SCULPTING COMMUNITY
OLGA KRASL
“Make life more worthwhile”
—Olga Krasl
ORIGINAL BUILDING
THE KRASL ART CENTER ST. JOSEPH, MICHIGAN
THE KRASL ART CENTER What started over 50 years ago with a simple clothesline art fair within Lake Bluff Park, St. Joseph, has grown to be the epicenter of creativity within Southwest Michigan. Thanks to the beneficence of George and Olga Krasl, the Krasl Art Center (KAC) was built with the vision to make life more worthwhile. offers opportunities for the community to explore and discover creativity. It serves as an educational institution by providing art classes, camps and guest artist workshops. Year-round events, exhibits and community outreach help the KAC continue its mission of bringing people together through art.
THE KRASL ART CENTER
With art placed throughout the cities of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, the KAC
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percent would like to increase tourism *
WANT MORE PUBLIC GATHERING PLACES*
CONCEPT MODEL RICHARD HUNT 2015, PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM SCHROEDER
THE INSPIRATION At the Richard Hunt Studio Center in Benton Harbor, a young boy happened upon a large, beautiful arched sculpture. Captivated by the the attention of a KAC board member. Within moments, a small crowd formed around the artwork. A sculpture like this, that could spark inspiration in all ages, was just what the KAC was looking for. The KAC is excited to be commissioning a new Richard Hunt sculpture based on
believe there should be more leisure/ recreational facilities for teens and youth*
this concept model (shown above). AND YOU, SEAS RICHARD HUNT 2002
THE NEED Southwest Michigan has consistently remained a hub
THE SOLUTION
WHY RICHARD HUNT
The Krasl Art Center plans to offer the community
Richard Hunt’s sculptures can be seen in museums nationwide—from
for tourists while keeping the feel of a welcoming
an inclusive outdoor space—a welcoming area for
the Art institute of Chicago to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in
small-town. Between the beaches, vineyards,
visitors and community members to relax, reflect
New York. Hunt has direct ties to our immediate community. While
and make new memories. The vision is to bring the
his primary studio resides in Chicago, this notable artist has a satellite
community and all its visitors together, exposing them
studio in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Included in the Krasl Art Center’s
to cultural experiences. The solution is a destination
collection, Hunt’s sculpture, And You, Seas, is located at the South
that encourages engagement and creative expression.
Pier of Silver Beach in St. Joseph. Another original, Silver Linings,
The commissioning of a new sculpture created by
is placed at Lakeland Medical Center. Commissioning Hunt for a
Richard Hunt will be the focal point of the new Krasl
signature piece would exquisitely frame the community.
Art Center grounds, inspiring and inviting guests to
Hunt is one of the most prolific and best-known artists of public
restaurants and boutiques, residents and visitors have typically found something to pique their interest. However, studies show they are looking for a place to connect and come together—a place to make life more worthwhile. Over one thousand participants were surveyed from this community and neighboring ones, including full- and part-time residents, visitors and
connect with each other and with the arts.
sculpture in the nation. He was appointed by President Lyndon
vacationers. The results revealed not only a want,
Johnson as one of the first artists to serve on the National Council on
but an outstanding need for a safe and welcoming
the Arts. In 2009, Hunt was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award
recreational area that is accessible to all.
RICHARD HUNT PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHESTER HIGGINS JR.
* 2015 St. Joseph Master Plan Survey. Statistics reflect the combined percentages of participants rating the questions as moderately important, important and very important.
by the International Sculpture Center. The KAC is honored to acquire another original by this internationally acclaimed artist.
THE NEED AND INSPIRATION
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artwork, he immediately shared his find with his mother, who grabbed
NEW PARKING SPACES
PA TH
EXISTING BUILDING
MAIN ENTRY
FESTOON LIGHTING
PARK ST.
PEARL ST.
EX
IST
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EXISTING PARKING
EVENT GREEN
MILLENNIUM PARK CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
EXISTING PAVERS
DEFINING PLACEMAKING
KRASL ART FAIR 2015
SEATING AREA
Placemaking is the focused analysis, design and management of a place that fosters
SEATING AREA
RAMP
“ Sculpting Community encompasses the Krasl Art Center’s mission to bring people and art together…”
human interaction and inspires memorable experiences. It’s creating people-centered
RAMP
spaces that elevate our interaction from static to dynamic, promoting people’s health, happiness and well-being—a place that calls us to return.
SEATING AREA
RAMP
—Wightman & Associates, Inc. Placemaking Lab LAKE BLVD. NEW PARKING SPACES
NEW PARKING SPACES
PA TH
EXISTING BUILDING EXISTING PARKING
EXISTING PARKING
Wightman & associates, inc.
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FESTOON LIGHTING
PARK ST.
MAIN ENTRY
EX
EVENT GREEN
SEATING AREA
MASTER PLAN
SEATING AREA
RAMP
PROPOSED PLANS THE KRASL ART CENTER LAKE BLVD.
THE ACTION The KAC
SEATING AREA engaged Wightman
destination that allows the community and visitors alike to interact and engage with the arts, nature and each other as a way to make life more worthwhile. The goal is to sculpt more than the landscape, but to sculpt new memories, creative minds and The long-term measure of success is the sustainability of the arts and culture as
& Associates to develop a Master Plan Vision for RAMP
the grounds. The planning process included a series of meetings with the Master
RAMP
Wightman & associates, inc.
15’
PHASE 1 CONCEPT PLAN
9/28/2015
people and art together. This capital campaign funds the creation of an outdoor
community togetherness.
LAKE BLUFF PARK
10’
share. Sculpting Community encompasses the Krasl Art Center’s mission to bring PARK ST.
RAMP
RAMP
STING PAVERS
SEATING AREA
5’
Community is more than a physical place—it’s the people and the experiences they
SEATING AREA
EVENT GREEN
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KRASL ART CENTER COMMUNITY
0”
SCULPTING COMMUNITY
EXISTING PAVERS
FESTOON LIGHTING
SCULPTING
RAMP Plan Steering Committee and Board of Directors, along with community outreach. 5’ 10’ 15’ 0” SEATING PHASE 1 CONCEPT PLAN AREA Community KRASL ART CENTER desires were gathered from research performed by the cities of St. 9/28/2015 MASTER PLAN
a recognized and valued part of our community and everyday life. All guests will be enriched by cultural experiences and form unforgettable memories. It grants the community a creative escape and entices visitors to return. Donors have the option of what they’d prefer their donation to go toward—whether
Joseph and Benton Harbor. The desires, goals and visions were incorporated into
you’re passionate about the commissioning of the Richard Hunt sculpture, eager to
a series of plan options. The best features were then selected by the Steering
gain an inclusive park-like space or want to support both. All donations, big or small,
Committee and refined several times into the final Master Plan Vision shown above.
are accepted and greatly appreciated.
THE SOLUTION AND VISION
IST
PEARL ST.
ING
PA TH
EX
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LAKE BLUFF PARK
LAKE BLUFF
EN
CAFE / BOOK S
TORE
SEATIN
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he open green space offers a A T park-like destination. It allows guests
PARK
T GRE
THE PLANS—TOMORROW
HUNT
BLVD.
EVEN
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LOWE R LOBB Y
KRASL BPARKING LVD. LOT
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THE PLANS—TODAY LAKE
EVEN
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PARK S
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UDITO
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HUNT SEATIN
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space for reflection, relaxation, ALLY
creativity and socializing. The area, placed on a raised plot, makes it the Wight
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concerts or other private events. 87
ciate
s, inc .
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L ART
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AN
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The path leading up to the building curves around and weaves through art and areas for public play. More
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accessible lane—it creates an
0’
A
10’
and invites them to return.
20’
s, inc .
AUDITORIUM
CAFE/ BOOKSTORE
30’
ONCE
PT PL 9/28/2
NEW GALLERY
MAIN LOBBY
ART LAB
LIBRARY than a walking path or handicap
MAin STguests experience that draws ER C
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KRAS
L ART R POETRY GARDEN
LOWER LOBBY
AN
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perfect outdoor venue for weddings,
& asso
PEARL ST.
EVENT GREEN
0’
MAST
HUNT SEATING
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longside the sidewalk at street level, curved C A pockets of public play areas invite passersby.
10’
20’
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015
LAKE BLVD.
The grounds feature interactive elements for guests to sit and play. It creates an open,
LAKE BLUFF PARK
THE BIGGER PICTURE THE FUTURE KRASL ART CENTER
inclusive environment, so the whole community and visitors feel welcome at the KAC. ichard Hunt’s site-specific, signature D R sculpture will be the focal welcoming point.
THE FUTURE OF THE KRASL ART CENTER
The inviting arch creates a gateway to the KAC
The KAC has a long-term vision in place to add onto the building itself. Though
grounds—a serene and inspiring escape from
the outside landscape will be inviting and inclusive, their hope is to bring guests
the busy downtown area. Looking out, the
into the KAC and expose them to greater cultural experiences.
sculpture beautifully frames Lake Bluff Park.
Wightman & associates, inc.
A café and gift shop may be added, facing the downtown district to help attract
0’
20’
30’
MASTER CONCEPT PL 9/28/ auditorium will expand the building. This creates a space for indoor events and MASTER PLAN
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opens possibilities for an expansion of art exhibits.
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10’
greater CENTER foot traffic. Additionally, an extended gallery and small, multi-use KRASL ART
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FUTURE PLANS GIFT SHOP, GALLERY, AUDITORIUM
THE PLANS—TODAY AND TOMORROW
man
UDITO
LAB
KRASL.ORG 707 Lake Boulevard St. Joseph, MI 49085 | 269-983-0271