Painting by famed Indiana artist found behind canvas

By The Associated Press

Art experts are hoping to figure out more about the origins of a previously unknown painting by noted Indiana impressionist T.C. Steele that was found hidden behind another canvas.

Adler's new 'Welcome to the Universe' offers visitors a trip beyond the stars and planets

By Philip Potempa philip.potempa@nwi.com, (219) 852-4327

Adler Planetarium astronomer Mark SubbaRao considers it a high compliment when he hears visitors leaving the Adler's latest show "Welcome to the Universe" and saying it "gave them perspective."

Unearthed early 20th century photographs on display at Valparaiso University

By Tim Shellberg Times Correspondent

The measures photographer William D. Richardson took to capture many of his subjects up close and personal may be considered drastic to some of today's nature lens men and women.

Hammond venues open doors for art walk

By Tim Shellberg Times Correspondent

Dave Mueller, owner of Hammond's Paul Henry's Art Gallery and coordinator of the city's art walk, has a pleasant climate in mind when it comes to the inaugural event.

Union Street crosses border to South Shore Arts

By Tim Shellberg Times Correspondent

"Sanctuary," an exhibit of works created by members of Chicago Heights Union Street Gallery at Munster's South Shore Arts, is a fitting title to artist and show coordinatior Claudia Creamer.

Whiting's Studio 659 takes part in city-wide breast cancer awareness campaign

By Tim Shellberg Times Correspondent

Studio 659's "Pink" exhibit, part of Whiting's month–long "Painting the Town Pink" celebration to raise breast cancer awareness, is an annual highlight to show curator Stephanie Madison.

New gallery ready to greet 'First Friday' revelers

By Tim Shellberg Times Correspondent

Despite a locale off the path of Michigan City's "First Fridays," Jeannene Anderson, founder of the town's J Anderson Gallery, has found a way to support the monthly celebration.

Our Kid: Gary student dances her way into Alvin Ailey production

By Jennifer Pallay

Performing with a world famous dance company is one step Diamond Harris has taken toward making her dreams come true.

Student art shines in South Shore show

By Tim Shellberg Times Correspondent

Mary McClelland sees South Shore Arts annual student exhibition as more than just an opportunity for young local artists to showcase their talents in a professional setting.

Solo Chicago show for artist Rashid Johnson

By Caryn Rousseau Associated Press

For more than a decade, contemporary artist Rashid Johnson has worked almost under the radar, turning out work presented at museums and coveted by collectors around the world.

A super career: Local comic book artist for Marvel signing latest project at Valpo store

By Philip Potempa philip.potempa@nwi.com, (219) 852-4327

Cory Hamscher has been a professional comic book artist for more than a decade, drawing the storyline sketches for everyone from The Incredible Hulk to The Avengers.

Egg decorating class brings ancient tradition to new audience

By Carrie Rodovich Times Correspondent

More than 15 years ago, Susan Blubaugh bought a pysanky egg decorating kit so she and her daughters would have a fun craft to do.

Left hanging: International Vintage Poster Fair returns to Chicago this weekend

By Philip Potempa philip.potempa@nwi.com, (219) 852-4327

David Pollack describes the hobby of collection vintage posters as "more than just addictive."

Schererville photographer stirs up 'Emotions'

By Tim Shellberg Times Correspondent

In addition to showcasing her artistic eye, photographer Lora Mercado's "Emotions" exhibit also can serve as a unique look at some of the region's architectural landmarks.

Schererville artist finds 'Nature' grows organically

By Tim Shellberg Times Correspondent

Despite living in a region abundant with beautiful natural surroundings, painter Machteld Tims' influence comes from within.

Area Artists do a 'Double Take'

By Tim Shellberg Times Correspondent

Susan Henshaw, co–curator of Area Artists Association's "Double Take" exhibit at Michigan City's Lubeznik Center for the Arts, described their annual showcase as a companion piece to the Center's circus and freakshow–themed "Step Right Up."

True or False? TRUE! 'MythBusters' exhibit opens in Chicago this weekend

By Philip Potempa, philip.potempa@nwi.com, (219) 852-4327

For those who thought today's advanced technology and the advent of the Internet would kill many carefully spun hoaxes and myths from around the globe, the reality is just the opposite.

Google this: Merrillville man has dream job as search website's 'altered logo' illustrator

By Philip Potempa philip.potempa@nwi.com, (219) 852-4327

Jan. 7 marked the 100th birthday of the late Charles Addams, creator of "The Addams Family" characters for The New Yorker magazine and later a television series for ABC. Ryan Germick said he felt a definite connection.

'Step Right Up' to new Lubeznik exhibit

By Tim Shellberg Times Correspondent

For LaPorte collector Darrel Hunsley, showcasing his sideshow banners and what some would describe as assorted oddities at Michigan City's Lubeznik Center in their "Step Right Up" exhibit is a definite exception to the norm.

Late Israeli artist makes U.S. debut with 'Works'

By Tim Shellberg Times Correspondent

Karen Ness, curator of South Shore Arts' "Works on Paper," expects viewers of late Israeli artist Aharon Shoshany's exhibit to experience a myriad of emotions.

Union Street Gallery's spring show takes viewers into nature

By Tim Shellberg Times Correspondent

Jessica Segal, gallery director at Chicago Heights' Union Street Gallery, thinks their "botanic/organic" spring salon show will introduce viewers to a fresh perspective of science and the great outdoors.

Chicago turns 175 with museum birthday party

By Tim Shellberg Times Correspondent

Jeneene Brown–Mosley, event coordinator for the City of Chicago, says there's plenty of fun to be had — and history to be learned — at the 175th anniversary celebration

Puppeteer takes young viewers globetrotting

By Tim Shellberg Times Correspondent

Decades of writing educational and inspiring stories and performing for families have done nothing to dull renowned puppeteer Jim West's enthusiasm for his craft.

340-ton rock to begin rolling to LA for art's sake

By John Rogers Associated Press

After months of preparation, the rock is ready to roll.

Studio 659 brings circus to town on 'Tightrope'

By Tim Shellberg Times Correspondent

Kathleen Ulm, curator of Studio 659's "Life's A Tightrope," has cultivated a "greatest show in Whiting" of sorts with her circus–themed exhibit.

Facing 'Genghis Khan'

By Philip Potempa philip.potempa@nwi.com (219) 852-4327

It takes more than centuries to change a historical reputation. Tom Skwerski, project manager for exhibitions at Field Museum in Chicago, says a new traveling exhibit opening today offers another perspective to one of the most ruthless warrio…

Bound to succeed: NWI Leap into the Arts gala in fifth year and ready to break $100,000 benchmark

By Philip Potempa philip.potempa@nwi.com, (219) 852-4327

Selecting the name for a new and promising event to raise arts funding was simple for founder Heidi Polizotto.

In Step: Local notables ready to dance to a charitable beat for 2012 Dancing with the Local Stars

By Philip Potempa philip.potempa@nwi.com, (219) 852-4327

Robert Scott, vice president for marketing and communications for Lake Area United Way, admires the determination and commitment of each year's group of "local celebrities" willing to "dance for a great cause."

Working world documented in 'Uniforms'

By Tim Shellberg Times Correspondent

While Beverly Shores photographer Joel DeGrand's South Shore Arts exhibit is titled "Uniforms," the surroundings in his creations are as vital as the wardrobes.

Indiana welcomes artists, partners 'Under One Roof'

By Tim Shellberg Times Correspondent

When South Bend's Krista Hoefle's sculptures are displayed "Under One Roof" at Hammond's Indiana Welcome Center, she will be given a rare opportunity to see her work alongside her other half, artist Jason Lahr.

New exhibit at MCA explores polarizing ’80s

By Molly Woulfe Times Correspondent

Like, the 1980s were totally awesome. We wanted our MTV. We tuned into "Three's Company" and "Diff'rent Strokes" and forked over $3 to see "Porky's" at the movies.

Filling the gap: South Shore Arts' everykid program continues to grow

By Mark Loehrke Times Correspondent

Pay attention to the news and it seems almost inevitable these days. Whenever a local school district finally decides that it simply can no longer balance the budget and painful cuts need to be made, those cuts almost always seem to target ar…

'Innovations' fuse art, home décor

By Tim Shellberg Times Correspondent

Beverly Shores' Larry Jensen has interior decor in mind when it comes to "Room for Innovations."

Lead visual designer for American Girl decorates window at local art gallery

By Tim Shellberg Times Correspondent

During the day, Whiting's Jules Kulchar-Naus has a job many young girls and female tweens would envy.

Science, art fused in Lubeznik's 'Informatika'

By Tim Shellberg Times Correspondent

Artist Peter Gray expects exhibit-goers to be dazzled by "Informatika," even if the science lessons they learned in school have become a little fuzzy over time.

Calligraphy keeps up with the times in South Shore show

By Tim Shellberg Times Correspondent

Cathy Feeman, director of exhibits for the Chicago Calligraphy Collective, hopes her organization's exhibit at South Shore Arts' Atrium Gallery broadens viewers' horizons.

Dyer artist to design new work for CP library

By Diane Poulton Times Correspondent

A Dyer artist, who painted a 5,000-square-foot, block-long mural for Indianapolis in honor of Super Bowl XLVI, also will be creating a suspended artwork for the new Crown Point Community Library.

Lubeznik Center aligns with Smithsonian for 'Earth From Space'

By Tim Shellberg Times Correspondent

Despite technological advancements over the decades, the Smithsonian Institution's "Earth From Space" exhibit still leaves viewers in awe. CarolAnn Brown, Lubeznik Center curator of exhibitions, is enthusiastic about bringing the exhibit to t…

Union Street Gallery exhibit showcases two sculptors

By TIM SHELLBERG Times Correspondent

Hoosier artist Rob Millard-Mendez hopes his three-dimensional works appeal to more than seasoned art aficionados.

New Ailey chief adds crowd-pleasers to repertory

By Jocelyn Noveck AP National Writer

Imagine you're in the audience at, say, "Swan Lake," and the ballerinas you've been watching suddenly swoop over to your seat, envelop you with their wings and spirit you onstage to flutter along en pointe.

Towle unveils premieres in 2012 season preview

By Tim Shellberg Times Correspondent

Jeff Casey, managing director of Hammond's Towle Theater, knows the challenges he'll face when the theater debuts plays and musicals new to region audiences.

Student artists gain 'Perspective' with Southern Shore exhibit

By Tim Shellberg Times Correspondent

Jeannene Anderson, co–curator of Southern Shore Art Association's "Perspectives from Extraordinary Students," was amazed to watch the exhibiting student artists evolve.