Pop Up Art showcases local artists
May 9, 2012 4:40PM
Artists Carl Olson (left) of Hobart, Ind., and Teri Tito (right) of Chicago talk with Pop Up Art committee volunteer Janet Wagner of Gary, Ind., in this September 2011 file photo. | Guy Rhodes~For Sun-Times Media
Where to get vouchers
Vouchers for free admission to participating gardens are available online through the Better Homes and Gardens website at
www.bhg.com when you supply an email address and some basic information. Each voucher is good for two admissions. The
site says additional copies of the voucher will be accepted for larger groups.
Pop Up Art, an outdoor event along Lake Street in the Miller section of Gary that allows artists of various backgrounds to present their work, returned last month after a winter hiatus.
Just as last year, artists set up their works inside empty and occupied storefront businesses along Lake Street through a partnership with the property owners at no cost.
For four hours residents can take a stroll down what is now known as the Miller Beach Arts and Creative District and admire or purchase original artwork, handmade jewelry and more. Jeffrey Thomas of Chicago purchased four art pieces with his daughter Lucy by his side.
“Well, first I purchased a piece for my wife and then I added additional pieces. It is a pleasure to support local artists,” he said.
Art teacher Deb Weiss of Gary showcased her paintings inside the Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts at 540 Lake St., along with other artists.
She displayed a number of oil paintings, some done with traditional oil paints and others using oils from items found in a makeup bag.
“Lipsticks and eyebrow pencils are oil based products I use to paint. I think Pop Up Art is a great way to get artists from here and the Chicago area together to show off their talents,” she said.
Edgar Lopez of Crown Point has been painting since 1965 and has had gallery showings in Chicago and abroad.
“This is my first time participating in this event; I heard about it last year,” he said. A lot of his work is also oil based and is dramatic and breathtaking in colors, landscapes and portraits.
“This is a great event and I hope to find a place here to host a gallery of my work,” he said.
The next Pop Up Art event is the evening of June 9.
