MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) has received a Creative Convergence Grant for $10,000 from the Indiana Arts Commission to embed arts and creativity in the Michigan City community.

The grant awarded a team of professionals, one each from the non-profit, civic and artist sectors, the opportunity to attend a two-day workshop to learn and plan a project that would benefit their community and an artist. 

The team — composed of LCA’s executive director, Janet Bloch; Michigan City’s director of redevelopment, Skyler York and artist, Bernard Williams — successfully proposed to bring Williams to Michigan City’s Uptown Arts District as LCA’s and Michigan City’s first artist-in-residence.

 

The residency will begin mid-June and allow the public to have access to Williams and his temporary 950 square foot studio space at 720 Franklin Street. Visitors can ask questions, observe his creative process, view his sculptures and paintings and purchase artwork — providing deep engagement for both residents and tourists. These visiting hours will occur during specific posted times from mid-June to August 31, 2025.

Adding an extra spark to the collaboration is McKinley Wells, an artist and the owner of building where the residency will be located. Wells and Williams are planning the content for the mural Williams will paint on the north side of the building this summer during the residency; they are also discussing possible collaborations on a sculpture at the site. 

Bloch states, “The arts add a welcoming element to the Michigan City landscape; they unite and transform the community. We are so excited about this partnership and are grateful to the Indiana Arts Commission for recognizing and supporting the positive impact the arts make with the Creative Convergence Grant. We hope this inspires more artistic activity.” 

For more information about the artist-in-residence, please contact LCA’s marketing manager, Jessie Sexton, at 219-874-4900 or jsexton@LubeznikCenter.org.
 

About Lubeznik Center for the Arts

LCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides access to compelling exhibitions and programs that explore contemporary ideas. The organization is located at 101 W. 2nd Street at the lakefront in Michigan City, Ind. Admission is free year-round.