Lubeznik Center for the Arts Appoints Erika Hanner as Executive Director

Erika-HannerThe Board of Directors of Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) announces the appointment of Erika Hanner as its Executive Director. Most recently she served as the Director of Convergent Programs at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Chicago, IL. Hanner brings more than 20 years managing program initiatives including curatorial, education, performance, as well as the library and archive at MCA. She will begin her new position December 15, 2014.

Hanner will succeed Carolyn Saxton, who led LCA for eight years through a major period of growth, including spearheading several significant community initiatives that promote and/or support arts and culture within Michigan City. During her tenure attendance of the annual Lakefront Art Festival increased to over 5,000, and she helped expand LCA's annual reach to 25,000 individuals.

"Lubeznik Center for the Arts has reached a pivotal moment, and Erika Hanner brings the right mix of vision and management experience to lead the Center into its next phase," said Rachel L. Saxon, President of Lubeznik Center for the Arts Board of Directors. "We have grown the Center in all areas of operations with a special emphasis on education and contemporary art exhibitions. Erika will spearhead our continued expansion. We are thrilled to have someone who brings a strong museum background and is also familiar with our immediate service area as a resident of Northwest Indiana."

During her tenure at the MCA, Hanner oversaw operations for the MCA program division including curatorial, education and performance. Most notably, she was project director for "David Bowie Is," the MCA's most ambitious exhibition to date which runs through January 4, 2015. Hanner also oversaw the MCA Library and Archive, raising its profile both internally and externally as an invaluable but historically marginalized asset.

In her role as MCA's Beatrice C. Mayer Director of Education, Hanner was responsible for all aspects of the MCA's education program activities including school programs, family programs, docents, lectures, classes and teacher programs.

"I am thrilled to be joining the wonderful staff and dynamic Board who jointly comprise the LCA," Hanner said. "The LCA is well-positioned to grow meaningfully in its fourth decade to become even more of a leader and cultural partner in Michigan City. I am excited to be a part of that," she added.

Hanner earned a Master of Business Administration from Loyola University School of Business - Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Loyola University - Chicago. She resides in Porter, IN.

About Lubeznik Center for the Arts:
For more than 35 years, Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) has provided arts experiences to the public, enhancing education, economic development and quality of life throughout the region. The architecturally iconic LCA facility is just steps away from Michigan City's lakefront and welcomes members and guests to participate in art through an eclectic mix of classes, cultural performances and memorable after-hours events. In addition to a full schedule of contemporary art exhibitions in six galleries, LCA is home to both permanent and outdoor art collections along with a Gallery Shop featuring handcrafted artisan items. Gallery weekday hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (CDT). Weekend hours are from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM (CDT). LCA offers extended hours until 7pm on Thursdays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. For more information please visit www.lubeznikcenter.org or call 219-874-4900.