The Munster Civic Foundation (MCF) is dedicated to supporting projects and events that promote, foster, and encourage community spirit and pride.
The MCF was created in 1990 through an endowment from the Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana, parent company of Community Hospital. For over three decades the MCF has funded various projects; sponsoring the July 3rd fireworks, purchasing flags and holiday decorations, contributing to the first bike path and the Munster pool, and assisting 2008 flood victims are a few ways the MCF has made a positive impact.
This year, we are thrilled to announce a multi-piece public art project featuring giant tulip sculptures measuring 5 feet high by 2 feet wide that will create a colorful town-wide exhibit for Munster residents and visitors to explore and enjoy.
The Tulip
After many years without a new initiative, the MCF Board committed to revitalizing the organization and formed subcommittees to imagine and lead new projects. The Art Committee soon identified a project to garner attention and enthusiasm for the MCF.
The process was a collaborative effort with input from residents, MCF board members, the Munster Chamber of Commerce, and outside art experts from IU Northwest and the South Shore Arts. Pat Popa, who led the Highland Ducks and Humane Indiana Owl public art projects, also shared valuable insight and experiences to help guide us to success.
The art committee desired a cheerful subject that would evoke joy and hope after a long, gloomy period under the pandemic, community-wide appeal, and reflect the MCF’s dedication to enhancing the quality of life in Munster.
After considering several subjects, a tulip became the obvious choice. As the first flower to bloom after a long winter, it marks a new season and fresh beginnings. Since Munster was founded by Dutch farmers, the tulip is also a cheery nod to the Town’s history.
The Tulip: Sketch to Sculpture
Tyler Kaufman—a sophomore studying graphic design at IU Northwest—designed the largerthan-life tulip sculpture. Tyler’s professors recommended him for the project and mentored him throughout the process. The 19-year-old Crown Point resident worked diligently to create the MCF art committee’s vision. Tyler first presented three sketches based on initial direction; he then refined the preferred sketch. Next, Tyler created a 3-D model for final approval. Currently, the fabricator is making a prototype and model of Tyler’s creation.
Tiptoe thru Town: Tulip Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship Option #1: $2,295
- Sponsor a tulip sculpture for public exhibit Memorial Day thru Labor Day 2022.
- Choose from the MCF pool of artists to design and complete artwork.
- Retain ownership of the tulip sculpture at end of Tulip Public Art exhibit.
- Sponsorship fee includes: artist’s stipend, engraved plaque with sponsor name and artist, installation of tulip sculpture for public exhibit campaign, and ownership of the sculpture at conclusion of public exhibit period.
Sponsorship Option #2: $1,695
- Sponsor a tulip sculpture for public exhibit Memorial Day thru Labor Day 2022.
- Provide your own artist to design and complete artwork.
- Retain ownership of the tulip sculpture at end of Tulip Public Art exhibit.
- Sponsorship fee includes: engraved plaque with sponsor name and artist, installation of tulip sculpture for public exhibit campaign, and ownership of the sculpture at conclusion of public exhibit period.
Sponsorship Option #3: $1,595
- Sponsor a tulip sculpture for public exhibit Memorial Day thru Labor Day 2022.
- Choose from the MCF pool of artists to design and complete artwork.
- Donate the sculpture to the Munster Civic Foundation for the Tiptoe thru Town Auction at the conclusion of the Tulip Public Art exhibit.
- Sponsorship fee includes: artist’s stipend, engraved plaque with sponsor name and artist, and installation of tulip sculpture for public exhibit campaign.
Sponsorship Option #4: $895
- Sponsor a tulip sculpture for public exhibit Memorial Day thru Labor Day 2022.
- Provide your own artist to design and complete artwork.
- Donate the sculpture to the Munster Civic Foundation for the Tiptoe thru Town Auction at the conclusion of the Tulip Public Art exhibit.
- Sponsorship fee includes: engraved plaque with sponsor name and artist, and installation of tulip sculpture for public exhibit campaign.
Sponsorship Details (Please read “Additional Terms of Agreement” for further information.)
• Deadline to order a tulip sculpture is Friday, December 3, 2021.
• A deposit of 50% of the total due must be submitted with the Sponsorship Order Form to reserve your tulip sculpture(s). Sponsorship balance is due upon delivery of sculpture(s) to sponsors/artists.
• All proposed artwork for sculptures must be submitted to and approved by the Munster Civic Foundation before work on your sculpture can begin.
• Delivery and/or pick up of your sculpture must be arranged through the Munster Civic Foundation.
• All tulip sculptures must be displayed within the Town of Munster during the public exhibit period.
• A map of all publicly located tulip sculptures will be available through the Town of Munster’s website and promoted through social media. Printed maps will be made available at the Munster Town Hall and participating public locations.
• Sculptures not retained by sponsors will go to the Munster Civic Foundation’s “Tiptoe thru Town” Auction in Fall 2022—Date TBD—with proceeds benefitting the Munster Civic Foundation.
Please send inquiries to Lee Ann Mellon at lmellon@munster.org.
Quantities are limited—Order your tulip today!