Ever since John G. Blank purchased Michigan City’s vacated public library in 1975 and opened as the John G. Blank Center in 1978, The Lubeznik Center for the Arts has been a prominent part of Michigan City’s arts and culture, featuring classrooms and galleries allowing them to share their resources with the community.
The Lubeznik Center’s success didn’t happen overnight nor does it plan on remaining stagnant for 2015. Lubeznik has many more things planned for the future and executive director Erika Hanner is excited about it.
“I’ve only been here for three months, but already, I’ve seen some great things happen here,” says Hanner. “I came here in mid-December from the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago and was excited to begin working here.”
Hanner says that she realized that this was a great time to come to Michigan City due to the latest in a series of developments and renovations.
“This was a great time to come to Michigan City,” says Hanner. “When you have places like the re-renovated Franklin Street and the newest Artpsace opening, in Michigan City, it’s clear that there’s a lot that’s happening here.”
The Lubeznik Center has recently been host to a variety of events for the community. Along with last week’s Artspace uptown Artist Lofts Kickoff Party, the Lubeznik Center hosts their First Friday events as well as guest speakers and exhibits.
“The current state of the center is a very dynamic place.” Says Hanner. “We have some great, dynamic exhibits and programs on display. It’s also great that we have a passionate and loyal staff and board members who are very supportive over everything we do.”
The future of the Lubeznik Center is ambitious and hopes that it continues to be a prominent part of Michigan City as well as continuing to grow as the city does.
“We want to do more than keep pace with the city, we want to be an important part of Michigan City as it continues to grow, “says Hanner.
Hanner also commented on how the Lubeznik Center hopes to not only be known as a center for the arts, but as a pillar for the development of the community as well.
“I really see Lubeznik becoming more of a team player within the city and an anchor for redevelopment,” says Hanner. “We want to grow and attract more national and international artists. We want more investments and commitment with the schools by allowing more art programs for them.”
The Lubeznik Center, a staple of the Michigan City and NWI community has established itself as an essential part of the community and with the way things are going, will only continue to do so for the upcoming future.