A summer packed with arts and entertainment across the region.
South Shore Arts will present the fourth exhibit in its Outstanding Midwest Artist Series, this time featuring Chicago artist Chris Cosnowski, who paints icons of Americana in a photo-realistic style.
Chris Cosnowski’s Captain America
Mandala, an oil on panel.
At once lifelike in detail and humorous in concept, Cosnowski's artwork recalls Western classical art through its use of figurative sculpture as subject matter.
“Trophies and plastic figures make up the primary subject matter of my work,” the artist says. “These cast, monochromatic figurines are reminiscent of classical sculptures, as well as being quintessential objects of Americana.”
The exhibit runs June 16 through Sept. 2 at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster, with a reception for the artist on Sunday, June 23, from 1 to 3 p.m.
June 23 is also Family Arts Day at the Center, with fun activities scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition to the exhibit opening in the gallery, there will be a children's theatre presentation of Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs in the theatre and two free art projects in the studios, where families can make an apple project (less toxic than the one in the play) and a Happy, Grumpy or Sleepy face. Other activities include a performance by Northwest Indiana Symphony Youth Orchestra members, back stage tours, acting classes, face-painting, games, food, and more.
Located on the Indiana-Michigan border on a scenic 20-acre wooded site, the Dunes Summer Theatre has been providing quality theatrical programs for over 60 years. This summer's productions include Rent, Steampunk Hamlet Shakespeare, Revenge of the Space Pandas and Oklahoma. For more information, visit www.dunessummertheatre.com.
Taltree Arboretum & Gardens is a remarkable asset to the South Shore region. Sitting atop the Valparaiso moraine, Taltree boasts 360 acres of woody plant collections, formal gardens, wetlands, woodlands and prairies.
Taltree's Summer Music Series for 2013 will feature the Neverly Brothers, American English and Marrakesh Express. For dates and times, visit www.taltree.org. Each concert will feature hot food offerings plus beer and wine for purchase.
More outdoor musical entertainment will be provided by the Northwest Indiana Symphony at this year's South Shore Summer Music Festival. The concerts will have something for everyone, with the orchestra featuring light classical and patriotic music, as well as music from Broadway musicals and movies. These free concerts will be performed in Cedar Lake on July 20, Griffith on July 26, Crown Point on July 27 and Hammond on Aug. 2. The public is invited to come early, bring lawn chairs and blankets and relax and enjoy the music
The Michigan City Chamber Music Festival, founded by husband/wife team Nicolas Orbovich and Sunny Gardner-Orbovich, will present “Around the World in Eight Days,” a series of five concerts performed Aug. 10 to 18. Each concert has its own theme, including Franco-Belgian, Latin Flavors, Witness and Legacy, Israeli Night, Thirsting for Hungary and Teutonic Titans. All events are free. Go to www.mccmf.org for dates, locations and selections for the performances.
South Shore Arts reminds you to visit its online Regional Art Calendar at www.SouthShoreArtsOnline.org for listings of local arts events. The calendar lists exhibits, concerts, plays, lectures, film series, dance performances and more, all taking place in your neighborhood. Don't forget the South Shore Arts Facebook page where you can also keep up to date on exhibit schedules and opening receptions, class sign-ups, outreach programs and special events. Local artists also post their events and share local art experiences.
Find out more about area arts activities and events by watching John Cain on Lakeshore Public Television's “Eye on the Arts,” every Thursday evening at 9 p.m. on Lakeshore News Tonight.
