Jessie Sexton, marketing manager for Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City, found publicizing and promoting the organization’s spring 2024 exhibition an easy feat.“Stitched, Woven and Hooked” stars nearly 40 intricate pieces on display demonstrating the artistic talent of working with textiles, fabric and fibers and continues until June 15.“We opened this exhibit March 1, and it’s had a steady flow of visitors and guests amazed at the displays,” said Sexton, who has been with Lubeznik for eight years, including serving in the educational programming capacity and art instructor as previous duties.“I believe we in the Midwest have an extra special connection to what’s on display, and we are naturally drawn to these works because we come from grandmothers who likely quilted and crocheted as part of everyday life.”The exhibition comes from the hands of local artists Melissa Blount, Dorothy Burge, Laurel Izard, Shaqui Reed and Galina Shevchenko. All five talents will share their knowledge, technique and personal stories of interwoven passions at a free artist talk panel discussion at 4 p.m. May 19 while also answering guest questions.
“Much of our exhibit can be classified as autobiographical in nature and connected to each of these artists’ identities with family history and cultural connection,” Sexton said.“Much research has gone into each of the pieces chosen for display.”Sexton said the exhibit has helped draw new patrons to visit Lubeznik Center for the Arts, an added bonus for her duties with marketing outreach.“I lived in Michigan City my entire life,” Sexton said.“I’m 32 years old, and it wasn’t until high school that I came for my first visit to Lubeznik, even though it’s been around since it was named and rebranded in 2003.”“My first time coming to see an exhibit at Lubeznik was because of my own high school art teacher Laurel Izard at Marquette High School. And now, that same teacher is one of our featured artists for this exhibit.”While some textile and yarn art has a reputation as dated hobbies from the 1970s, like macramé and hook rugs, Sexton said that new generations are embracing crafting of yesteryear and appreciating the accompanying feeling of accomplishment.“Embroidery is an intricate art talent many centuries old, and yet it is still embraced today, such as the amazing embroidery works of artist Melissa Blount,” Sexton said.“It’s amazing how needlepoint combined with patience and creative drive can produce something delicate and beautiful.”The multi-level exhibit includes displays both mounted and shared as wall arrangements as well as gathered pieces suspended from the ceiling.“We have one area where the woven pieces also incorporate other objects to create an expression of poetry,” Sexton said.“This is exhibit is like a tapestry of lives and talents shared by design.”Philip Potempa is a freelance reporter for The Post-Tribune.‘Stitched, Woven and Hooked’When: Now through June 15Where: Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W. 2nd St., Michigan CityCost: FreeInformation: 219-874-4900; lubeznikcenter.org

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