Art in the Park

The sunshine, trees in full bloom, and the Tippecanoe River made for an idyllic setting for people to gather to embrace the pace of Pulaski County while enjoying free art activities and the newly installed bench swings and artwork.

The Art in the Park celebration on Saturday, May 7, 2022 is a wonderful example of what community and camaraderie can create in Pulaski County. The event took place in the Winamac Town Park on the west side of the swinging bridge. Each area of this recently revitalized space was utilized. As guests came down the newly paved and widened roadway they were greeted with the sight of the new artwork, new plants, refreshed artesian well, refreshed pickleball court, the sound of visitors laughing, and the smell of tasty treats. Artists and crafters lined the path with opportunities to create, enjoy, and purchase art.

"What a fun event! Talk about a great time! The ambiance was everything. The music, the decor, the activities! Loved seeing such an event in our very own hometown!" - Alyshia Rebeck

The event opened with the dedication of the newly installed catfish artwork and two new bench swings. The catfish is the first in a planned series of art to be installed in the area. Pulaski County Tribe partnered with local artist, Patrick Pitcher, for the creation and installation of the artwork. Funding support was received from the Indiana Arts Commission to support the artwork. The bench swings are sponsored by the Darda and Breyfogle families.

In addition to the art activities and vendors, attendees were able to enjoy the creation of a live mural by Indiana artist Zach Medler and a scenic painting by Winamac native, Kelsey Conner. There was also an Art of Pickleball demonstration and an opportunity for visitors to try out the equipment. Winamac high school senior, Lloyd Lavender, entertained the audience with his country/rock music played from the recently refreshed artesian well.

Over 850 visitors enjoyed Art in the Park and all it had to offer. Pulaski County Tribe organized the event with the goal of celebrating art and enjoying the additions and enhancements in an area that boasts tranquility.

"As a vendor I was very pleased with the crowd and the atmosphere was amazing! It's like I was in a Hallmark movie!" -Sydney Disinger

This event was organized by PCT, but was made possible through collaboration and support from local businesses and organizations and the Indiana Arts Commission.

Pulaski County Tribe is the grateful recipient of a grant from the Indiana Arts Commission that helped to fund components of the artwork, artesian well refresh, and supplies for art activities.

Activity/Entertainment Partners: Alliance Bank, Anna Miller, First Federal Savings Bank, Friends of the Tippecanoe River State Park, Indiana Farm Bureau, Kelsey Conner, Lloyd Lavendar, Master Gardeners, Memorial Swinging Bridge Project, Psi Iota Xi, Vander Haags, Winamac Pickleball, Zach Medler.

Event Volunteers: PCT members, members of the WCHS National Honor Society, JoAnna Darda, John and Sue Adamiec.

Project Partners: Bill Tetzloff (material transportation), Bob Rosenbaum (welding), Edward Jones (promotion assistance), JSI (donation of steel tubing), Pulaski Memorial Hospital (donation of hand sanitizer), REACT (traffic flow and safety), Rich Weldon (welding assistance), Roudebush Co. (donation of swing engraving), Webb Printing (banners), Winamac ACE Hardware/Keepsakes (donation of chain for swings).

As you can see, there has been a variety of helping hands for this ongoing project and community event. The next steps include additional plant life, an interpretive sign near the artesian well, and the installation of additional artwork that was selected based on community votes.

PCT's next free community event is Summer Celebration on July 4th prior to the fireworks at the Winamac High School football field area.