Upcoming Events

Nature in the Arts at Lydick Bog
August 2 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm EDT

FREE
Email Cathy McCormick at camccorm@aol.com if you plan to participate.

South Bend Museum of Art and the Northern Indiana Pastel Society are partnering with Shirley Heinze Land Trust for Nature in the Arts at Lydick Bog Nature Preserve on Saturday, August 2. This event is free and includes a variety of art projects you’ll get to take home!

What to Expect:

Visitors may stop by anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. EDT.
Make a multimedia print with the South Bend Museum of Art (all ages).
Learn how the basics of plein air with Northern Indiana Pastel Society (recommended for ages 13+).
Join guided hikes through the bog led by naturalists.
Enjoy food for purchase from A Bite With Mee food truck, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, as well as coffee and other refreshments from Cloud Walking Coffee.
Live music from local artist Christopher Lods and friends!

Nature in the Arts is an all-ages program offered by Shirley Heinze Land Trust connecting the art community and people to nature. We encourage individuals and families of all backgrounds and ages to participate.

Upcoming Exhibitions

Colfax Cultural Center | South Bend
Friday, September 12 – Friday, October 17, 2025.
Reception 6-8 p.m. first Friday, Oct. 3.
Art delivery Monday, Sept. 8, 2-4:30 pm. Hang Sept. 9-10.
Release art back to artists 2-4:30, Monday Oct. 20

South Bend Museum of Art
NIPS 20th Anniversary Show
May 23– July 5, 2026

Recent Exhibitions

Inspirations: Northern Indiana Pastel Society Members’ Exhibition

March 21 – June 1, 2025
Fernwood Botanical Garden, 13988 Range Line Road, Niles, Michigan

Featuring 46 works by 26 members of the Northern Indiana Pastel SocietyPrize judge: Katie Neece, Curator of Education and Studio Programs, South Bend Museum of Art.

Award Winners:

Diann Nelson,” Rhythm of the Beach Path”

At the River: Northern Indiana Pastel Society Members’ Exhibit
September 13 – October 27, 2024
Riverwalk Gallery at the Box Factory for the Arts
1101 Broad St., St. Joseph, Michigan

The show featured 34 works by 21 artists .
Awards were presented at the Opening Reception on September 13:

Mary Meehan Firtl – “Old Mission Point “

Elizabeth Kuntz -” Five Medicine Beings ”
Greg Lorch – “Winter at the Beach”

Susan Piper – “Hay There “

Daniel Slattery – “Irish Farmhouse”

Recent NIPS Events

NIPS Member Meeting
Saturday, March 15, 2025
St. Joseph County Public Library Francis Branch

South Bend native, Elizabeth Kuntz, an intuitive fine artist working mainly in pastel, discussed her inspiration, her process and the journey behind it, and the healing power of art. Liz’s pastel, “Five Medicine Beings” won an award in our NIPS exhibit at the Box Factory for the Arts in St. Joseph, Michigan, September-October 2024.

The NIPS Holiday Potluck, on December 13, 2024 was a grand success! Members had the opportunity to share their art, socialize, and enjoy a wonderful meal as well as a book exchange.