December is chock full of art at Lubeznik Center for the Arts. From exhibition openings to special events to First Fridays celebrations to book signings to the Holiday Artisan Market and Trunk Show, patrons from all interests will find something intriguing this month.
In the Hyndman Gallery, Iconoclastic! opens December 1, 2012. The exhibition features eight mixed media artists who specialize in adapting and repurposing icons, whether they be cultural, religious, or advertising. The exhibition runs through February 24, 2013. Sponsored by LaPorteCountyLife.com.
Upstairs in the Brincka/Cross & Robert Saxton Galleries, John Bower’s The Common Good opens December 1, 2012. The exhibit showcases black and white photographs of Indiana places built for the public interest such as courthouses, schools and churches. Bower’s book by the same title is available for purchase in the Gallery Shop. He will be signing personalized copies at the December 7th First Fridays Celebration from 5-8 pm central time. Also upstairs in the Conference Room Gallery is Ice Abstracts, a portfolio of black and white imagery of water in various states of becoming ice, by Valparaiso resident, Greg Gallagher.
In the lower level NIPSCO Education Studios, Area Artists Association members have their Winter Solstice show on display. In the small studio, Area Artists Association member Julie Kasniunas presents a solo exhibition entitled Hues and Views showcasing her en plein aire paintings.
On December 7, 2012, First Fridays light up the Lubeznik Center. Patrons will enjoy the opening receptions for each of these gallery exhibitions, while enjoying holiday jazz music by Keenan Baxter. In addition, the Holiday Artisan Market is open along with a trunk show by three local artists promoting their handmade goods including buttons, woolens, and hats. There will also be two book signings happening – John Bower’s The Common Good and Amanda Freymann & Joan Summers for Chuck Close Face Book, the winner of the Boston Globe 2012 Horn Book Award for Non-Fiction.
Patrons who purchase Chuck Close Face Book along with one guest will be able to participate in a workshop on Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 11 am central time. The workshop will feature a presentation by the authors, short film on Chuck Close and a make-and-take project showcasing Close’s techniques of self-portraiture. Guests who do not purchase the book can participate in the workshop for $10/2 people.
Throughout December, the Holiday Artisan Market will remain open for finding the perfect gift, or if you can’t decide, a gift certificate allows your recipient to find an item to match their taste.