On Friday, June 28, the Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) transported supporters to the magical world of Oz with its annual Art Bash fundraiser, “Over the Rainbow.” The event took place at Purdue University Northwest’s Great Hall in Westville, Indiana, and served as the center’s largest fundraising event of the year. The evening helped support LCA’s mission to make art accessible to all members of the community.
Guests began arriving around 5:15 p.m. and enjoyed a vibrant cocktail hour. The official program began at 7:30 p.m. with a spoken word performance by Carness Carnes. Gala Chair, Alexander deHilster, took the stage to thank sponsors before LCA Executive Director Janet Bloch addressed the audience.
“The ‘Over the Rainbow’ celebration is about what we do in our community,” Bloch said. “We embed the arts in the community, bring great artists to the area, and ensure access to art for everyone, including kids, people with disabilities, and residents of assisted living centers.”
Bloch said the funds raised from Art Bash help make these efforts possible.
“We are doing four murals this summer, two in Michigan City and two in La Porte,” Bloch said. “We are also preparing a mobile art exhibition that will visit neighborhoods in Michigan City and rural La Porte County. This is on top of scholarships, summer classes, and major exhibitions like ‘Women to the Front,’ which opens with a reception on July 11.”
Marketing Manager, Jessie Sexton, said the Wizard of Oz-inspired theme added a fun and playful element to the evening.
“We’re a group of artists and theater lovers, and we thought it would be fun to lean into that creativity,” Sexton said. “People dressed up in all sorts of creative costumes. We even held a costume contest for both guests and staff.”
Throughout the event, guests participated in a silent auction while waiting for the main program, which featured a live auction hosted by auctioneer, Jim Miller. Silent auction items included art created by participants in the Health Foundation’s Social Learning Institute and Paladin programs, along with pieces from LCA’s Young Artist Expo. Live auction items included luxury vacations to Puerto Rico and Palm Springs, California.
“The live auction trips were generously donated and included perks like weeklong stays and golf carts,” Sexton said. “If the first winner didn't use a trip, we had a second option available.”
Sexton also noted the strong response the event received on social media.
“We had a lot of people excited about dressing up,” Sexton said. “I posted themed memes to generate interest, and we promoted the event on local radio. It really helped build momentum.”
For Board Member, Larry Piotrowski, the event reflects the core values that drew him to LCA.
“There is nothing more important for the community than the arts,” Piotrowski said. “They enrich lives and help people, especially young people, become more well-rounded and caring individuals.”
Bloch said her favorite moments come when the crowd connects with the mission and gives from the heart.
“It always feels good when something you say moves someone in the audience and they raise their paddle,” Bloch said. “That connection, seeing people believe in what we do, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”
After the live auction and short film presentation, the night shifted into a celebration. Guests mingled, enjoyed desserts, and some danced as music filled the hall. The silent auction officially closed at 9 p.m.
“Once the paddle raise is over, I’m out there dancing,” Bloch said. “It’s my once-a-year moment.”For more information on upcoming exhibits, classes, and events, visit the Lubeznik Center for the Arts’ website at www.lubeznikcenter.org.
