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RESOLUTION NO. 4645-17
<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 /> 6hC,vw, 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 of
<br /> 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 /> OAC.,d, after extensive development of the site, including construction of a zoo and lily pond
<br /> in 1902, the relocation of the historic Pierre Navarre Cabin in 1904 (later moved once again within
<br /> the park in 1916), the addition of the tennis courts in 1905, and formal flower gardens in 1922, the
<br /> park, which came to span both sides of Michigan Street in South Bend, became a popular spot for
<br /> folks to gather and enjoy its various amenities; and
<br /> ONE„ 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 /> G&;, 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 event
<br /> that has grown in stature, a fact that caused it to be rated in 2015 as No. 70 Best Fine Arts Show on
<br /> a list of the top 200 Best Shows in the entire country by Sunshine Artist magazine and which draws
<br /> some 120 fine artists each year from around the United States; and
<br /> Cam ,in addition, the St.Joe Watercolor Society, due to its participation in the Leeper Park
<br /> Art Fair, also annually awards a scholarship to a deserving art student at Indiana University at South
<br /> Bend to further the student's education in the field of art; and
<br /> 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 construction,
<br /> and an economic recession that caused both buyers and artists to refrain from participation, all the
<br /> while maintaining the Art Fair's high standard of showing exclusively fine, professionally-produced
<br /> artwork; and
<br /> Gam , 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 the
<br /> works displayed at the Leeper Park Art Fair, which has caused it to become such a popular annual
<br /> attraction for not only South Bend area residents, but for art-lovers everywhere, taking place in a
<br /> scenic and historic setting.
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<br /> Section 1. 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 annual
<br /> event for many residents of the City and beyond, and for the passion for excellence exhibited by
<br /> the St.Joe Watercolor Society and the artists who participate in the Art Fair each year, along with
<br /> the citizens who enjoy the benefits of having a prestigious art show in their local community; and,
<br /> in particular, the Council is honored to publicly commend the Leeper Park Art Fair for its
<br /> dedication for continuing its tradition of the exhibition of fine arts in many forms for the past fifty
<br /> (50) years in the City of South Bend for all citizens to enjoy.
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