There’s a new art gallery in Northwest Indiana and it’s causing quite a stir.
The Promise You Art House, 8830 Kennedy Ave., opened in August in Highland and is enjoying much activity.
“We offer a creative variety of experiences when you enter our gallery,” said David Lubarski, who owns the new business with his parents Dave M. and Mary Beth Lubarski. “People have real conversations here. That’s a big deal.”
Six artists are displaying their wares in the 107-year-old building that used to house a private residence. After two years of remodeling, the gallery was ready for visitors.
David serves as manager and exhibits his photos and artwork; his brother, Zach, handles graphics design; Dad did the remodeling; Mom exhibits her jewelry and paintings; and granddaughter Gianna, 4, is present on weekends to greet visitors.
Gary resident Eric Roldan fills the role of curator and handles social media.
Wanting a place to showcase their family’s and other local artists’ handiwork, the Lubarskis believed their new business venture was a good fit for downtown Highland.
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“We had a vision and just kept working, and the end result amazes us every time we walk through the building,” Mary Beth Lubarski said. “This place makes us — and visitors — smile.”
The paintings, jewelry, objects d’art and other items found there are unique and some even whimsical.
Upon entering, visitors are greeted on the porch area by a colorful mosaic sculpture of sorts: Two upside down 5-foot legs with a lighted globe on top.
To the left, there’s a piano keyboard encased in a glass top, perfect for use as a behind-the-couch table or other area in the home.
The main room of the gallery offers paintings, photographs and jewelry.
Instead of a nails-in-the-wall hanging system for paintings and photographs, the Lubarskis choose a shelf system, which accommodates various sizes of artwork with no damage to the walls.
Another plus that exhibits can be changed at will with not much fuss.
“I first stopped in here last month,” said Suzanne Harris of Highland. “The items they have here are perfect for gifts, and that helps take out the guesswork for me. I love that.”
Mary Beth Lubarski thinks the gallery is located exactly where it should be.
“People are excited about the arts, and they’ve shown tremendous support,” she said. “We believe that we are meant to be right here, right now.”
Future plans for the new gallery are to bring things outside from spring to fall, according to Dave M. Lubarski.
“We’ll include a variety of performing arts such as musical performances, impromptu, and other presentations,” he said. “We feel blessed that we have this 107-year-old gem that we can share with our town, and anyone who decides to stop in to experience it.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Promise You Art House
Where: 8830 Kennedy Ave., Highland, 46322
Hours: 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.
More information: 219-595-0097 or www.PYarthouse.com.