A celebration of ART, IMPACT, and TRANSFORMATION at ARS Gallery
"Jacobi's Wings" by Alex Anne Allen
A stunning new mural now adorns the ARS Gallery • Arts & Culture, bringing color, inspiration, and meaning to the heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District. Created by experienced South Bend muralist Alex Ann Allen, this masterpiece features a portrait of an ARS student of two years—a talented artist and a kind soul who embodies the gallery’s mission.
Nine vibrant butterflies flutter across the mural, symbolizing the youth who have passed through ARS programs and gone on to make a difference in the world. This visual tribute to the “butterfly effect” reflects the belief that changing one life can spark change on a global scale.
For nearly 15 years, ARS Gallery has been a cornerstone of arts education in Benton Harbor, offering youth a platform to express themselves and make an impact. This exterior mural is not only a celebration of that legacy but also a testament to the power of art to inspire and communicate beyond words.
Be sure to visit ARS Gallery and see this incredible piece in person—it’s a story told through art, visible to all who pass by.
A NIGHT AT THE OPERA
Friday, November 21, 2025, 5:30-8:30pm
ARS is keeping our fundraiser simple this year. Simply Opera, no auction, with salty & sweet dolce and refreshments. 2 performers, 1 special evening of Italian Opera
Social begins at 5:30, 6-8:30 opera with an intermission.
La finé decadent surprise!
Cocktail to formal attire with themed butterfly accessories to channel our mural.
More details coming soon!
Community Youth Program
The goal of the non-violence camp is to give visual symbols and language for the five steps of conflict resolution. And to empower kids by giving them tangible ways to calm down through making art.
Steps that are modeled and utilized during camp:
- Calm Down- Develop visual symbols (example: a sunset or a person sitting) that means “calm”. Create a monoprint of the decided-upon symbol.
- State the Problem- Develop a symbol (example: a person with a conversation bubble) and create a monoprint of the symbol.
- Apologize Well- Develop a symbol (example: text symbol such as the word “sorry” in bubble letters) and create a monoprint of the symbol.
- Find a Solution- Develop a symbol (example: hand holding a small present) and create a monoprint of the symbol.
- Follow Up- Develop a symbol (example: road with a person walking) and create a monoprint of the symbol.
ARS Arts & Culture Center
Our mission is to Encourage Enlighten & Engage in the Arts! A vital part of this mission is to offer arts and cultural education to a diverse group of youth, bringing them together under one arts program.
Our purpose is to provide a local community Art Center, which promotes, develops, and implements cultural, visual fine arts, and arts education to our community with a focus on at-risk youth.
Your generous support provides critical unrestricted funding that allows for showing films, offering after school youth programs, summer camp sponsorship, and other art center events throughout the year. Thank you for supporting the arts!
ARS Arts & Culture Center Board of Directors
- Anna Russo-Sieber, Founder & President
- Stan Whitaker Jr., Vice President ,
- Diane Bartley, Secretary
Honorary Board Member
- Meredith Schmidt
Past Board Members
- Tiffany Butzbaugh
- Kevin Kellenberger
- Dawn Yarbrough
- Diane Genovese
Anna Russo-Sieber in Michiana Life
ARS Arts & Culture Center
ARS Arts & Culture Center is a 501 (c)(3) not for profit organization with a mission to Encourage, Enlighten & Engage in the Arts! Our purpose is to provide a local community Art Center, which promotes, develops, and implements cultural, visual fine arts, and arts education to the community with a focus on at-risk youth in Benton Harbor and surrounding communities.
