Beginning May 11th, the Buchanan Art Center will welcome two new exhibits to their galleries, ‘Emergence’, and ‘Stand With Ukraine.’ An art reception for both shows, free and open to the public, will be held on Sunday, May 15th, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m, where art lovers may meet some of the artists and discuss their works.
‘Emergence’ is a collaborative show, featuring works by twenty different artists of the Area Artists’ Association, and all pieces on display will be available for purchase. The Area Artists’ Association is a nonprofit group of professional artists affiliated with The Lubeznik Center of Michigan City, and was created to recognize and encourage active regional artists.
‘Stand With Ukraine’ will feature two Buchanan Art Center instructors and their use of art to protest the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Vasilisa Kiselevich and Olga Orlovksa-Soaltys, as well as artists Sandy Williams and Jeff Matejovsky. Kiselevich and Orlovksa-Soaltys have participated in demonstrations in Chicago to keep the need for America’s assistance to Ukraine at top of mind.
“These artists have amassed a collection of photographic and other images that show the determination and passion of Ukrainians and sympathetic Americans who protest the Russian invasion. Also, the artists are assisting Ukrainians who wish to keep in touch with their American relatives,” says BAC.
The painting Dark Days, (below), by Williams and Matejovsky, uses creativity to tell of the emotional impact of war on Ukraine’s citizens. “Matejovsky’s background for the work sets a tone that suggests the horrors of war. Williams painted the war’s refugees with hearts that nearly flicker in the colors of the Ukrainian flag.”
Both exhibits will run at the Buchanan Art Center until June 5th, and you can visit them Wednesday – Sunday, from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. The Buchanan Art Center is located at 117 W. Front Street, and their mission, “to provide a place in our community dedicated to nurturing the arts by providing a quality educational program for all ages”, is so strongly expressed through their class offerings, Summer concert series, community works, and presence in our area. For more information about the BAC and these new exhibits, please visit buchananartcenter.com.
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
