HomeMy WebLinkAbout17-28 Special Resolution Honoring Judy LaddRESOLUTION NO. _______-2017
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND
THANKING AND HONORING JUDY LADD FOR DILIGENTLY SERVING AREA
RESIDENTS FOR THE PAST TWENTY-FIVE (25) YEARS AND WISHING HER
CONTINUED SUCCESS AS SHE RETIRES FROM SERVICE AS
DIRECTOR OF THE LEEPER PARK ART FAIR
Whereas, Judy Ladd is an accomplished artist who works in porcelain, clay, and watercolor
media. She has served as the Director of the Leeper Park Art Fair for the past twenty-five (25)
years and is now retiring from her position as Director of the annual event. Judy is a tireless
advocate for the Art Fair and her boundless energy has brought the continued success the Art Fair
currently enjoys as a result of her selfless efforts; and
Whereas, Judy graduated from Western Michigan University with a BA in art and received
her MFA from the University of Notre Dame. She worked at the South Bend Art Center teaching
child and adult art classes, in addition to acting as the faculty representative to the Board at the Art
Center for several years. Judy’s first teaching assignment was first grade at Darden Elementary,
after which she “graduated” to LaSalle High School as an art instructor. There, she worked as the
Academic Decathlon coach, served as the chairman of the Art Department at the school, and
worked on Scholastic Art Awards, where her students won the Third Congressional Art
Competition, after which they traveled to Washington, D.C.; and
Whereas, while working at LaSalle High School, Judy opened a co-op art gallery called
Gallery in the Garret, located in the former Kamm’s Brewery, which had been repurposed to
become the 100 Center, a busy retail area housing thirty (30) local artists. Gallery in the Garret
was located in the 100 Center for thirteen (13) years until Judy relocated the business to the East
Bank on the Raceway of the St. Joseph River in South Bend. Judy later transferred to Mishawaka
High School to work as an assistant principal for nine (9) years, after which she retired to
concentrate on the production of her own artwork; and
Whereas, throughout the years, Judy has served in many capacities with Indiana arts
organizations, including being actively involved as a member of the St. Joe Valley Watercolor
Society. During her involvement with the St. Joe Valley Watercolor Society, Judy Ladd met many
wonderful artists. Gloria O’Brien was instrumental in persuading Judy to participate in the Leeper
Park Art Fair with her silkscreen designs and Judy felt honored to be included in the prestigious
event; and
Whereas, Judy eventually came to serve as the Director of the Leeper Park Art Fair thanks
to her involvement in the St. Joe Valley Watercolor Society and, with the assistance of its
members, Judy has managed to maintain the Leeper Park Art Fair a viable event through numerous
eras of adversity, including several national financial downturns, for the past twenty-five (25)
years. She has received substantial support and assistance from Joan Tweedell and Howard Scott
during her tenure as Director, and the Leeper Park Art Fair recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary
this year on June 17-18, 2017.
Whereas, Judy has dedicated her life to the furtherance of the arts throughout the Michiana
area for more than thirty (30) years. Thanks in large part to Judy’s efforts, the Leeper Park Art
Fair, a juried exhibition, continues to showcase many wonderful artists in various media and has
been featured in the Sunshine Artist magazine as one of the top 200 art shows in the country. Judy
teaches classes in Florida and still participates in many top-rated art shows. Her work is treasured
in many collections throughout the United States.
Now, Therefore, be it resolved, by the Common Council of the City of South Bend,
Indiana, as follows:
Section I. On behalf of the citizens of South Bend, Indiana, South Bend Common
Council, proudly and publicly congratulates and thanks Judy Ladd, who has willingly and
faithfully served as the Director of the Leeper Park Art Fair for the past twenty-five (25) years,
and for her innumerable contributions to the arts in our community.
Section II. The Common Council proudly recognizes Judy Ladd as a valued member of
our community and as someone who has selflessly given her time and her efforts to further the
flourishment of the arts in the City of South Bend, Indiana by working tirelessly as the Director of
the Leeper Park Art Fair.
Section III. The Common Council and the citizens of the City of South Bend wish Judy
Ladd continued success with the production of her artwork and laud her many other
accomplishments as she enjoys her retirement from her service as the Director of the Leeper Park
Art Fair. Congratulations!
Section IV. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption
by the Common Council and approval by the Mayor.
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Tim Scott, 1st District Council Member Oliver J. Davis, 6th District Council Member
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Regina Williams Preston., 2nd District John Voorde, At Large Council Member
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Randy Kelly, 3rd District Council Member Gavin Ferlic, At Large Council Member
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Jo Broden, 4th District Council Member Karen L. White, At Large Council Member
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Dr. David Varner, 5th District Robert J. Palmer, Council Attorney
Attest: Approved this __ day of ______________, 2017.
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Kareemah Fowler, City Clerk Pete Buttigieg, Mayor of South Bend, Indiana