'Innovations' fuse art, home décor

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

"I hope people begin to think 'You know, I can put this stuff in my house to add artistry to my house,'" he said. "We're trying to encourage people to think of putting art into their own environments and into their homes."

Celebrating the exhibit's opening with a reception at the Southern Shore Art Association's Michigan City gallery Feb. 3, "Innovations" is made up of three–dimensional works created by four area artists; wood turner Jensen, Trail Creek–based furniture designer Gary Plunk, LaPorte ceramic artist Jon Hook and Beverly Shores bronze sculptor Linde Hansen–Lukas.

Jensen has served as curator for shows and had his art on exhibit for Michigan City's Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Chesterton Art Gallery and South Shore Arts.

He created his pieces displayed in "Innovations" over the course of the last year. He expects the eclectic mix of wood, ceramic and bronze works created by he and his fellow artists to leave a notable impression on viewers.

"It's intended to be a very unusual experience," Jansen said of the exhibit. "It's intended to be innovative both in the way that it's presented and in the things that are seen ... we have a whole variety here and we hope that people see this as being innovative and much different than you normally have (in an exhibit)."

In addition to showcasing their works, the artists in "Innovations" are also selling their pieces. The artwork, Jensen estimated, will be available for purchase with costs ranging from $200 to $1,300.

"It's always a challenge (to sell art)," Jensen said. "I think people's decisions are based upon their responses to the art that they see, and I think if they see something they like, they'll try and find a way to buy it. But we'll see when it's all done."