The Ludington Area Center for the Arts will host an open house to showcase its improved visual arts facilities Saturday, May 18 from 1-4 p.m. LACA is calling for area artists of many mediums to demonstrate (at no charge) their work in progress or a process involving ceramics, printmaking, photography, sculpture, filmmaking, textiles, drawing and painting.Demonstration sites are available in the lower level, first floor, performance hall lobby, and second floor with craft room, art library, and studio spaces.No fees will be charged for a demo space; however, no sales are permitted. Artists may distribute business cards and sell a work in progress that day. Refreshments will be served.Contact Linda Sandow at 1-231-845-2346 or lsandow@hotmail.com for signup and directions.
Sponsor a performance
hall chair today!
Over the past few months the Ludington Area Center for the Arts staff and a team of volunteers have been hard at work making a number of improvements to the center's performance hall. Among the upgrades are a new sound system that will allow for a crisper, cleaner sound. With the new sound system LACA's performance hall is now one of the top sounding venues in West Michigan.
Additional changes to the performance hall include freshly painted walls and the removal of the old church pews and carpeting.
The removal of the pews and the subsequent purchase of new seating will allow the art center to use the performance hall as a multi-functional venue that can have a seating capacity of over 3oo people, host an event with no seating to allow for dancing or allow for tables to be set up for a luncheon or meeting.
In an effort to fund the purchase of the new seating LACA is selling annual sponsorships for our new performance hall chairs. Funds from the $100 annual sponsorship and $5,000 forever sponsorship will help LACA purchase new seating and continue to make additional upgrades to the performance hall for years to come. Call LACA at 231-845-2787, stop by the office or print and return the form below if you are interested in sponsoring a chair.
Ludington Area Center for the Arts
107 S. Harrison Street
Ludington, MI 49431
Phone: 231-845-2787
Business Hours
Open - Tuesday thru Friday –11 am - 4 pm
Saturday - noon to 3 pm
www.facebook.com/LudingtonArtsCenter
Instagram- @lacaarts
LACA receives MCACA
grant for 2019 fiscal year
The Ludington Area Center for the Arts (LACA) has been awarded a grant of $15,000 from the State of Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA). The grant was awarded through the MCACA peer review process and was one of 561 applications to compete for MCACA fiscal year 2019 funding.
Organizations receiving a MCACA grant award are required to match those funds with other public and private dollars. LACA receives significant funding and volunteer support from our local community.
The MCACA peer review process allows for each grant application to be competitively considered by a panel of in-state and out-of-state arts and culture professionals. This ensures the taxpayers, who support this project through legislative appropriations, and all other visitors or residents in Michigan will have access to the highest quality arts and cultural experiences.
Art Critique Groups
Evening Art Critique Group will be held each month on the FOURTH MONDAY from 7-8:30 pm in the Main Gallery. All artists all welcome to attend and to bring a piece of their work to discuss in a positive environment with other artists.
Morning Critique meets every THIRD FRIDAY from 11-1 pm in the Main Gallery as well.
Weekly Oil painting Classes
w/ Justin David Gustafson
Learn oil painting techniques from area artist Justin David Gustafson during his weekly painting class in the LACA craft room. This ongoing class is open to all skill levels and those interested in taking the class can join at any time. Classes are $30 per session of $100 for four. All materials are supplied.
To register call 231-845-2787 or e-mail info@ludingtonartscenter.org
Open Mic nights
First and third Fridays of the month. Sign-up begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by performances at 7 p.m.
Free to perform or listen; show your support for local up-and-coming talent.
First Firday is 'Family Friendly' and third Fridays are 'Adult Themed.'
Weekly figure drawing
sessions at LACA
The Ludington Area Center for the Arts' new figure drawing group meets each Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the art center located at 107 S. Harrison St., in downtown Ludington. The group shares in the cost of the model fee. Models are both clothed and nude depending on availability.
Anyone interested in modeling for the group is asked to contact John Marek at 231-239-0176.
LACA Photography Group to meet monthly on the 3rd Wednesday
LACA's Photography Group meets the third Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. in LACA's main gallery Meetings are free and open to anyone who would like to discuss all things photography.
Each gathering of the group will include a brief highlighted topic followed by open discussions among attendees.
Occasional "field shoots" may be scheduled at various locations around the Ludington area on weekends.
Ukulele group
to meet at
LACA monthly
All Ukulele musicians are welcome and encouraged to attend. Sessions are divided into a beginner session from 1-1:30 p.m. followed by an "experienced" (can play 4 chords ) session from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Video hobbyists and professionals are invited to join the Ludington Center for the Arts AV (Audio/Video) Club at 6pm on the second Tuesday of each month. AV Club participants will have the opportunity to discuss individual productions, learn new techniques, and collaborate on community projects. The club aims to be a support system for local video producers by encouraging the use of video as a communication tool. The AV Club welcomes Ludington area video hobbyists and professionals,13 and up.The first meeting will be held on April 9th from 6-7:00 pm in the LACA Main Gallery on 107 S Harrison St, Ludington, MI 49431. There will be a short meet and greet, a club goal discussion, and an opportunity to showcase past projects. The AV Club can stream videos from YouTube or participants can bring their projects on a flash drive.The AV Club will be hosting a weekend movie-maker competition in the fall to raise funds for shared equipment and resources. Club members may choose to compete or may volunteer to help with the event.
Mary Case: First Impressions
on display now at LACA
Artist reception set for Sunday, April 7 from 2-5 p.m.
Mary Case: First Impressions will grace the walls of the main gallery of the Ludington Area Center for the Arts (LACA) during the month of April.
First Impressions is an exhibition of paintings and sculpture that express color, light and energy through a variety of subject matter by Ludington artist Mary Case.
Case creates works expressively to allow the viewers a moment with each piece in the exhibit to experience something for themselves. The entire exhibit is intended to be one cohesive work representing Case’s journey over the past few years.
Case works with exceptionally vibrant colors as this is her palette choice due to the fact she has been visually impaired since birth. Her exhibit reveals how she sees the world.
LACA will host a public artist reception for Case Sunday, April 7 from 2-4 p.m.
Mary Case: First Impressions exhibit will also be available to view during normal LACA business hours Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays noon to 3 p.m.
Beginning Mosaic workshop hosted by Sheila Preston starts April 17
Ludington area artist Sheila Preston will host a Beginning Mosaic Workshop at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts April 17-18.
During this two day workshop students will complete a mosaic project of their choice while learning this ancient art process which dates back to 79 B.C. where examples can be found in the lost city of Pompeii and in the magnificent buildings in Rome.
Project choices include a bird, fish or butterfly shape which can be used as wall art or garden art or a trivet designed by the student. Preston will teach basic glass and tile cutting techniques and grouting. No experience necessary.
The course fee includes pre-cut tiles and glass, mosaic base and grout necessary to complete the project, instruction, and the use of basic tools necessary to cut and shape the tiles and glass.
Workshop cost is $30 for LACA members and $35 for Non-members and includes a materials fee. Class size is limited so reserve you space in the class by calling LACA at 232-845-2787 or e-mail info@ludingtonartscenter.org.
Beginning Bronze Metal Clay Jewelry Design Workshop at LACA
Join Sheila Preston as she hosts a Beginning Bronze Metal Clay Jewelry Design Workshop at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts (LACA).Students will use Bronze Metal Clay (PMC) to molded into beautiful jewelry and hardened into solid Bronze by firing it in a kiln. During this introductory workshop students will explore design, texture, shaping, stamping, cutting, joining and metal finishing and basic jewelry techniques. Students will transform metal clay into a unique pair of earrings that they will be proud to wear!
No previous experience necessary.
This class will meet for two sessions Tuesday, April 23 from 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, April 25 from 1-2:30 p.m. and includes instruction, the use of equipment, basic tools and jewelry supplies, and kiln firings.
Workshop cost is $40 for LACA members and $45 for Non-members. Materials fee is included in the price of the workshop.
Contact the Ludington Area Center for the Arts at 231-845-2787 or e-mail info@ludingtonartscenter.org to register. Space in this workshop is limited so reserve your spot today.
Chaotic Mike Coleman is changing things up for his monthly Acrylic Pour workshop at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts in April.
This month Coleman will host a Sunday afternoon workshop on April 28 from 1:30-3 p.m. During this workshop participants will create artworks on 12x12 canvases as opposed to the traditional 8x10 canvases Coleman typically uses.
Coleman will guide students on the widely popular abstract technique of acrylic pours.
Participants of this one-day workshop will get two canvases to paint with their choice of colors available. Cost of the workshop is $35 for LACA members and $40 for non members. Additional canvases and upgrades may be available for additional purchase depending on time left and availability of extra supplies.
The workshop is open to all levels of experience. Some aprons will be available on a first come first serve basis. Please dress in clothes you don’t mind getting some paint on as it is very possible. Most paintings will be very wet it is recommended to let sit overnight and pick up later in the week.
To register call 845-2787, e-mail info@ludingtonartscenter.org or stop by the LACA office between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The Ludington Area Center for the Arts is located at 107 S. Harrison St., in downtown Ludington.
Instructor Jane Kramer to also host free presentation and pop-up art show
The Ludington Area Center for the Arts (LACA) announced today that they will be offering a two-part paper making workshop in conjunction with A Few Friends of the Environment and the World (AFFEW). Students will discover the process of “pulling” a sheet of paper from pulp made of plant biomass using garlic mustard, a non-native invasive plant species in Michigan.
Jane Kramer will be teaching the workshop, the first part of which takes place on Friday May 3 from 1-3 p.m. at Cartier Park. Students will walk through the process of responsibly collecting garlic mustard, returning to the Arts Center where the plants will then be turned into a pulp.
That evening beginning at 6:30 p.m., LACA will host a reception in their Main Gallery with a pop-up show featuring Kramer’s work. Kramer will present her series, Foreshadowing - Endangered and Threatened Plant Species, at 7 p.m.
Part two of the workshop will take place on Saturday May 4th from 10-noon at the LACA building at 107 S Harrison St, downtown Ludington. During this time, students will be taught how to pull paper from the collected garlic mustard. Each student will leave with 5-10 sheets of paper.
If you are interested in garlic mustard paper making, please visit the LACA building or call 231-845-2787 to register. Although the workshop is in two parts, those registering do not need to attend part one in order to attend part two. The cost of the workshop is $10 and is limited to 15 people. The reception and presentation on Friday evening is free and open to the public.
The Ludington Area Center for the Arts will welcome internationally acclaimed mandolinist Brian Oberlin to the Performance Hall stage Friday evening, May 3 at 7 p.m.
Tickets for this show are $8 for LACA members and $10 for non-members; they can be purchased in the LACA gift shop or at Eventbrite.com.
A seasoned performer and professional mandolinist of 20 years, Oberlin will perform Western Swing, Country, Bluegrass, Originals with vocals and Italian Classical music written for the mandolin spanning the Baroque to Romantic periods.
Oberlin is an internationally acclaimed mandolin player and educator. During his decades long professional career, Oberlin has been playing swing, bluegrass, and Italian classical as a solo mandolinist and vocalist. Oberlin celebrated the release of his 20th album in 2016; Troubadour which features Brian playing solo and singing original music. Along with the myriad of award-winning bands (Grasshoppah, GER Mandolin Orchestra with Mike Marshall and Twin Mandolin Slingers with Evan J. Marshall) and ensembles he has collaborated with throughout the United States and Europe, Brian is also the founder and director of the River of the West Mandolin Camp, the Great Lakes Mandolin Camp and the Oregon Mandolin Orchestra.
Oberlin was a top ten finalist at the 2013 Telluride Troubadour Contest, an instructor/performer at the 2012, 2013 and 2017 International Mandolin Academy in Italy, a featured soloist at the 2014 & 2018 EuroFest Plucked String Festival in Bruchsal, Germany, and a featured soloist at the 2015 Mandolin Upgrade festival in Berlin, Germany. When he is not performing, Brian teaches music to children and adults at art centers, cultural events, festivals, camps, music schools and academies.
Michigan mandolinist Brian Oberlin
to host workshop at LACA
The Ludington Area Center for the Arts (LACA) announced today that Michigan’s own Brian Oberlin will be teaching a bluegrass, folk, and swing mandolin workshop on Friday May 3rd from 1-3 pm.
The workshop is designed for beginner to intermediate mandolin players, focusing on technique, reading tablature, rhythm, chords, melody, and the necessary tools that accompany folk, bluegrass, and swing music. For more advanced players, students will attain newfound knowledge on chord movement, theory, musicianship, and strumming hand techniques. Charts will be provided in notation and tablature.
You can learn more about Oberlin’s career on his website, www.mandoberlin.com
Registration for the workshop is $40 for LACA members or $45 for non-members. To register for the workshop or reserve concert tickets, please call 231-845-2787. Both the workshop and the concert will be held at the LACA building in downtown Ludington at 107 S. Harrison St.
The Ludington Area Center for the Arts is joining forces with the Hook and Catch Wrestling Club for the art center's first ever LIVE Pro Wrestling event 'The Main Event @ LACA!' Saturday, May 11.
'The Main Event @ LACA!' will feature 6 matches, 2 exhibition matches and a celebrity grudge match. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the wrestling begins at 7 p.m.
This event is sure to be an evening of fun for the whole family.
Tickets are being sold exclusively through Eventbrite.com. Seating is limited so purchase your tickets today.
Ticket prices are: $15 main floor, $8 balcony, $5 kids (U12), $75 VIP stage tables (includes seating for 3 people) and $200 VIP balcony tables (includes seating for 8 people).
The Ludington Area Center for the Arts and the are teaming up to host the husband and wife musical group Folias Duo to the stage of the LACA performance hall Sunday, May 19.
Tickets for this special 4 p.m. Sunday concert are currently on sale in the LACA gift shop or online at eventbrite.com for just $5 and can also be purchased at the door for $8.
The Michigan based Folias Duo is comprised of Andrew Bergeron and Carmen Maret; they will present a program of all original classical music for flute and guitar influenced by Argentine tango, Astor Piazzolla, and South American folk.
For the past fifteen years the Folias Duo has established themselves as one of the world’s premier composer/performer ensembles for flute and guitar. Having composed more than 50 original compositions for this intimate combination, Folias Duo’s performances have taken them to venues throughout the United States, Europe and South America. Bergeron and Maret have a fearless approach to developing new repertoire, an expertise for Argentine tango, and a passion for South American folk, jazz and world music. As Fanfare Magazine writes: "Carmen Maret and Andrew Bergeron are facile players...they draw on tango rhythms and melodies sometimes; at other times they write with a scenic sensitivity, mysterious, charming, evocative.”
Tickets for this special 4 p.m. Sunday concert are currently on sale in the LACA gift shop, 107 S. Harrison St., in downtown Ludington, by calling 231-845-2787 or online at eventbrite.com for just $5. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $8.
The White Lake Chamber Music Festival will celebrate a 10-year anniversary, showcasing exceptional talent and great music in the White Lake area from August 2– 11! For ten years, Festival organizers have consistently created excellent programming, hosted exceptional talent and world-class artists, and presented inspiring classical music performances. A musical experience mostly found only in metropolitan cities is now an annual opportunity for White Lake area residents and visitors.
From Aug. 2 - 11, local, national, and international performers will come together to bring big-city experiences to the White Lake area, making the fine arts more accessible in this community. Over 20 varied events and performances in just 10 days will be presented. For details visit www.whitelakemusic.org.
