Miller Beach, Indiana Surrounded by natural splendor of the Indiana Dunes National Park, the scenic lakefront community of Miller Beach has earned the reputation of being an artsy oasis of tolerance, progressive attitudes and environmentalism in an otherwise gritty region. Know for its racially integrated, economically diverse and welcoming population, the area has been the destination of choice for generations of Chicago's gays and lesbians seeking an affordable summer home, a day in the dunes or permanent respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. This past summer Miller Beach was the setting for the Northwest Indiana Pride Celebration.
During the summer months, Miller's bohemian mix of artists, musicians and other "creative types" were also busy working together with the area's restaurateurs and business owners, to redevelop their sleepy downtown into a dynamic destination for arts and entertainment. Their endeavors have produced The Miller Beach Arts & Creative District, which is hosting its second "Pop-Up Art" event October 29th between 6:00 and 9:00 pm in Downtown Miller Beach.
The District's first "Pop-Up" night in September was a huge success. The free event featured the work of several prominent local gay and lesbian artists and attracted hundreds of art lovers, gay and straight to an enjoyable evening in Downtown Miller. This month's event aims to be even bigger and will showcase the work of numerous photographers, painters and sculptors from Miller and across Chicagoland. Visitors will also enjoy theatrical and dance performances along with live music and refreshments. As part of the event, The National Lakeshore's Douglas Center for Environmental Education will display the artwork of 16 area high school students along with pieces done by their teachers.
In addition to the student/teacher exhibits at the Douglas Center, the work of over twenty local artists will be on display in several venues up and down Lake Street. The South Shore Centre for the Arts will offer a two-person theatrical performance along with dance renditions by the South Shore Dance Alliance. Lake Street Gallery, a long time anchor of the arts in Miller, will also be hosting an opening and reception for their featured artist, Jean Bargeron of Ogden Dunes. "Pop Up Night" is an amazing opportunity for art enthusiasts to forge connections with local artists and experience firsthand the creativity and energy happening in the Miller Beach community.
The Miller Beach Arts & Creative District aims to redevelop downtown Miller and the adjacent residential areas into a gay friendly, diverse and vibrant cultural destination for the visual, performing and culinary arts. Arts districts have been used in various cities nationwide as a catalyst for community regeneration and future plans for the new district in Miller Beach include an assortment of art galleries, live/work spaces for artists, boutiques, and dance studios, mixed together with restaurants, retail options and venues for live entertainment. Travel to and from Chicago is exceedingly easy; the district is directly accessible by the South Shore train via the Miller stop on Lake Street.
For more information about the Miller Beach Arts & Creative District or "Pop Up Night" visit www.millerbeacharts.org