Bernard Gallery
The place of The Region
The Bernard Gallery at Calumet College of St. Joseph celebrates the “Place” of the Calumet Region through artistic expressions of the area’s environment, cultural heritage and labor.
L. Cosby Bernard, Jr., a noted architect of civic buildings, served as a member of the College’s Board of Trustees. This gallery, named in his honor, serves as a remembrance of his generosity and commitment to the community of Calumet College of St. Joseph and the Region.
The Bernard Gallery is a community art space located in Calumet College of St. Joseph’s Smidt Building and is open to the public
Visit Our Art Spaces
The Gallery
Located on the 2nd floor, The Gallery features a permanent photography exhibit that captures the essence of the Calumet Region in a unique and captivating manner. Additionally, we host several special exhibits throughout the year, including student-curated shows that provide a fresh and diverse perspective of the region’s art and culture.
The Nook
Located on the 1st floor, The Nook serves as an extension of the Bernard Gallery. This innovative space displays a rotation of artwork and offers students and visitors a unique sneak peek into previous exhibitions, selected pieces from special events and showcases artwork from CCSJ’s permanent collection.
Current Exhibit
CCSJ Campus Collective: Faculty & Staff Art Show
Exhibit: December 1, 2025 – January 9, 2026
Our current exhibit proudly features the diverse and remarkable work of CCSJ’s talented faculty and staff, whose creativity enriches our campus and community alike. Highlighted here is a painting by Dawn Diamantopoulos, Administrative Assistant in Education. Raised in rural northeastern Pennsylvania, Dawn studied Fine Arts at Pratt Institute before embarking on a creative journey that led her from New York to Southern California and eventually the Chicagoland area. Now a longtime Northwest Indiana resident, she has spent over twenty years building a life with her husband and two sons. After stepping back from art to focus on family, Dawn returned to her creative roots in 2009 — she brings decades of experience to her paintings.
Future Exhibits
Black History Month
January 20 – February 13, 2026
In celebration of Black History Month, the Bernard Gallery will present an exhibition honoring the creativity, resilience, and cultural impact of the calumet region’s Black community. This show will highlight the stories, voices, and artistic expression that has shaped both our region and the broader cultural landscape. The gallery invites artists whose work explores themes of identity, history, and community to submit their pieces for consideration. Please contact the Gallery Coordinator for submission details.
Women’s History Month Exhibit
February 18 – March 11, 2026
The Bernard Gallery looks forward to showcasing four women artists of the Calumet Region, who have transformed personal challenges into powerful creative expression. Through their artwork, Nancy Natow Cassidy, Kerri Mommer, Cara Schmitt, and Andrea Williams have found renewed connection, balance, and joy. Curated by Dawn Diamantopoulos, this upcoming exhibit will honor their journeys and celebrate the strength and resilience of women through art.
Permanent Exhibit
The Doherty Collection
Pete Doherty, class of 1975, is a former bank marketing executive who started Doherty Images, LLC, in 2005. His photography emphasizes the Chicago Lakefront and Indiana Dunes as well as industrial and commercial images.
Pete’s work has been exhibited throughout the Calumet Region. His work is displayed at Calumet College of St. Joseph as part of our permanent collection.
Contact the Bernard Gallery
ADDRESS
2400 New York Ave
2nd Floor
Whiting, Indiana 46394
HOURS
Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: Closed (Open for Special Events)
ADMISSION
Free
Open to the public
GALLERY COORDINATOR
Monica Puente
Phone: (219) 473-4325
E-mail: gallery@ccsj.edu
FLORA PARK PROPOSAL SUBMISSIONS:
We are seeking proposals from experienced artists for the design and execution of an outdoor piece of public art that inspires visitors to reflect on the natural beauty of the Calumet Region. Click here for more details.
You Belong
at Calumet College of St. Joseph!
