. It is something that I am always happy to help out with."
Brand firmly believes in the power of art and its ability to heal communities and make them both better and stronger for residents and future generations.
"When I was in Chicago I've watched not very good neighborhoods become revived through artists and art programs," says Brand. "I've seen artists take older neighborhoods and turn them into active communities where people want to live."
Brand sees the positive effect of art transforming Michigan City and enjoys the new opportunities opening up for current and future generations.
"What I saw happen before is happening now in Michigan City," says Brand. "You see new restaurants opening up, new businesses developing and the old Warren Building turning into something great. Art is helping to make this community great."
For Brand, art being such a major part of his life has led him to some incredible opportunities and has allowed him to interact with and discover artists who shared the same passion. For Brand, the art world is a challenging world, but one he loves being a part of.
"To be a successful artist you have to have a thick skin, you have to be able to suspend the rejection that comes your way and keep at it as you improve your skills and open youself to opportunities," says Brand. "Art is a lot of fun, it's a small world but you're in a group that respects each other even when they're being critical."
To see more of Tom's work, please visit his online gallery.