Michigan City is a community that has embraced and welcomed the arts. We are home to many talented artists, have a wealth of galleries, and a vibrant art scene. Leading the charge, the Lubeznik Center for the Arts has continuously championed the arts in our community. This year, they have worked to bring an immersive art experience through Michigan City’s first Artist-in-Residence program. We sat down with Janet Bloch, Executive Director of the Lubeznik Center, Jessie Sexton, Marketing Manager at the Lubeznik Center, and Bernard Williams, a Michigan City artist in residence, to discuss this incredible program for the community.
Introducing Michigan City’s First Artist Residency
The artist residency program originated from a grant called Creative Convergence, provided by the Indiana Arts Commission. Janet Bloch, Executive Director of the Lubeznik Center for the Arts, had long envisioned activating community spaces through art.
“It came about as a vision for the future,” Bloch explains. “The idea that we could eventually have studios that would be part of a program that would be application-based, or invitational-based. It’s something that the art world does, and there are residencies in many cities.”
The grant required a team approach, bringing together Bloch, artist Bernard Williams, Jesse Sexton (Marketing Manager), and Skyler York, Michigan City’s Redevelopment Director. Following a two-day workshop, the team developed the residency concept and successfully secured a $10,000 grant.
Meet the Artist in Residence: Bernard Williams
Bernard Williams brings over 30 years of artistic experience to Michigan City’s inaugural residency program. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and a Master of Fine Arts from Northwestern, Williams has built a career that spans from Chicago to cities across the nation.
“I was trained in painting and drawing. I’ve expanded that to sculpture and installation over the years,” Williams shares. “I guess I was really fortunate to kind of find that thing in life that brings me a lot of satisfaction.”
Williams’ connection to Michigan City began about 10 years ago when he established a studio in LaPorte, seeking affordable space for large-scale work. “I had to move a large studio that I had in Chicago and needed a very large space that I could afford,” he explains.
Since 2015, Williams has created several significant pieces for Michigan City, including community murals on the west side of the city and his most prominent work – the Naomi Anderson installation on Michigan Boulevard.
“That was an opportunity to kind of stretch out with a sculpture project in a way that rarely takes place,” Williams says of the half-block-long installation honoring the African American suffragist. “It’s a group of steel cut-out symbols that kind of tell the story of Naomi Anderson, who was born here in Michigan City.”
Residency in Action
The artist-in-residence operates from a studio at 720 Franklin Street, where Williams works on both personal projects and a planned mural for the building’s exterior. The program runs through August 31st, with public hours on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays – typically around midday.
“The whole point of a residency is that the artist gets the space to be able to do their work. It’s an artist’s support system,” Bloch explains. “But the creative convergence grant is really about embedding arts in the community.”
Williams describes his current project: “I’m here making a little project of my own. We’re also going to do a smaller mural project on the building here. It’s all about just growing the space of the arts, and the presence of art in the community.”
The Challenge and Opportunity
Despite enthusiastic media interest and professional signage, the program faces a common challenge in community arts programming; getting people through the door. The public is welcome to visit the studio space and speak with Bernard during open hours. Large yellow signage sits out front on Franklin Street to inform visitors of the space’s location and that they are welcome to tour.
“The community has to support initiatives if they want to see these things survive. We have a huge sign out front, and we’ve done a ton of marketing. The story intrigues people, but people are going to have to go support it and attend,” said Bloch.
What You’ll Find When You Visit
Williams welcomes visitors during his open studio hours and encourages community engagement. “That’s a great opportunity to meet, and you can see what I’m working on,” he says.
Bernard is currently working on a large sculptural piece that will appeal to visitors of all ages. Bloch notes that Williams “is the nicest person and very kid-friendly. The work is not going to be offensive or age-inappropriate, no matter what audience you bring in.”
There’s no admission charge, and visitors can scan a QR code to complete a brief survey about their experience. This feedback is essential for grant reporting and future programming.
First Friday Feature – in August
To boost visibility, the Lubeznik Center is planning a pop-up event during First Friday in August (August 1st) at the exact Franklin Street location, featuring multiple artists, including Jesse Sexton, who lives in the Arts Space Upotown Artist Lofts across the street.
“We hope with more marketing materials and more artists to communicate, maybe if we had five artists, people would be more apt to go,” Bloch reflects.
Williams will also be painting an exterior mural on the building, adding another layer of public art visibility to the program.
Art for Transformation
Both Bloch and Williams emphasize the broader impact of arts programming on community development.
“Arts can be the catalyst for great conversations and all kinds of changes and developments in communities,” Williams explains. “Life is a little more interesting when there’s art around. It adds more depth to a community.”
Williams points to successful examples like Chicago’s Cloud Gate (The Bean): “The investment there is very significant, but I think the reward is equally, if not more.”
Bloch sees this as a first step: “I consider it a first step. We’re going just to keep coming up with ideas.”
Visit the Studio, What You Need to Know:
Location: 720 Franklin Street, Michigan City
Hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday (midday – check Lubeznik Center website for specific times)
Cost: Free
What to expect: Meet Bernard Williams, see work in progress, kid-friendly environment
Williams has a show currently running at the Elmhurst Art Museum that received a favorable review in New City magazine, with potential coverage in Hyperallergic. His work is nationally recognized, making this an exceptional opportunity to engage with a significant contemporary artist right in downtown Michigan City.
“If the public could do anything, we’re not asking for money. We’re asking just for participation (to visit the space),” Bloch emphasizes.
The artist-in-residence project will be open through August 31st on Franklin Street in Michigan City. The community is not only welcome but encouraged to visit this world-class artist in action. Programs like these not only enhance our community but also continue to set Michigan City on the map as an arts destination. While this is the first year of this program, it is our hope that we see the artist-in-residence program continue.
