LaFontaine Arts Council looking for artists

The LaFontaine Arts Council (LAC) has partnered with the City of Huntington in their effort to procure new upcycled benches for the community. The LAC, in addition to donating towards the cost of the benches, will sponsor and oversee the implementation of murals for eight of the new city bench structures to be installed downtown and in city parks.

These benches, made by a midwestern company called Canvus, have been constructed from recycled wind turbine blades and are a durable and sustainable alternative to the worn-down benches they will replace. Some of the benches offer features like lighting and shade and shelter from the elements.

The LAC is looking for Artists to submit their mural proposals for consideration. Each artist chosen will receive a stipend of between $500 and $1,000, at the discretion of the LAC. Paint will be supplied to the winning muralists. Painting of the murals will commence in the Spring of 2024, weather permitting.

Artists are welcome to submit multiple designs. Design submissions are due by March 25, 2024 and can be submitted via the LAC website. The LAC will choose the winners on March 27. Announcements will be made on the LAC Facebook page and all participants will receive notification via email.

The LAC provides rules and guidelines with canvas dimensions on the online submission form.

The LaFontaine Arts Council has been providing Arts in Education programming to the Huntington County Schools for over 30 years. Currently the council is funding programs including the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Young Artist Awards, along with grant and scholarship programs. The LAC board of directors meets every fourth Tuesday at 6 p.m. and board meetings are open to the public. For more information, reach out to lafontaineartscouncil@gmail.com or visit their website at lafontaineartscouncil.org.