HomeMy WebLinkAbout17-35 Leeper Park 50th Anniversary RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND,INDIANA
CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
LEEPER PARK ART FAIR IN THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND
G," in approximately 1900,Leeper Park, due to the efforts of many,but begun by Alexis
Coquillard, a founding father of the City of South Bend, Indiana, a beautiful, tree-filled section
of land, located just south of a bend in the St. Joseph River north of the City, was designated for
recreational purposes for the citizens of South Bend; and
G,h" after extensive development of the site, including construction of a zoo and lily
pond in 1902, the relocation of the historic Pierre Navarre Cabin in 1904 (later moved once again
within the park in 1916), the addition of the tennis courts in 1905, and formal flower gardens in
1922, the park, which came to span both sides of Michigan Street in South Bend, became a
popular spot for folks to gather and enjoy its various amenities; and
6A", Leeper Park was designated in 1996 as a local historic landmark by the Historic
Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County, Indiana; and
6A" in 1967, Leeper Park became home to an annual event sponsored by the St. Joe
Valley Watercolor Society designated as the Leeper Park Art Fair, a much-anticipated annual
event that has grown in stature, a fact that caused it to be rated in 2015 as No. 70 Best Fine Arts
Show on a list of the top 200 Best Shows in the entire country by Sunshine Artist magazine and
which draws some 120 fine artists each year from around the United States; and
6A)" in addition, the St. Joe Watercolor Society, due to its participation in the Leeper
Park Art Fair, also annually awards a scholarship to a deserving art student at Indiana University
at South Bend to further the student's education in the field of art; and
G," under the guidance of Director Judy Ladd, the Leeper Park Art Fair has survived
many adverse events that threatened the cancellation of the Art Fair several times throughout the
50-year span of its existence at Leeper Park, including severe weather conditions, road
construction, and an economic recession that caused both buyers and artists to refrain from
participation, all the while maintaining the Art Fair's high standard of showing exclusively fine,
professionally-produced artwork; and
G,f�" prizes are awarded for Best in Show, and in categories such as watercolor paintings,
clay and sculpture work, photography, multi-media, glass, and jewelry, reflecting the diversity of
the works displayed at the Leeper Park Art Fair, which has caused it to become such a popular
annual attraction for not only South Bend area residents, but for art-lovers everywhere, taking
place in a scenic and historic setting.
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Section I. The South Bend Common Council proudly recognizes LEEPER PARK ART
FAIR for its long-standing tradition in the community as an enjoyable and much anticipated
annual event for many residents of the City and beyond, and for the passion for excellence
exhibited by the St. Joe Watercolor Society and the artists who participate in the Art Fair each
year, along with the citizens who enjoy the benefits of having a prestigious art show in their local
community; and, in particular, the Council is honored to publicly commend the Leeper Park Art
Fair for its dedication for continuing its tradition of the exhibition of fine arts in many forms for
the past fifty (50) years in the City of South Bend for all citizens to enjoy.
Section II. The Common Council notes that because of the Leeper Park Art Fair's
dedication to excellence, countless number of individuals have enjoyed top-quality artwork in
many forms throughout our wonderful community. We hope this long-standing tradition
continues for many years to come, as it has become a permanent and highly-anticipated yearly
event to which many look forward each June.
Section III. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by
the Common Council and approval by the Mayor.
Tim Scott, I`District Council Member Oliver J. Davis, 6"District Council Member
Regina Williams Preston., 2nd District John Voorde,At Large Council Member
Randy Kelly, 3rd District Council Member Gavin Ferlic,At Large Council Member
Jo Broden, 0 District Council Member Karen L. White,At Large Council Member
Dr. David Varner, 5"'District Robert J. Palmer, Council Attorney
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Kareemah Fowler, City Clerk Pete Buttigieg, Mayor of South Bend,Indiana