Date: Jan. 31, 2008
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director, Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu

PNC, Michiana Resources Host “Portraits of People” Exhibit

WESTVILLE – The Purdue University North Central Odyssey 2007-08 Arts and Cultural Events Series continues its ongoing exhibit featuring the work of the Michiana Resources Creative Concepts artists with the new show, Portraits of People.

The Creative Concepts artwork is on display in the PNC Technology Building North Study Lounge. The artists will be feted at a public reception on Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. in Technology Building Room 134. The reception is free and open to the public. The exhibit may be viewed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A new Creative Concepts show will be featured each month through July.

Portraits of People is a collection of eight paintings, one clay relief and one drawing. This collection was selected and prepared under the direction of Kelly Tokoly-Rothermel, Creative Concepts arts coordinator and instructor.

This exhibit highlights the works of Creative Concepts artists Ralph Piechocki, Glenn Ramp, Colleen Neulieb, Rebecca Wanmer, Julie Sarabun, Mike Rekowski, Bobby Jackson and Tyrone Spikes. Two group projects will also be displayed.

Michiana Resources, a non-for-profit organization based in Michigan City, works with people with disabilities to enhance their lives through employment and education. Creative Concepts exposes individuals with disabilities to visual art, theatre, music and dance.

An area of the Michiana Resources facility at 4315 E. Michigan Boulevard, in Michigan City, is being remodeled and refurbished to accommodate the growing Creative Concepts program. When completed, the facility will include a new art studio, gallery and gift shop. All of the Creative Concept art is displayed throughout the Michiana Resource building and can be viewed from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., weekdays.
The art displayed at PNC and at Michiana Resources is for sale. Half of all sales go to the artist, the other back into the program. 

The Creative Concepts participants recently completed a month-long study of modern and classical dances. Everyone enjoyed learning a broad range of dances from “The Chicken” to “The Cha-Cha Slide.” Tokoly-Rothermel shared her love of dancing along with her volunteer Paula Beuchley who formerly worked together in the Michigan City Area Schools.

“We will be reviewing all that we have learned, as well as adding some new dances in May before our big annual dance,” said Tokoly-Rothermel.

Also, Creative Concepts participants are working on an upcoming production of “Snow White” which will be held at the Long Beach Community Center on April 11. To buy tickets and to volunteer for the Creative Concepts program, call Michiana Resources at 219-874-4288.

Purdue University North Central Odyssey Arts and Cultural Events Series features various events throughout the year. A complete schedule of events can be found at www.pnc.edu. For more information about any event in the Odyssey series, contact Judy Jacobi, PNC director of marketing, at 800-872-1231, ,,ext. 5593. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Jacobi.

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