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
Sacred Places – A Women's History Month Exhibition
Exhibit: February 18 – March 11, 2026
The Bernard Gallery celebrates the transformative power of art through the work of four women artists from the Calumet Region. Nancy Natow-Cassidy, Kerri Mommer, Cara Schmitt, and Andrea Williams have each turned personal challenges into profound creative expression, shaping spaces of reflection, healing, and renewal through their art. The title Sacred Places speaks both to the physical spaces depicted or suggested within the artwork and to the internal spaces cultivated during the act of creation. Through their creative journeys, each has found renewed connection, balance, and joy within herself and within her community. Curated by Dawn Diamantopoulos, this exhibition honors the individual paths of these women while celebrating the collective strength, resilience, and spirit of women expressed through art.
Future Exhibits
2026 CCSJ Senior Show
March 19, 2026
As part of Calumet College of St. Joseph’s annual Humanities Festival, graduating seniors in the Digital and Studio Arts Program—Noah Munoz, Sadie Olesh, Jordan Pulley, Aiden Smith, and Purley Williams—will present a retrospective exhibition. Their group art show highlights four years of artistic exploration and growth through their chosen themes. Sure to be an inspiring exhibition of young artists who will be showcasing their years of study, talent and technique.
Earth Day Art Show
April 25, 2026
CCSJ is inviting artists to submit work for Nature on the Line, an exhibition exploring the landscapes where nature and industry meet. Artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from local trail systems, freight lines and regional identity shaped by both rails and roots.
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!
