Lubeznik Center for the Arts Presents Words of Encouragement + Paper Signs of the Times with Indiana University Northwest

Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) is a presenting partner of a very timely and relevant installation project in partnership with Indiana University Northwest. Words of Encouragement + Paper Signs of the Times is now on display in the NIPSCO Art Education Studios through October 31st.

The exhibit's curator Lauren Pacheco writes, "This installation is a moment-specific project and creative act of visual kindness that touches upon the necessity for cultural appreciation and democratization in these challenging times. While we may feel alone when sheltering in place, the crisis is affecting all of humanity, and we are not alone."

In the end, this project serves as a call to action. It reminds us to remain hopeful as we all work together in solidarity to stay connected and respond to each other with love, compassion, sensitivity and intelligence. 

The exhibit features dozens of hand-painted signs that were submitted via an open call from Heart & Bone Signs, a company out of Chicago owned by Andrew McClellan and Kelsey Dalton McClellan that offers the highest quality traditional hand painted sign work. Typography and sign artists from around the nation and the world submitted their contributions which are now on display at LCA. The signs feature motivational phrases and poignant language to lift us all in these uncertain times, and the hand-painted and lettered craft of each artwork sign is immaculate and inspiring unto itself. 

When entering the exhibit, viewers will confront two large-scale brilliantly colored prints of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd by Chicago artist, Carlos Rolón. Titled Rest in Paradise, these beautiful memorial tributes set the stage for the important work and words that fill the room beyond.

The installation includes a community wall and supplies so visitors can add their own poster, flyer or small note of encouragement to the project. LCA’s Education Department is working with multiple community partners to add works to the installation over the next two months, including students from Safe Harbor and The Social and Learning Institute as well as LCA’s Teen Arts Council. 

This project is curated by Indiana University Northwest – School of the Arts, Lauren M. Pacheco (Gary, IN), Kelly Knaga (Crown Point, IN), Heart & Bone Signs (Chicago, IL) and Cathy Feeman (Valparaiso, IN) and is funded with support from the IUN School of the Arts Innovation Series awarded through the Chancellor’s Office of IUN.