MICHIGAN CITY, Indiana – The Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is partnering with local artist Bernard Williams and the HOPE Community Center in west Michigan City to complete another mural, this time on the back of HOPE facing Grant Avenue. The LCA held three public meetings at the HOPE Center where the community had the opportunity to decide on the mural’s content.

“This mural presents a vision for the future of the west side. It reflects the optimism that people feel in this neighborhood and the hope for a connected and vibrant community,” said Janet Bloch, executive director of LCA.

Funding for the two murals at HOPE was largely provided by grants from the Michigan City American Rescue Fund and Cleveland Cliffs. LCA is very grateful to everyone who donated money and their time and energy.

This is the third time Bernard Williams has directed a community mural in Michigan City. He is a nationally recognized public artist.

The planning process spanned several months and the mural represents the future of the west side: beach access, prison redevelopment, accessible housing, thriving natural environments and community gardens are some of the images featured.

LCA’s mural program was created by staff attending community art webinars and learning how others have transformed their neighborhoods with community-driven public art. LCA has found that public art is a very engaging way to activate the environment for people to enjoy and think about.

The HOPE Community Center is located at 222 McClelland Ave, Michigan City, IN 46360 and the community is invited to come by and help paint the mural or just watch it being created.

For more information about this project, contact Clare D’Amato at 219-874-4900 or [email protected].