Michigan City Public Art Committee Michigan City 190th Anniversary Art Bench Program
Heritage and Legacy: 190 Years, 190 Stories
Sit. Remember. Belong.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Michigan City Seeks Artists and Community Groups for 190th Anniversary Art Bench Project
Michigan City, IN (March 30, 2026) — As Michigan City prepares to celebrate its 190th birthday in 2026, the Michigan City Public Art Committee (MAC) is inviting artists, organizations, and community members to take part in a unique public art initiative that will bring the city’s history and identity to life—while also supporting local workforce development and future artists.
The project, titled “Heritage and Legacy: 190 Years, 19 Stories,” will feature 19 wooden benches transformed into original works of art and placed throughout the city as part of a temporary outdoor exhibition. The benches will be on display from June 22 through October 10, 2026, creating a citywide art experience for residents and visitors alike. Organizers say the goal of the Art Bench Program is to celebrate Michigan City’s rich past while highlighting the people, places, and traditions that continue to shape the community today. Each bench will serve as a creative interpretation of the city’s 190-year story, offering artists an opportunity to reflect on themes such as heritage, industry, culture, faith, the lakeshore, and the city’s future.
The Public Art Committee is encouraging a broad range of applicants to participate, including professional artists, students, educators, nonprofits, church groups, and collaborative teams. No prior public art experience is required, and organizers emphasize that the project is intended to be inclusive and representative of the entire community. At the conclusion of the exhibition in October, the benches will be auctioned, with proceeds supporting art scholarships administered through the Michigan City Public Art Committee, helping to nurture the next generation of local artists.
Selected participants will be provided with a handcrafted wooden bench to design and paint. The benches themselves are based on a design by pioneering environmentalist Aldo Leopold, whose legacy of stewardship and connection to the land adds an additional layer of meaning to the project. Once completed, the benches will be installed at selected locations across Michigan City, forming a public art trail that invites people to explore the city in a new and engaging way. Committee members note that the project is designed not only as an artistic endeavor, but also as a storytelling experience. By placing these benches in public spaces, the initiative aims to spark reflection, conversation, and a deeper sense of connection among residents.
In a distinctive partnership, the benches will be constructed locally by members of the Michigan City Rotary Club and students enrolled in the NWI Institute of Technology’s Majic Factory Wood Carpentry Workforce Development class, which begins in March. The program is accredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), providing participants with nationally recognized training and hands-on experience. Through this collaboration, the project not only celebrates the city’s past, but also invests in its future by supporting skills development and career pathways in the building trades.
The Michigan City Public Art Committee is proud to partner with Kabelin Ace Hardware to support the “Heritage and Legacy: 190 Years, 19 Stories” Art Bench Project through a community-based “Round-Up” fundraising initiative. At checkout, customers will have the opportunity to round their purchase up to the nearest dollar, with the spare change donated directly to the Art Bench Project. This simple, voluntary act of generosity allows every customer to take part in celebrating Michigan City’s 190th anniversary.
Application details, including submission guidelines and deadlines, are available at the City Hall of Michigan City information desk or online at https://michigancityin.gov/government/boards-commissions/public-art-committee/ .Interested individuals and groups are encouraged to apply and contribute their voice to this milestone celebration.
###