PUBLISHED IN THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE JUNE 2, 2015

The Southern Shore Art Gallery will be hosting a free reception for its First Friday’s festivities for its America in Bloom show from 5-8 p.m. June 5.

America in Bloom is an organization that promotes beautification across the nation through flowers, plants and trees. Annually, America in Bloom gives out awards to cities who participated and improved. Participants in the America in Bloom have seen a better cooperation among municipal, commercial and residential sectors, as everyone in the community works for one goal and enjoys the results of a better community.

Anneke Dekker, local artist and participant in Southern Shore Art Association Gallery’s “America in Bloom” show, is very excited about the exhibition. “People always like flowers, and there are a lot of flowers in this show because they are beautiful,” Dekker said.

Dekker and the Southern Shore Art Association Gallery work very hard to bring fresh ideas and art to the community of northwest Indiana. “We are a well-known gallery and the charm is we have a new exhibit every month, which isn’t easy to do, trust me,” Dekker said.

The Southern Shore Art Association Gallery is always looking for new ideas and artists to showcase in its series. “We always encourage our members and guest artists to participate,” Dekker said.

In addition to the America in Bloom show, the Southern Shore Art Association Gallery will join the Uptown Arts District of Michigan City in participating in the America in Bloom project by painting purple flowers on the windows of the gallery.
Check out the multimedia arts show, America in Bloom, at the Southern Shore Art Association Gallery in the Uptown Arts District of Michigan City. A reception will take place from 5-8 p.m. June 5, but the gallery will be exhibiting the America in Bloom works all month and is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon-5 p.m.

Casey is a freelance reporter.

America in Bloom

5-8 p.m. June 5.

Southern Shore Art Association, 724 Franklin Street, Michigan City

219-879-4980 or http://www.southernshoreartassociation.com