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RESOLUTION NO.
<br /> A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
<br /> OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND,INDIANA
<br /> CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
<br /> LEEPER PARK ART FAIR IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND
<br /> G," in approximately 1900,Leeper Park, due to the efforts of many,but begun by Alexis
<br /> Coquillard, a founding father of the City of South Bend, Indiana, a beautiful, tree-filled section
<br /> of land, located just south of a bend in the St. Joseph River north of the City, was designated for
<br /> recreational purposes for the citizens of South Bend; and
<br /> G,h" after extensive development of the site, including construction of a zoo and lily
<br /> pond in 1902, the relocation of the historic Pierre Navarre Cabin in 1904 (later moved once again
<br /> within the park in 1916), the addition of the tennis courts in 1905, and formal flower gardens in
<br /> 1922, the park, which came to span both sides of Michigan Street in South Bend, became a
<br /> popular spot for folks to gather and enjoy its various amenities; and
<br /> 6A", Leeper Park was designated in 1996 as a local historic landmark by the Historic
<br /> Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County, Indiana; and
<br /> 6A" in 1967, Leeper Park became home to an annual event sponsored by the St. Joe
<br /> Valley Watercolor Society designated as the Leeper Park Art Fair, a much-anticipated annual
<br /> event that has grown in stature, a fact that caused it to be rated in 2015 as No. 70 Best Fine Arts
<br /> Show on a list of the top 200 Best Shows in the entire country by Sunshine Artist magazine and
<br /> which draws some 120 fine artists each year from around the United States; and
<br /> 6A)" in addition, the St. Joe Watercolor Society, due to its participation in the Leeper
<br /> Park Art Fair, also annually awards a scholarship to a deserving art student at Indiana University
<br /> at South Bend to further the student's education in the field of art; and
<br /> G," under the guidance of Director Judy Ladd, the Leeper Park Art Fair has survived
<br /> many adverse events that threatened the cancellation of the Art Fair several times throughout the
<br /> 50-year span of its existence at Leeper Park, including severe weather conditions, road
<br /> construction, and an economic recession that caused both buyers and artists to refrain from
<br /> participation, all the while maintaining the Art Fair's high standard of showing exclusively fine,
<br /> professionally-produced artwork; and
<br /> G,f�" prizes are awarded for Best in Show, and in categories such as watercolor paintings,
<br /> clay and sculpture work, photography, multi-media, glass, and jewelry, reflecting the diversity of
<br /> the works displayed at the Leeper Park Art Fair, which has caused it to become such a popular
<br /> annual attraction for not only South Bend area residents, but for art-lovers everywhere, taking
<br /> place in a scenic and historic setting.
<br /> J � 9, y,e
<br /> Section I. The South Bend Common Council proudly recognizes LEEPER PARK ART
<br /> FAIR for its long-standing tradition in the community as an enjoyable and much anticipated
<br /> annual event for many residents of the City and beyond, and for the passion for excellence
<br /> exhibited by the St. Joe Watercolor Society and the artists who participate in the Art Fair each
<br /> year, along with the citizens who enjoy the benefits of having a prestigious art show in their local
<br /> community; and, in particular, the Council is honored to publicly commend the Leeper Park Art
<br /> Fair for its dedication for continuing its tradition of the exhibition of fine arts in many forms for
<br /> the past fifty (50) years in the City of South Bend for all citizens to enjoy.
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