Lubeznik Center for the Arts Resignation of Executive Director Carolyn Saxton

logoIt is with regret that Lubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) Board of Directors announces the resignation of its Executive Director Carolyn Saxton, CFRE. Saxton's final day with LCA will be May 20, 2014. The LCA board of directors congratulates Saxton on her new position as President of the Legacy Foundation, a community foundation serving Lake County, IN with nearly $50 million in assets.

Carolyn, a certified fundraising professional (CFRE), has been on staff at LCA since November 2005. During her eight and a half year tenure as executive director she has set LCA on an upward trajectory. She has strengthened the organization providing strategic direction to the Board of Directors and staff. She has brought the organization from its new beginnings at 101 W. 2nd Street to a pillar of the arts in Northwest Indiana.

Under Saxton's leadership LCA was instrumental in community initiatives that include: initiating the First Friday Art Walk and encouraging the development of the Uptown Arts District; chairing the Michigan City Public Art Committee and the SculptFusion public art project that brought eight works to downtown Michigan City; recommending Artspace, that will provide nearly 50 affordable live/work spaces for artists on historic Franklin Street in downtown Michigan City; and growing the LCA Lakefront Art Festival to an event that draws over 5000 visitors to Michigan City's Washington Park every August.

LCA now reaches a total of 25,000 people annually, including visitors, those attending exhibitions, programs and events, as well as children and adults who receive direct experiences in art, music and dance - many of whom might not otherwise have a creative outlet.

With Saxton at the helm, LCA staff has grown to ten professional staff members with full time effort dedicated to curatorial, education, marketing, and operational functions of the organization. She changed the direction of the LCA Gallery Shop to become a high-end shopping destination that offers hand-crafted items and provides a creative outlet for hundreds of artists.

LCA Board President Rachel Saxon states, "We will greatly miss the leadership and passion that Carolyn brought to LCA. Our loss is Legacy Foundation's gain and we wish Carolyn the best in her new role."

Outgoing Executive Director, Carolyn Saxton, says "Working along side a team of artistic professionals has helped me grow professionally and creatively. I have a passion for the arts and specifically the LCA. That passion will not fade as I take on new responsibilities with the Legacy Foundation. I leave the organization in a strong position. A new leader will have a clear path to make it even stronger."

Lubeznik Center for the Arts is located at 101 W. 2nd St., at the lakefront in Michigan City, IN. 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). 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.