Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) will host an opening reception for their newest art exhibition, "Women to the Front: Artworks from the Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection," on Friday, July 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. (Central).
One of the collectors, Sara M. Vance Waddell, along with LCA’s curator Whitney Bradshaw, will be in attendance at the opening reception celebration. At 6 p.m., Sara will give a talk offering insights into the evolution of the collection.
All are welcome to enjoy the exhibitions, complimentary light refreshments and a cash bar. As always, admission is free.
"Women to the Front" presents a curated selection of works from this extraordinary private collection. The daring artworks on display reflect Vance Waddell’s commitment to supporting internationally established artists and local, emerging voices. The works grapple with critical socio-political issues of the day while amplifying the voices of those historically marginalized. Some of the iconic and internationally recognized artists featured in the exhibition, such as Elizabeth Catlett, Bessie Nickens and Yoko Ono, are presented alongside pieces by additional emerging and established artists from both international and Midwestern backgrounds.
The title of the exhibit is inspired by the Riot Grrrl movement of the 1990's that emerged on the West Coast with a mission to center women and their experiences in punk rock music. Kathleen Hanna, the leader of the feminist punk band Bikini Kill, famously opened every show by shouting, “Girls to the front!” This directive encouraged men to step aside and allowed women and girls to occupy the front of the stage, challenging the power dynamics in a space dominated by white males up to that point.
At the same time, here in the Midwest, Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell began building a remarkable art collection that has since grown to include more than 1,000 works by living artists—among them women, queer artists and artists of color.
"Women to the Front" will be on display at LCA through October 26, 2025.
LCA's free First Friday cultural programs take place on the first Friday of each month from 5-8 p.m. The annual schedule includes everything from exhibition openings to live music and dance performances. All events are free and provide complimentary light bites and a cash bar.
For more information, contact Jessie Sexton, LCA’s marketing manager, at (219) 874-4900 or jsexton@LubeznikCenter.org.
Image credits:
Michele Pred, Time for Equal Pay II, 2022, Mixed media
Barbara Kruger, We Will No Longer Be Seen and Not Heard (detail), 1992. Lithograph on aluminum
About Lubeznik Center for the Arts
Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides access to compelling exhibitions and programs that explore contemporary ideas. The organization is located at 101 W. 2nd Street at the lakefront in Michigan City, Ind. Admission is free year-round. For more information, please visit LubeznikCenter.org or call 219.874.4900.
LCA Hours (Central)
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 10 AM-5 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Saturday & Sunday: 11 AM-4 PM