HomeMy WebLinkAbout4645-17 Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Leeper Park Art Fair RESOLUTION
No. 4645-17
Passed by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana
June 26, 20--j-7 .
Attest: City Clerk
-T
y
Attest- President of Common Council
Presented by me to the Mayor of the City of South Bend, Indiana
June 27, 20 17
City Clerk
r �h �
Approved and signed by me %A21 201 .
RESOLUTION NO. 4645-17
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
6hC,vw, 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
OAC.,d, 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
ONE„ 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
G&;, 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
Cam ,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
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
Gam , 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.
9A_, , Ge tt xo the � k�n �( L9� ou
�92G��, a6�G�EllJllfO:
Section 1. 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 Wed after its adoption by
the C Council and approval by the Mayor.
Tim Scott, 1St District Council Member , rict Council Member
tham LReo ., "d District John Voorde,At Large Council Member
i
Randy Kelly, Yd District Council Member Gavin Ferlic,At Large Council Member
Jo Br den, 41h District Council Member Karen L. White,At Large Council Member
Dr. David Varner, 5"District Zbert J. Palmer, C ncil Attorney
�al 2017.
Kare mah Fowler, C- Clerk Pete Buttigieg, Mayor of South Bend, Indiana