Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is proud to present "Women to the Front: Artworks from the Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection," an extraordinary exhibition of contemporary artworks on view from June 30 through October 26, 2025.
This powerful and thought-provoking show features more than 70 original works by 59 artists, featuring iconic female voices such as Louise Bourgeois, Barbara Kruger, Ana Mendieta, Shirin Neshat, Yoko Ono, Carolee Schneemann and Cindy Sherman, alongside other bold contemporary pieces by internationally-recognized and emerging Midwestern artists.
Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell began building their remarkable collection in the 1990s in Cincinnati, Ohio, where they continue to reside. Their vision supports, celebrates and elevates women, queer artists and artists of color—voices often pushed to the margins of the art world.
Through media ranging from drawing, painting and photography to mixed media and sculpture, the works use wit, emotion and fearless critique to confront white, male heteronormativity and challenge cultural norms. The Waddells’ collection now includes over 1,000 pieces, making it one of the most substantial socially-conscious private art collections in the Midwest.
The artworks in "Women to the Front" explore urgent socio-political themes spanning from the 1970s to today.
“It has been thrilling to work with this extraordinary art collection, and I can’t wait to share it with our community here in NWI, Chicagoland and beyond,” says Whitney Bradshaw, curator of the exhibition. “It’s a must-see!”
The exhibition title, "Women to the Front," pays tribute to the 1990s feminist punk movement, Riot Grrrl. At each Bikini Kill show, front-woman Kathleen Hanna would declare, “Girls to the front!” This directive encouraged men to step aside, so 
women and girls could occupy the front of the stage—a rallying cry for women to take up space, be seen and be heard. This exhibition carries that same spirit.
Free, public events taking place during the run of "Women to the Front" include:
- Opening Reception with the Waddells: Friday, July 11 from 5-8 PM (CT)
- Curator Gallery Talk: Saturday, July 19 at 11:30 AM (CT)
Free gallery tours are available for groups and organizations. To schedule a docent-led tour, contact Janet Bloch, LCA's executive director, at jbloch@lubeznikcenter.org.
For more information about "Women to the Front," please contact Jessie Sexton, LCA's marketing manager at 219-874-4900 or jsexton@LubeznikCenter.org.
About LCA
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 about LCA, please visit LubeznikCenter.org.
Image Credits:
Michele Pred, Time for Equal Pay II, 2022, Mixed media
Shirin Neshat, I am Its Secret, from Women of Allah series, 1993, Chromogenic color print
Mickalene Thomas, Mama Bush (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me), Higher and Higher, 2009, Photo collage
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, Indiana. Admission is free year-round. For more information, please visit LubeznikCenter.org or call 219.874.4900.
LCA HOURS (All hours are Central)
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Saturday & Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM