Art in Focus
Artist Talk with David Lee Csicsko
January 27, 2025 GUEST ARTIST TALK
Join award-winning artist and designer, David Lee Csicsko, whose distinctive artwork, stained glass, and mosaics transform train stations, hospitals, and universities across the Midwest and east coast. Learn more about David Lee Csicsko’s celebrations of the richness and diversity of life, and his recent books – Iconic Composers & Iconic Artists.
A Feast for Ravens: Masahisa Fukase
February 10, 2025 DOCUMENTARY & DISCUSSION
Join us for a lecture on the life of artist and photographer Masahisa Fukase. It is a common superstition that with black wings come blacker omens, and for Fukase, this could not have been truer. Fukase was possessed by the image of the Raven, almost exclusively photographing them for the better part of a decade. An obsession that would result in one of the most celebrated photo books of the twentieth century, though through tragedy, he would never get to see his work celebrated. Fukase’s life was one of beautiful tenderness and Shakespearean Tragedy.
Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal, & Greed (1hr 33m)
February 24, 2025 DOCUMENTARY & DISCUSSION
Join us for a documentary screening of “Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal and Greed,” followed by a post screening discussion. Bob Ross brought joy to millions as the world’s most famous art instructor. Following his passing, a battle for his business empire cast a shadow over his happy trees.
Concert Talk with Kirk Muspratt
*March 17, 2025 LECTURE & DISCUSSION
Join Maestro Kirk Muspratt of the Northwest Indiana Symphony for a discussion about the upcoming Northwest Indiana Symphony performance of “Musical Masterpieces,” taking place on Friday, March 21 at Living Hope Church.
Artist Talk with Joe Rauen and his extraordinary everyday instruments
April 14, 2025 ARTIST TALK & PERFORMANCE
Join artist and musician, Joe Rauen for an artist talk and musical demonstration. Joe Rauen gives engaging, funny and memorable concerts for curious people of all ages. His arsenal of one-of-a-kind instruments are created using unlikely household objects.
Fear of the Dark: Arts obsession with our primal fear
April 28, 2025 LECTURE & DISCUSSION
Join us for a lecture on the abstract presence of ‘darkness’ in works of art. Darkness is but a ghost of an idea, a lingering shred of forgotten years, and yet even in a world which has never been more illuminated its presence still haunts our every day. This lingering obsession can be seen no clearer than in the works created by artists throughout the centuries. A mixture of paintings, music, and poetry encapsulating, or perhaps attempting to placate humanities oldest companion.
Art in Focus is an exploration of the arts through film, lecture and thoughtful dialogue for adult learners of all ages who are interested in the arts and its impact on the world. Founded in 1996 by Rita M. Ray, South Shore Arts continues this series annually with a variety of topics and guest speakers. Several lectures will coincide with upcoming Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra concerts and South Shore Arts exhibits. An important aspect of the program is the thoughtful dialogue between the program facilitator, the guest speakers and the attendees to broaden views of the arts and individuals in our world. Our goal parallels that of the U.S. Department of Education, “Learning Never Ends.” Art in Focus is open to the public and, thanks to generous support from Community Healthcare System, it is always free.
2nd & 4th Monday EVERY Month
10–11:30am
The Center for Visual & Performing Arts