Convergence Winter 2023

FEATURING PHOTOGRAPHERS

The era we live in is rife with division and misinformation, underscoring the relevant work of these photographers. Their images and documents share an intimate understanding and respect for their given subject in the hopes that viewers will walk away with a new perception.

Jess T. Dugan Mariah Karson Jon Lowenstein Stephen Marc Carlos Javier Ortiz John H. White

Mariah Karsen, Bobbi,

Convergence is a quarterly publication of South Shore Arts

We transform the South Shore through the arts.

The Center for Visual & Performing Arts

1040 Ridge Road

Munster, Indiana 46321 219 / 836.1839 phone 219 / 836.1863 fax

Gallery / Gift Shop Office

Mon–Wed, Fri 10–5 Mon–Fri 10–4

Thur 12–7

Sat 10–4 Sun 12–4

ART INSTRUCTORS

South Shore Arts is always seeking instructors to teach classes in the visual arts, such as drawing, painting, pottery and more.

An application form is available in PDF format at SouthShoreArtsOnline.org or by calling 219 / 836.1839, ext. 101.

ADVERTISING RATES

Interested in advertising in Convergence?

South Shore Arts reaches over 6,000 individuals and families every quarter with this publication. For more information, call Sandie Phalen, Director of Development, at 219 / 836.1839, ext. 107.

Annual Rate Ad Sizes

Quarter Page $500 5" x 3.5"

Half Page $1,000 5" x 7"

Full Page $1,700 10" x 7"

Inside Front Cover, Duotone $3,000 10" x 7"

Substation No. 9

435 Fayette Street Hammond, IN 46320

Substation No. 9, our satellite location in downtown Hammond, is open for classes and special events.

BOARD & STAFF

South Shore Arts Board of Directors President Leane Cerven President Elect Danette Garza VP Administration Karen Raab VP Development Amy Koufos VP Education Denise Dillard VP Exhibitions Jenny Yalowitz VP Governance Jeremy Willett VP Marketing Judith Mayer VP Regional Services Karen Maravilla VP Symphony William Neff Secretary Heather Delgado Treasurer Monica Johnson Immediate Past President Carly Brandenburg

Andy Arnold Christian Bartholomew Gus Galante Carol Green-Fraley Anne E. Gregory Ashley Halpern Corey Hecht Joanne Iwama David Klamen Seda Turan Liz Valavanis

Legacy Board Members Suzanne Cooley Jack Dietrich Alex Gardner Riddle Sandi Kozlowski Eleanor Mirich Louie Ortiz Rita Ray Judy Surovek

Legacy Directors are individuals who have served on the Board of Directors for at least ten years and who have made significant contributions to the success of South Shore Arts. Individuals are elected to the position of Legacy Director in recognition of their long and valuable service to South Shore Arts.

South Shore Arts Staff

Executive Director David Mika, ext. 102 Director of Development Sandie Phalen, ext. 107 Director of Education Natalie Heath, ext. 101 Education Coordinator Cara Schmitt, ext. 103 Gallery Coordinator Brandon Johnson, ext. 108 Managerial Accountant William Schultz, 219/836.0525, ext. 202

Marketing Manager Tammie Miller, 219/836.0525, ext. 203

Administrative Coordinator Avin Hannah-Smith, ext. 100

Gift Shop Manager Mara Clark, ext. 106 Social Media Manager/ Staff Photographer Bridget Covert Director Emeritus John Cain

ON THE COVER:

Carlos Javier Ortiz, from the We All We Got series, Photograph

© 2022 South Shore Arts and its licensors. All rights reserved.

Printing: Largus Graphix Solutions

Design: Judith Mayer Creative

South Shore Arts programs are provided with support from the Indiana Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

A Message from the Executive Director

The ability of Art to help us gain Perspective is one reason why the Arts are so valuable and should be championed. They help create stronger communities especially when they help us see, understand and empathize with the Perspective of others. And that is what our Blockbuster Exhibit does so well. It highlights and brings to our collective attention the diversity of Perspectives found here in Northwest Indiana.

This ability isn’t limited to the visual arts of painting, drawing, sculpting or photography. Music, theater, and literature—all forms of art—can grant perspective.

Join me as the new leader of South Shore Arts in making a conscious effort to gain new Perspectives. Come out to see THIS IS IT. Attend a Symphony concert. I guarantee that our celebration of Latin composers and Mariachi music in May will give you a new Perspective, a new appreciation for Latin music and culture. Or go to any of the wonderful art events, exhibits and concerts that are offered right in your home community, all of which provide the same opportunity.

Perspective: a method of showing distance in a picture by making far away objects smaller; or a particular way of viewing things that depend on one’s experience and personality. Both definitions are equally important in the Arts. As I draft my second “Letter from the Executive Director” for Convergence, Perspective about the Arts is one thing I have gained through my first few months in this new role.

Perspective can bring clarity—or confusion; be uplifting—or upsetting; create empathy—or anger. It can challenge our thought processes but mostly Perspective can help us better understand and see things differently. Perspective whether you agree or disagree, can put you in someone else’s shoes for a moment of in time. It doesn’t have to change your thoughts or beliefs, but having Perspective can help you understand why others see things differently. That is the value of Perspective.

And that is why I am so excited for our Blockbuster exhibit this year, THIS IS IT: a human centered view of US, a photo-journalistic journey across six different perspectives of life featuring six talented award-winning photographers, including a Pulitzer Prize winner and multiple Guggenheim Fellows. It is an incredible exhibition that can’t help but challenge our Perspective by giving a unique voice to each artist’s work, a snippet of what they see and how they see it.

As we bring 2022 to a close, know that South Shore Arts and Northwest Indiana Symphony can only bring these valuable Perspectives to you through the generosity of those who find value in the Arts. I hope that means you are among those people. Please take a moment to make a gift this year that will help us continue to deliver the Perspectives that Artists and the Arts bring forward for the benefit of our community.

Finally, South Shore Arts is saddened to note the passing of our long-time Board Member Karen Lauerman, a life-long resident of Northwest Indiana and a passionate advocate for our community. Karen dedicated over 25 years of her career to promoting the economic development of our area, most recently as President and CEO of the Lake County Economic Alliance. South Shore Arts became the beneficiary of her passion and commitment when Karen managed the South Shore Poster Arts series for the Northwest Indiana Forum, which used Art to promote our economic development and quality of life. Karen’s passion for our Region and exuberance for life will be missed.

Dave Mika Executive Director

South Shore Arts is pleased to present THIS IS IT: A Human-centered View of US, at the Center for Visual & Performing Arts, November 11, 2022, through January 8, 2023. The exhibit features long-term-photo documentary projects and photojournalism by award-winning and renowned photographers, including Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist John H. White. Exhibiting photographers also include Jess T. Dugan, Mariah Karson, Jon Lowenstein, Stephen Marc and Carlos Javier Ortiz.

Exhibit curators Dorman + Torluemke state: “Photography is a record of light and shadow. In its purest form, it reveals details and illuminates the naked truth. Since its inception, photography has been a tool to document history and capture human triumphs, war horrors, and life’s beauty and poetry. Early photographers believed in their responsibility to experiment with the medium and go where others had not, to record and bring back evidence of life from beyond the limits of their experience and share it with others.

“Excellent documentary photography has the potential to bring about change; it allows the viewer an intimate moment to empathize and stand in someone else’s shoes. This was the guiding star in the selection of photographers for this exhibition for curators Linda Dorman and Tom Torluemke. Each demonstrated to the curators a dedication to their practices and subjects through their unique approach, taking us on a visual journey through human experiences.

“The era we live in is rife with division and misinformation, underscoring the relevant work of these photographers. Some work out in the streets, sometimes making fast friends with strangers as stories and events unfold, experiencing life’s impact on our neighbors. Others are compelled to build connections and relationships within marginalized and rural communities, spending many years and decades creating a moving and growing body of work. Their work takes a deep dive into humanistic realities of which many are only glancingly aware. The images and documents of these informed perspectives share an intimate understanding and respect for their given subject in the hopes that viewers will walk away with a new perception.

“The exhibition’s title, THIS IS IT, was inspired by the last album by Gary native Michael Jackson. The album features many calls for social change, including They Don’t Care About Us, Black and White, Earth Song, and Human Nature. Man in the Mirror encourages us to hold up a mirror and analyze ourselves and our place in society; it is something that great art and photography do.”

Mariah Karson, Gary in the Sandhills, Photograph

John H. White, Springboard to a Dream, Photograph, Copyright 1982, John H. White

From left, Carlos Javier Ortiz, Tom Torluemke, Stephen Marc, Jon Lowenstein, Linda Dorman and Mariah Karson

Sharon Stokes-Parry of the Montford Point Marine Association Chapter Two with photographer Mariah Karson

Below, Carlos Javier Ortiz, from the We All We Got series, Photograph

Mariah Karson, Ski Inn, Photograph

South Shore Arts celebrated the 79th anniversary of the annual Salon Show, September 9 through November 6, 2022. This year’s exhibit juror was artist and educator Chris Cosnowski, graduate of Columbus College of Art (BFA) and Northwestern University (MFA). Cosnowski’s artwork has been exhibited extensively throughout the U.S, and, in 2013, he was featured in an Outstanding Midwest Artist Exhibit at South Shore Arts curated by John Cain. Out of over 350 works entered, 62 artists and 68 pieces were selected for this year’s show. Over $13,500 in prizes were awarded to 20 artists thanks to the generosity of many longtime donors, including Tracy & Marc Schwimmer, who recently endowed their family’s awards in perpetuity, making the Renee & Sam Denmark Award the largest in the show, and the Surovek Family Fund.

Exhibit Sponsors

BMO Harris Bank

Indiana University Northwest

The JoAnn & Chuck Long Endowment Fund

Community & South Shore Arts Board Sponsors

Christian Bartholomew

Leane Cerven

Kay Depel

Drs. Becca & Gus Galante

Chris Pohl & Bruce Cegur present the Cegur/Pohl Award to Tina Figarelli for All the Women in Me are Tired, Oil on panel

Executive Director David Mika opening the awards ceremony

Right, Bonnie Zimmer, winner of the Helen V. Surovek Memorial Award for My Gaia, Mixed media

Above, Andrew Conklin, winner of the Renee & Sam Denmark Memorial Award for Barista, Oil on panel

CURRENT EXHIBITS

CENTER FOR VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

THIS IS IT: A Human-centered View of US

Curated by Dorman + Torluemke

Continuing through January 8, 2023

Sense and Sensibility: poetry in painting

Curated by Dorman + Torluemke

January 20–March 24, 2023

Opening Reception: Thursday, January 26, 5-8pm

ATRIUM GALLERY

Festival of Trees

Continuing through January 2, 2023

Jon Merritt – Geometry Forward

January 6–March 5, 2023

Tyrue “Slang” Jones, Untitled, Acrylic, and spray paint on panel

Stephen Marc, Bans Off Our Bodies, Photograph

Stephen Marc, San Francisco, Photograph

Jon Merritt, Firedog Rulon, Digital

Sense and Sensibility

POETRY IN PAINTING

South Shore Arts will present the mid-winter exhibit Sense and Sensibility: poetry in painting, featuring artists Bradley Biancardi, Ellen Green, Tyrue “Slang” Jones, Nina Rizzo, William Staples, Ann Toebbe, Pedro Veléz and Gabriel Villa.

Curated by Dorman + Torluemke, the exhibit will run January 20 through March 24, 2023, with an opening reception on Thursday, January 26, from 5–8pm. An Artists Panel Discussion will be held on Saturday, January 28, at 2pm, and a special Poetry and Painting Night will be held on Thursday, February 23, at 7pm.

The exhibit curators state: “The one-of-a-kind personality of an artist paints the feelings of life lived and living. It’s as though the artist’s eyeballs are orbital mirrors reflecting what is outside and inside simultaneously. It is there, so those feelings don’t disappear but survive as proof, a painting filled with haunting power and unexplainably magnetic.

“Sense and Sensibility: poetry in painting is a group exhibition of work by eight artists whose work expresses the notion that painting is simply drawing, color, and design that enlivens the mind, spirit, and soul and illuminates life’s majestic and mournful beauty. The exhibition is meant to encourage more thought and consideration of painting as a unique visual language to touch on life’s unexplainable and layered meanings.”

Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.

—Leonardo Da Vinci

Ann Toebbe, Anjula and Satish’s Terrace, Gouache on panel

Pedro Velez, Deal with the Devil, Acrylic on curtain material mesh

Bradley Biacardi, Giuoco Piano, Oil, acrylic, spray paint, & graphite on canvas

education opportunities for lifelong learning

Teena’s Legacy Continues at Substation No. 9

and in Gary

This fall, women Veterans joined together at Substation No 9, the South Shore Arts branch in downtown Hammond, to learn how to “re-upholster with a purpose” under the guidance of artist Jamika Smith, founder of Teena’s Legacy. Smith believes in the power of women learning, sharing, and working together, and this afternoon event in Hammond aimed to boost self-esteem, sharpen imagination, and enhance the creative mind via learning a real-world skill.

This partnership between Teena’s Legacy and South Shore Arts was designed as a four-hour training event in which participants learned how to break down, personalize, paint, and re-upholster a chair within a supportive and creative circle. Stories and laughter were shared, connections were made, and canvases were stretched. Class participant and Army Veteran, Candice Ford said, “I really enjoyed the process of disassembling the chair, taking the time to pull out each staple, stretching the fabric, folding the seams just right, and securing it back to the chair. It’s almost like the process they used on us in the military.

Stripping us down and building us back up again. I like the symbology between the two.”

The vision of Teena’s Legacy, which Smith founded in 2013 in honor of her grandmother, is to, “embolden girls and women to become architects of their own future through Inner-Transformation, Self-Exploration, and Entrepreneurship. Our goal is to have a long lasting presence in 20 U.S. cities and 20 countries in Africa.”

The program included demonstrations and step-by-step instruction by Jamika, where she taught participants the basic skills of upholstery, and in doing so, participants can now go on to create a truly personalized “statement piece” of furniture that represents their personal journey and spirit.

Through a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Northwest Indiana and South Shore Arts, 2022 Smith has also been able to demonstrate the parallels between personal growth, storytelling, and re-upholstering this fall.

Teen artists from the Boys & Girls Club of Gary worked on

their own recycled chairs for eleven weeks, while Jamika demonstrated and assisted in the multi-level process of breaking down chairs, defining their character, and rebuilding strengths. This process allowed the young artists to learn in an interactive and hands-on way how to rebuild chairs in their own unique and personal style, creating a “statement piece” all about themselves.

To learn more about Jamika Smith and Teena’s Legacy, you can visit teenaslegacy.com.

Art in Focus: Together Again

Art in Focus, the popular art appreciation series founded in 1996 by retired educator Rita M. Ray, resumes with in-person sessions for adult learners of all ages this winter and spring.

The current season began in the Atrium Gallery of the Center for Visual & Performing Arts this past summer with Kerri Mommer’s first solo exhibit, “Tree, Land, & Sky: Modern Landscapes.” The artist led a group discussion aimed at illuminating her artistic experience in painting nature throughout our region. Mommer expressed her desire to “provoke thoughtfulness, fresh ideas, and new ways of looking at things” through her modern landscapes.

In October, Art in Focus participants enjoyed another artist-guided walk-through of a very colorful exhibit called “Hats All, Folks!” hosted by the artist himself, Robin Coyner, who spoke about his series of bright portraits that begged the observer to take a closer look.

“I believe that an artist has sometimes only moments to captivate a viewer,” he said. “I’ve seen people walk up to a painting and take a quick look and never return. I try to incorporate something different, unusual, thought-provoking or a little weird into my work. If I can give you a reason to stay longer and look and read the painting, I have captivated you. A smile or laugh also works.”

A core objective when developing any of our Art in Focus programs at South Shore Arts is that we provide quality content that is accessible to all. The thoughtful dialogue between the program facilitator, the guest speakers, and the attendees will continue this winter, when, on Monday, January 23, art lovers can join Exhibit Curators Linda Dorman and Tom Torluemke for a guided tour of their carefully selected examples of poetry in painting with their show, “Sense and Sensibility.”

Thanks to generous support from Community Healthcare System, Art in Focus is free for adult learners of all ages who are interested in the arts and its impact on our world, past, present, and future. Sessions are held at the Center for Visual & Performing Arts in Munster.

To see the Art in Focus schedule, please visit our website at SouthShoreArtsOnline.com. Feel free to contact Director of Education Natalie Heath at 219/836-1839, ext. 101, or Natalie@SouthShoreArtsOnline.org if you have questions or suggestions about programming.

Friend-raiser vs. Fund-raiser

South Shore Arts celebrated the 29th anniversary of John Cain’s popular Holiday Reading on Tuesday, November 15, with “What Would Jackie Do?—A History of Christmas at the White House.” This ostensible nod to the First Ladies and their Christmas Holiday themes since the Kennedy Administration led up to John’s true motive, his telling of the 2009 White House Christmas tree, under the watchful eye of First Lady Michelle Obama, who pegged controversial designer Simon Doonan, the former creative director of Barney’s New York, to oversee her first Christmas decorations. Doonan often caused a stir with his choices, including his yuletide window display of Margaret Thatcher as a dowdy dominatrix and Dan Quayle as a ventriloquist’s dummy. For this year’s White House, he didn’t disappoint, unleashing a maelstrom of criticism from the Right.

Special thanks to sponsors Community Healthcare System and Vanis Salon & Day Spa for their long-time support of this festive annual tradition!

John Cain on stage

Kay Depel, John Cain and Leona Bonich

Lynn Heintz, Rona Lasser and Linda Eisenhauer

Carly Brandenburg, Leane Cerven and Liz Valavanis

Linda Polk and Diane Welk

Sue Eleuterio, Brenda Ashley, Tom Sourlis and Gary Johnson

Honor Roll of Donors

FY2022

Looking back on the past fiscal year, South Shore Arts recognizes our many generous friends—individuals, families, corporations, foundations and governmental entities—who make it possible for us to do our work. The listing below represents cumulative cash and in-kind gifts received July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, excluding event tickets.

$25,000+

John W. Anderson Foundation

Bruce Cegur & Chris Pohl

Indiana Arts Commission

The South Shore Arts Endowment Fund

$10,000-24,999

Anonymous Family Fund Sue & Andy Arnold

BMO Harris Bank

BP America, Inc.

Community Healthcare System Dyer Construction Company Inc.

Sue Eleuterio & Tom Sourlis

Indiana University Northwest Lexus of Merrillville

Morrow Family Foundation Neale Family Foundation

Peoples Bank

Diane & David Schneider

The Times Media Company

Elena Urschel & Catherine Pilgrim

$5,000-9,999

Lynn & Stephen Bolanowski

Cleveland Cliffs, Inc.

Kay & William Depel

Danette Garza

Carol Green-Fraley

JP Morgan Chase Bank Mechanical Concepts, Inc. Gail & Robert Migliorini

Kathie Mole

Mortar Net Solutions

Peter & Debbie Nau

NIPSCO

NiSource Charitable Foundation Vanis Salon & Day Spa

$2,500-4,999

Viki & Steven Adik

Carly & Stephen Brandenburg

Leane & David Cerven

City of Hammond

Colin McKenzie Consulting LLC.

Heather & Mike Delgado

The Jack & Sara Dietrich Fund Eichhorn & Eichhorn, LLP.

Family Christian Center Franciscan Alliance

Drs. Becca & Gus Galante

The Richard W. & Wanda L. Gardner Fund

Katherine Garza Hard Rock Casino of Northern Indiana Jones Consulting, LLC.

Judith Mayer Creative

Amy & Michael Koufos Sandi & Ed Kozlowski

Largus Graphix Solutions

Karen & Scott Lauerman

Orthodontic Specialists, PC Sandi & Richard Pellar

Karen & Cornel Raab

Tracy & Marc Schwimmer

Elizabeth & Chris Valavanis

$1,000-2,499

AKA

Albert’s Diamond Jewelers Cindy & Gary Ault

Frank Baccino

Barnes and Thornburg, LLP

The Donald H. Berwanger Fund

Kathryn Brtko, Carolyn Gorman & Cecelia Largura

Burke Costanza & Carberry LLP

John Cain

Cegur-Pohl Salon Show Fund

Cegur Studios LLC

Cetera Investments

City of Crown Point

CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

Dillard Consulting, LLC

Shannon Donnelly & Corey Hecht

Horseshoe Hammond Casino

The Law Office of Angela M. Jones, LLC

Elizabeth & Roger Kapla

Kappa Kappa Kappa, Beta Rho Chapter Elaine & Ismail Kisisel

The JoAnn & Chuck Long Fund

Pamela & William Lowe

Maureen & Michael Luongo

MCR Partners, LLC

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Ann & David Mika

Milles Engineering Group

The Gary & Sandy Neale Fund

O’Neill McFadden & Willett

Regional Award for Young Artists Fund

The Alexandra Garner Riddle Fund

Service League of Hammond

South Lake Women’s Health PC

Jeffrey Strack

The Surovek Family Fund

Theodoros & Rooth, LLP

Monica & Jason Vargas

$500-999

Jillian & David Alonzo

Arctic Engineering Company Inc

Patricia & Fred Beckman

Cathy & Cal Bellamy

Benevity Impact Fund

Cynthia Biestek

Ann & David Bochnowski

Sylvia & Tom Collins

Denise & Major Dillard

Paula Ferkull & Walter Rebovich

The Gardner Salon Show Prize Fund

Susan & Jason Griffin

Nancy & David Gross

Drs. Barb & Tony Hirchenberger

Jack Gray Transport, Inc.

Monica & Brian Johnson

Jill & Darrel Jones

Kappa Kappa Kappa Theta Gamma

Rona & David Lasser

Lithographic Communications, LLC.

Marcus Allard Truck Rental

McMahon and Associates

Meghan & Gabriel McElwain

Catherine & Mathew Murphy

The Linda & Myron Nidetz Fund

Leigh Olson Ag Perryman

Margo Powers

Wendy & Ted Prettyman

Leota Maire Rardin & Philip Bauman

Kathy Sharpe

Strack & Van Til Food Market

Janet Trusty

Seda Turan & Leon Dombrowski

Jennifer & Dan Vinovich

$250-499

Gary & Barbara Allie

Art Hill Ford

Katie & Casey Bouton

Cheryl Brody

Nicole & Bradley Caddick

The Norma J. & John M. Cain, Jr. Fund

Michael Griffin

Nancy & John Gustaitis

The Orval O. & Margaret Haag Salon Show Fund

Debra & Michael Kerr

Karren & Pat Lee

Heather & Thomas Levin

Laura & Thomas Maginot

Nancy Lee Malo

Doris McCarthy

Ann & David Mika

MonoSol

Chris & Therese Morfas

Mary Lou Mybeck

Kathy & Thomas O’Donnell

Stephanie & Aleksander Pantelic

Tanya Power

Judith Root-Stiles

Sally & Joseph Van Bokkelen

Roselyn & William Wright

harmonic convergence

SYMPHONY OPENS SEASON WITH

Northwest Indiana Symphony opened its 81st season with three performances of West Side Story, along with a Pre-concert Party at Innsbrook Country Club on October 13. Our Hosts mingled with guests over cocktails and a selection of savory and sweet hors d’oeuvres. They were serenaded by members of the Symphony’s talented Youth Orchestra. This event raises money for the music and education programs of the Symphony, Youth Orchestra, and the Symphony Chorus.

This year’s silent auction featured items such as dinner at El Taco Real with the Maestro himself, Theater and Dinner tickets, Blackhawks tickets, an afternoon at Vanis Salon & Spa, a gift certificate to Rosebud Steakhouse and a selection of jewelry, home décor and cocktail items.

A huge thank you to our Preconcert Party Hosts, the Neff Family and Tina & Brian Popp, and Party Sponsors, Community Healthcare System, BMO Harris Bank, Renee Giragos in Memory of Dr. Henry & Jeannette Giragos, Vidimos, Inc., John Cicco’s Menswear and Strack & Van Til Food Market for making the evening a success.

From the party, guests made their way to Living Hope Church for the concert. Maestro Kirk Muspratt took the stage surrounded by the Symphony musicians, who were joined on stage by guest vocalists Katelyn Lee,

Matthew Greenblatt, Kate Tombaugh, Jonathan Wilson, Susan Nelson, Jennifer L. Barrett, Molly Chesna, Colleen Ortega Christopher Jackson, Reuben L. Lillie, Aaron Wardell, and Ryan Morrison. Together, they put on an amazing show. Every toe in the audience tapped during America, and not an eye was dry when the concert reached its dramatic conclusion.

Sincere thanks to our Concert Sponsors for making West Side Story possible: the John W. Anderson Foundation, Porter County Community Foundation, Renee Giragos in memory of Dr. Henry & Jeanette Giragos, John Cicco’s Menswear, the Neff Family, Sue & Andy Arnold, Crown Point Community Foundation, Precision Control Systems, Tina & Brian Popp, and the Times Media Company.

Karen & Cornel Raab with Bill Neff

Joyce & Kurt Koch, Maestro Kirk Muspratt and Beth & Greg Zagrocki

Lisa Tyree and Renee Giragos

Guests soloists, from left, Jonathan Wilson, Kate Tombaugh, Katelyn Lee and Matthew Greenblatt

She was there!

Concertgoer Evelyn Lisek has been attending Northwest Indiana Symphony concerts since before they were even called that. In fact, Mrs. Lisek has been attending concerts since the very first one on December 7, 1941!

The Gary Civic Symphony Orchestra, as it was then known, had its first concert under the direction of Arthur Zack, at Seaman Hall in Gary at 8:30pm on that infamous date. At the time, Mrs. Lisek was a 15-year-old student at Lew Wallace High School in Gary’s Glen Park neighborhood. She recollects that she came to the concert that evening with fellow members of the local Chopin Choir.

As the events at Pearl Harbor continued to be reported throughout the day, the organizers of the concert gave some thought as to whether or not they should cancel, but ultimately decided to move ahead. When asked if she thought twice about attending the concert Mrs. Lisek said “absolutely not! The fact that there was a war declared wasn’t going to stop us.”

The concert featured Anne MacIsaac, mezzo soprano, as well as solos performed by concertmaster Jennie Gaudio, violinist Elizabeth Miller, and cellist Francis Monfort. “It was a great night for music,” she said. “The most memorable parts of the concert were the singing and the playing of the National Anthem. I think that that patriotism and the fact that there were so many music people in the audience, knowing this was the first for the Symphony, was wonderful.”

Mrs. Lisek, who came from a musical family, continued to attend Symphony events and to be active in the music community as a member of the Gary Music and Arts Association, which counted many symphony musicians among its members. The Chopin Choir performed a concert with the Symphony in 1966, and she was featured as a soprano soloist. And Ms. Gaudio even played as Mrs. Lisek’s wedding.

“I don’t think I’ve missed very many concerts. When I was single, when I was married, it was just something we did,” she recollected. “And now my daughter makes sure we don’t miss any.

“But the Anthem I’ll never forget.”

SYMPHONY CHORUS GETS A NEW LEADER

The Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, and Music Director and Conductor Kirk Muspratt, welcome Thomas McNichols as the new Director of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Chorus, replacing Dr. Nancy Menk who retired earlier this year..

“After an extensive search and many fine recommendations, we chose Tom to direct our wonderful chorus,” said Maestro Muspratt. “I am sure that the Chorus is going to enjoy working with him both as a musical colleague and as a human being.”

McNichols is currently the Director of Choral Activities and Vocal Studies at Saint Xavier University in Chicago. An alumnus of SXU, he earned a double undergraduate degree in vocal performance and music education and has been on faculty at Stoney Creek Elementary, St. Bernadette Catholic Academy, St. Cajetan School, St. Catherine of Alexandria School, and Mother McAuley High School.

In addition to performing and teaching at SXU, McNichols is choir director for the Queen of Martyrs and Saint Bernadette Parish in Evergreen Park and has been a clinician for the “Choir Tune-Up” hosted by the Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians.

As Chorus Director for the Northwest Indiana Symphony Chorus, McNichols will work closely with Maestro Muspratt to ensure the highest standards for the ensemble. Established in 1987, the Symphony Chorus performs at concerts such as Holiday Pops, joins the orchestra for other works and also presents its own concerts of masterworks and popular repertoire.

Evelyn Lisek

Maestro Thomas McNichols

* South Shore Arts

Members receive a 10% discount on classes.

winter art classes

JANUARY 9 – MARCH 11, 2023 (registration now open)

Classes are 9-week sessions unless otherwise noted. All in-person classes are currently being held in our studios at the Center for Visual & Performing Arts in Munster and at Substation No. 9 in Hammond.

Classes and Workshops for Pre-K,

Children, Teens, Adults & Seniors

South Shore Arts has been offering quality art instruction for 50 years! Classes include a wide variety of disciplines and media for any interest and ability level. The talented instructors at South Shore Arts are primarily working artists with degrees in their respective fields.

Winter Art Classes for Children, Teens, Adults & Seniors

Looking for quality art instruction? You’ve found it! South Shore Arts employs a talented staff of teaching artists. Many of our instructors are professional artists currently working in the field. They bring their knowledge and talents to create a vibrant learning experience like no other! Please visit our website for full class descriptions and online registration. A staff member will also be happy to assist you with your registration by phone or in person at our Munster branch.

Adult Classes

Munster

PAINTING & DRAWING

Multilevel: Spirit of Drawing ages 18+ 6:00 – 9:00 pm 9 Mondays Jan 9–Mar 6 $ 220

Multilevel Painting: Water-based Media ages 18+ 6:00 – 9:00 pm 9 Tuesdays Jan 10–Mar 7 $ 220 Drawing Basics ages 18+ 1:00 – 3:00 pm 9 Tuesdays Jan 10–Mar 7 $ 160

Multimedia Painting for Beginners ages 18+ 3:30 – 5:30 pm 9 Tuesdays Jan 10–Mar 7 $ 160

CERAMICS & SCULPTURE

Level 3: Advanced Independent Ceramics ages 18+ 6:00 – 9:00 pm 9 Mondays Jan 9–Mar 6 $ 180

Level 2: Guided Advanced Ceramics ages 18+ 6:00 – 9:00 pm 9 Tuesdays Jan 10–Mar 7 $ 220

Level 2: Handbuilding & the Pottery Wheel ages 18+ 6:00 – 9:00 pm 9 Wednesdays Jan 11–Mar 8 $ 220

Level 1: Learn to Throw on the Wheel ages 18+ 5:00 – 8:00 pm 9 Thursdays Jan 12–Mar 9 $ 220

Level 1: Beginners Ceramics: Clay Basics ages 18+ 1:00 – 4:00 pm 9 Fridays Jan 13–Mar 10 $ 220

PHOTOGRAPHY

Intro to Darkroom Photography ages 16+ 10:00 – 12:00 pm 9 Saturdays Jan 14–Mar 11 $ 180

10:00 – 1:00 pm 3 Sundays Feb. 19–Mar 5 $ 150

Needle Felting: Working with Wool ages 18+ 11:00 – 2:00 pm 1 Saturday Mar 4 $ 75

FEATURED Puppet Theatre Camp

This winter children ages 6-10 will enjoy creating posable puppets and learning the basics of simple set-design.

Put on your own LIVE performance on stage!

4 Fridays, February 3, 10, 17 & 24

Instructor: Jill Garcia Fee: $150

Youth Classes

All classes are 9-week sessions unless otherwise noted.

Munster

PAINTING & DRAWING

Drop-In Art & Story Hour ages 2–5 10:00 – 11:00 am Wednesdays On-going $ 5 per Manga & Anime Club ages 12–17 4:00 – 6:00 pm 9 Wednesdays Jan 11–Mar 8 $ 160 Learn How to Draw ages 8–12 4:30 – 6:00 pm 9 Thursdays Jan 12–Mar 9 $ 160 Colorful Kids: Drawing & Painting Exploration ages 2–7 10:00 – 11:00 am 9 Thursdays Jan 12–Mar 9 $ 120

CERAMICS & SCULPTURE

Beginners Ceramics ages 16+ 1:00 – 4:00 pm 9 Fridays Jan 13–Mar 10 $ 220 Ceramics for Kids ages 5–10 11:30 – 12:30 pm 9 Saturdays Jan 14–Mar 11 $ 120 Ceramic Studio for Teens ages 12–17 1:00 – 3:00 pm 9 Saturdays Jan 14–Mar 11 $ 160

PHOTOGRAPHY

Intro to Darkroom Photography ages 16+ 10:00 – 12:00 pm 9 Saturdays Jan 14–Mar 11 $ 180

THEATRE

Puppet Theatre Camp for Kids ages 6–10 4:30 – 6:00 pm 4 Fridays Feb. 3, 10, 17 & 24 $ 150

Workshops

Ceramic Self Portraits ages 5–12 4:30 – 6:00 pm Tues & Thurs January 24 & 26 $ 60 Manga Illustration and Comics ages 5–12 4:30 – 6:00 pm Tues & Thurs February 21 & 23 $ 60 “Drawn Together” Art Event for Teens ages 13–18 2:00 – 5:00 pm Saturday March 11 $ 60

Hammond

Watercolor Studio ages 16+ 11:00 – 1:00 pm 9 Saturdays Jan 14–Mar 11 $ 160

Airbrushing ages 16+ 10:00 – 12:00 pm 9 Saturdays Jan 14–Mar 11 $ 160

Kustom Designs ages 16+ 12:30 – 2:30 pm 9 Saturdays Jan 14–Mar 11 $ 160

South Shore Arts Art Parties are a great way bring people of all ages together and have some fun!

To learn more about organizing large and small Birthday Parties, Showers & Team-Building Events with a visual arts theme, contact Director of Education Natalie Heath at 219/836.1839, x101 or email Natalie@SouthShoreArtsOnline.org

South Shore

1040 Ridge Road Munster IN 46321 SouthShoreArtsOnline.org