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
Unidos Somos Más (Together, We Are More):
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
Now through November 6, 2026 | 5–8 PM
This Calumet College of St. Joseph alumni exhibition celebrates heritage and culture through artwork by past and present alumni, alongside a collaborative mural created by current students. Among the participating artists is Julio A. Guerra, class of 2008, an award-winning Northwest Indiana illustrator whose work spans comics, entertainment, and apparel, including projects for Marvel/Upper Deck, AEW, and Pro Wrestling Tees.
As a special addition to the exhibition, we invite you to visit The Nook on the first floor to experience a heartfelt Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) installation by local artist Jenny Mata. Raised in Chicago and Hammond, Jenny is a self-taught migajón de pan (bread crumb art) artist and proud mother of five, including one of our very own CCSJ Athletics Facilities employees. Her installation is a loving tribute to family, cultural traditions, and cherished memories of those who have passed.
Future Exhibits
Greening of The Arts 20th Annual Art Show
November 12 – 25, 2026
Come enjoy this display of original, handmade posters by children in grades K – 8, celebrating the natural beauty and resilient wildlife of the Wolf Lake watershed. This show is the culminating event of AWLI’s (Association for the Wolf Lake Initiative) Greening of the Arts children’s poster contest, now in its twentieth year. Awards and honorable mentions will be announced during a reception in the gallery on Saturday, November 14 at 2 P.M. All are invited!
CCSJ Campus Collective:
Faculty & Staff Art Show
December 4, 2026 – January 15, 2027
This upcoming exhibition will celebrate the creativity and artistic talents of Calumet College of St. Joseph’s faculty and staff. Featuring a diverse collection of artwork, the show will showcase their unique perspectives, passions, and creative expressions. More details to come!
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!
