Leeds Public House is shining a light on how art impacts the community with its monthly Project Heart initiative.
Fifty percent of proceeds from March’s special cocktail will support Lubeznik Center for the Arts, which provides a stage for bringing together art, education and community through exhibits, classes and events.
“Lubeznik believes that art should be for everyone. We welcome visitors to our galleries to view our world-class art exhibitions for free, six days a week,” said Dee Cook, marketing director for Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W. Second St. in Michigan City. “We offer guided tours for small groups and dozens of fun free cultural events that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, including neighborhood pop-up events to engage with local communities.”
The March Libations for Donations cocktail is Midnight Moon Bath, which mixes Hendricks Lunar Gin, Bitter Truth Violette Liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, coconut cream and a citrus moon cube.
Leeds Public House owner Denise Burns said the beauty of culture and art are how they can unite a community and inspire imagination and innovation.
“Art colors our world in so many ways and cultivates creativity and growth,” Burns said. “As a nonprofit, Lubeznik embodies bringing art to the forefront by fusing exhibits and education for anyone to enjoy.”
“We offer a wide range of classes for children and adults, providing visual arts classes to adults with disabilities at no cost. Scholarships are available to eliminate barriers for children who wish to participate in arts classes and camps,” Cook said. “Through partnerships with organizations like Safe Harbor and the Boys and Girls Club, we provide off-site arts outreach programming that allows us to connect with students.”
Cook said while 2020 curbed in-person events, the center redefined its efforts moving to virtual student learning tours and was able to provide these experiences to more than 800 students.
“In 2021, we continue to provide top-quality exhibits and art classes for everyone by modifying our procedures. We implemented additional safety measures, such as social distancing, requiring visitors to wear masks and limiting the number of visitors in the center at any given time,” Cook said. “Our staff is committed to finding innovative ways to engage those in our surrounding communities and bring the world of art to all.”
Anyone in the community wanting to support the center can become a member at varying levels by visiting www.lubeznikcenter.org.
The Project Heart platform continues to center on community and non-profits since launching when Leeds Public House first opened in 2019. It has evolved into a monthlong effort to further bolster region non-profits.
Leeds is always looking for nonprofits to feature through its monthly Leeds Project Heart. To become a part of the community-focused initiative, contact Leeds General Manager Dave Roberts at 219-814-4530 or droberts@leedspublichouse.com.
Leeds Public House, 401 Franklin St., focuses on local and fresh ingredients that are crafted into a flavorful menu and specialty cocktails. At home in a 100-plus-year-old building, the Michigan City spot strives to be a neighborhood beacon that enlivens the historic downtown. Opened in July 2019, the restaurant features an outdoor patio, indoor and outdoor bars as well as a vigorous community spirit that is cultivated through its Leeds Project Heart give-back initiative.
For more information, visit leedspublichouse.com.
