Artist Kevin Lustik, '85, Creates Intricate Needlepoint Designs
By Tony Scott

Kevin Lustik working on a project during his senior year at NIU and, right, this year. (Photos: Kevin Lustik)

Kevin Lustik, ’85, has spent decades perfecting his craft as a needlepoint artist while working his full-time job at a law firm.

Lustik earned two bachelor’s degrees from NIU: one in English and the other in theater history, writing and criticism. He found that his early sewing skills led to a more robust appreciation for the creative arts, and he began doing needlepoint after leaving NIU.

“Ever since I was a kid, I was handy with a needle and thread; I could sew on a button or mend a tear,” he said. “After graduating from NIU and using my brain for four solid years, I wanted to do something with my hands, so I started quilting, which led to needlepoint kits, which led to creating my own unusual designs.”

Lustik has exhibited his artwork around New York City, at the Leslie Lohman Project Space, the Port Authority, ChaShaMa, and the Garment District Alliance. He has been featured on CBS News and in the publications W42ST and Velvet Park.

Lustik said he didn’t plan to become a full-time artist, as he wanted to keep his creative side separate from making a living.

“Creating art was always part-time for me, something I did in the evenings and on weekends,” he said. “I never wanted to be a full-time artist, living in a garret and starving. That would cause too much pressure to create and sell. I wanted my artwork to be a pleasurable, relaxing activity.” 
 

However, after 40 years of making art, he recently decided to sell some of his detailed, expressive needlepoint work, which touches on themes ranging from pop culture to politics. His pieces are available for sale through New Mexico-based Wilder-Nightingale Fine Art Gallery.

Lustik was born and raised in a Slovenian neighborhood in Joliet, Illinois. His father was a union machinist, and his mother was a secretary before she became a full-time homemaker raising the family’s four children. 

“I got my strong work ethic from both of my parents,” he said.
 

Lustik chose NIU because he wanted to go away to college but not too far away. 

“DeKalb is only about an hour and a half’s drive from Joliet, so it was perfect for me, and I had a few friends who were going there, so that helped me adjust to being away from home for the first time," he said.
 

He worked his way through NIU, taking jobs as a front desk clerk at his residence hall, Stevenson Towers North, and as an English tutor. 
 

Lustik took full advantage of all the social opportunities that NIU had to offer.

“I loved my time at NIU,” he said. “Yes, it was hard work, but I balanced that with fun and socializing. I was involved with the film series at Holmes Student Center, I worked crew on many of the theater productions in the Stevens Building, and I attended many of the Gay/Lesbian Union events."

Lustik named professors Mary Sue Schrieber, Lynne Waldeland, and Gerald Berkowitz in the Department of English, and Alan Chesler in the theater department, as educators who inspired him.
 

“These brilliant people taught me critical thinking, which I still use today,” Lustik said.

After graduating from NIU, Lustik lived in Chicago and then, in 1993, moved to New York City. 

"Moving to New York City was one of the best decisions of my life because I matured here and took on adult responsibilities," he said. "Also, I met so many interesting, creative people who have enriched my life."

After many years away from NIU, Lustik said he still admires the qualities of true Huskies.

“NIU Huskies have all the best qualities of Midwesterners: they're hard-working, helpful, honest, and just plain good folk,” he said.