November 2025
Work in Progress Group
Location
- Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts
- 540 S. Lake Street, Gary IN 46403
Category
Join other practicing and aspiring visual artists for an informal peer-to-peer review
session to share artwork and ideas. This ongoing group has been meeting now for over a year, supporting and inspiring artists in their work. Contact Teresina at 2tpavel2@gmail.com , or 219-777-5162, for details. RSVP’s appreciated but not required.
FREE
Artist Talk with Larry Lapidus
Location
- Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts
- 540 S. Lake Street, Gary IN 46403
Category
Join Larry Lapidus for a fascinating talk on five decades of his artistic work in Through the Lens: Larry Lapidus, 1975-2025!
Shot in France, Italy, and Mexico several decades ago, Lapidus’ photographs offer a unique perspective that captures decisive moments in his subjects’ lives. The importance of visual composition and the careful deployment of texture and layering enhance the viewer’s experience, drawing them into each image’s narrative. Working in the traditional 35mm film medium and printing on silver nitrate paper, these works speak to the close connection between the photographer, subject, and process that enabled the artist’s eyes and senses to play their most effective roles.
October 2025
Halloween is a Drag!
Location
- Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts
- 540 S. Lake Street, Gary IN 46403
3rd Annual Halloween Bash
Our playful twist on the traditional Halloween party transforms the Gardner Center into a playground for the bold, the beautiful, and the downright spooky as the MBACD presents the annual Halloween Bash with live music from local party band Cxpital.
From sweeping wigs to painted faces, bold lashes to waxed mustaches, we encourage attendees to come dressed in their most imaginative drag-inspired ensembles—think vibrant colors, gravity-defying makeup, and costumes that defy the ordinary.
The theme is a playful twist on the traditional Halloween party, inviting all guests to explore the art of drag as a celebration of individuality and performance. Drag culture is rooted in self-expression, inclusivity, and joy—values we hope to bring to every attendee. Come with an open mind and a willingness to embrace the extraordinary.
Entry includes a beverage, food, Halloween candy & treats with live music by band Cxpital. A silent auction benefits the MBACD’s projects!
$20 at the door. Ages 21+.
Trick or Treat on Lake Street!
Location
- Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts
- 540 S. Lake Street, Gary IN 46403
Category
Lake Street Businesses have banded together to create a treat walk for kids! Stop by the gallery. Show off your costume and grab a treat!
Happy Halloween!
All In Jest Trivia
Location
- Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts
- 540 S. Lake Street, Gary IN 46403
Category
$10 at the door. Cash Bar
Everyone’s favorite live multimedia Trivia Game Show continues in its 5th season!
Teams of up to six people will be tested in General Knowledge, Sports & Games, TV & Movies, Music, and two randomly selected Mystery Rounds. Whether you’re a Trivia rookie or a useless knowledge savant, it’s a fun experience for all. Come find out why All in Jest Trivia is “Unquestionably Better.” With Prizes for the winning team AND the host’s favorite answer of the night!
Live on Lake Street presents: Surge Quartet
Location
- Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts
- 540 S. Lake Street, Gary IN 46403
Category
Four extraordinary musicians from the international improvisation scene come together for the first time in a unique quartet: gabby fluke-mogul (violin), Fred Lonberg-Holm (cello & electronics), Keefe Jackson (saxophones & clarinets), and Chris Bré (saxophones & clarinets) create a sonic world filled with spontaneity, energy, and unexpected turns.
Each musician brings a distinctive voice to the ensemble: fluke-mogul is a master of expressive textures on the violin, moving seamlessly between raw intensity and delicate nuances. Lonberg-Holm fuses his cello with electronics, expanding the instrument’s possibilities into uncharted sonic territory. Jackson is known for his powerful tone and melodic finesse, while Bré explores the depths of saxophone and clarinet with an ever-surprising sense of space and dynamics.
Without predefined structures or compositions, the music unfolds in the moment, ranging from fragile, intricate passages to explosive, high-energy interactions. It is a dialogue of tension, spontaneity, and boundless creativity, drawing the audience into an immersive and unpredictable experience.
This tour is sponsored in part by Blue Stem Jazz.
Work in Progress Group
Location
- Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts
- 540 S. Lake Street, Gary IN 46403
Category
Join other practicing and aspiring visual artists for an informal peer-to-peer review
session to share artwork and ideas. This ongoing group has been meeting now for over a year, supporting and inspiring artists in their work. Contact Teresina at 2tpavel2@gmail.com , or 219-777-5162, for details. RSVP’s appreciated but not required.
FREE
September 2025
Intermediate Upholstery Workshop
Location
- Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts
- 540 S. Lake Street, Gary IN 46403
Category
Join us for a hands-on upholstery workshop designed to equip you with the skills, confidence, and creativity to breathe new life into your favorite chair. Participants will learn the fundamentals of stripping down, repairing, and reupholstering a small armchair, while also exploring design choices that reflect personal style. You don’t need any prior experience!
This is a bring-your-own-project workshop; each participant will need:
- A small armchair, an example of the ideal chair, is pictured.
- Your own fabric of choice (this is your personal chair, so you should have fabric that speaks to your personality.
- Your own cushion/foam if replacement is needed.
All other tools and supplies will be provided. Whether you’re refreshing a family heirloom or reinventing a thrifted find, you’ll leave with a beautifully transformed piece of functional art and a deeper appreciation for the craft of upholstery.
Please note that this workshop takes place over two days:
Saturday, September 27, 11 am – 2 pm
Sunday, September 28, 1 pm – 3 pm
Instructor Jamika Smith is the founder of Teena’s Legacy, a not-for-profit charitable organization whose mission is to create a safe space for young women and women in general to explore their authentic selves using upholstery as a conduit for self-reflection, self-expression, and economic transformation. She is also the CEO of Affirm My Design LLC, which provides a holistic approach to the upholstery and home décor industry. Not only does she assist in your upholstery needs, but she’s also able to use upholstery as a tool to help individuals recreate themselves anew.
All In Jest Trivia
Location
- Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts
- 540 S. Lake Street, Gary IN 46403
Category
$10 at the door. Cash Bar
Everyone’s favorite live multimedia Trivia Game Show is back for a 5th Season!
Teams of up to six people will be tested in General Knowledge, Sports & Games, TV & Movies, Music, and two randomly selected Mystery Rounds. Whether you’re a Trivia rookie or a useless knowledge savant, it’s a fun experience for all. Come find out why All in Jest Trivia is “Unquestionably Better.” With Prizes for the winning team AND the host’s favorite answer of the night!
Fest in the First
Category
Come out for this beloved neighborhood festival now in its 22nd year! This year’s Fest features arts and artisan vendors, nonprofits, food trucks, and delicious treats from Lake Street businesses. All this and more accompany a full schedule of activities for all ages -including live music and lots of kids’ activities. Admission to the Fest and parking is free!!
Kids Activity Zone
3pm – 7pm
Moonwalk
Spin Art
Foam Party!
Horse Rides
Fire Department Training House and Fire Truck
Nelson Algren 616 Stage
3:45pm – 4:15pm
Kid’s Dance Party
4:30pm – 5:30pm
Miller Community Theatre Sings!
6pm – 8pm
The Nick Danger Band
Lake Street Stage
3:30pm
BeachFront Dance School
4pm
West Side Theatre Guild Repertoire Dance Company
6pm
Salsa in the Street
10th Annual MBACD Golf Outing
Location
- Inssbrook Country Club
- 8701 Taft St., Merrillville, IN 46410
Category
Enjoy a Day of Championship Golf at the beautiful Innsbrook Country Club!
Our annual fundraiser, now in its 10th year, offers our friends a grand day out on the links. This year’s event takes place on Monday, September 15, 2025, and is an equally enjoyable way to support the Miller Beach Arts & Creative District.
The annual golf outing is our biggest fundraiser of the year, ensuring that the MBACD will be financially equipped to bring arts and public programming to our community. Your participation will make a significant difference, and we couldn’t be more proud of our community’s support.
Learn more about the event, ticketing, and sponsorship opportunities
Work in Progress Group
Location
- Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts
- 540 S. Lake Street, Gary IN 46403
Category
Join other practicing and aspiring visual artists for an informal peer-to-peer review
session to share artwork and ideas. This ongoing group has been meeting now for over a year, supporting and inspiring artists in their work. Contact Teresina at 2tpavel2@gmail.com , or 219-777-5162, for details. RSVP’s appreciated but not required.
FREE






