Michigan City’s Uptown Arts District’s First Fridays @ 5 have been drawing crowds for months now, offering opportunities to view art and performances in a casual, after-hours setting. In August, Lubeznik Center for the Arts will take that concept one step further with a live, outdoor graffiti “performance” by artist Marco Salazar. Over the course of the evening, Salazar will paint Gallery Shop manager Esther Guncheon's car in Lubeznik Center’s north parking lot.
A native of East Chicago, Salazar’s artistic talent was noticed early and encouraged by an elementary school teacher. With a background in fine art painting, he adopted the tag “Take:1” and joined with classmates and fellow artists, “Ceaze” and “OMS:1” to create the “Hitmen Bombing Crew.”
Now a graduate of Columbia College, his commissioned murals decorate walls throughout the region – from churches to municipal buildings. He speaks of graffiti art as one of America’s true folk arts. A leader and elder-statesman of the local graffiti movement, his work has appeared in movies, television and international exhibitions.
Salazar will be painting at Lubeznik Center for the Arts from 5 until 8 on August 5. Refreshments will be available. Admission is free.
The Lubeznik Center is located at 101 W. 2nd St., at the lakefront in Michigan City, IN. Gallery Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:00am to 5:00pm, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Galleries are closed on Mondays. For more information please visit www.lubeznikcenter.org or call 219-874-4900. All times are based on Chicago time.
Photo: Graffiti artist Marco Salazar's commissioned works decorate churches, environmental centers, visitors centers, county court houses, hospitals and schools.