Nappanee Arts Center Brings Community Creativity to Life
Writer & Photographer / Amy Lant-Wenger
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It’s a sentiment that everyone has come to appreciate at one time or another.
Now imagine for a moment that you could harness that imagery — the kind that imprints itself upon your heart — and then transform that vision into something magnificent, something tangible, and yes, something beautiful.
There is a place in downtown Nappanee where those moments can and do happen. It’s called the Nappanee Arts Center, and it’s a veritable wonderland of creation.
The NAC is located at 253 W. Market St., in a modest facility that belies the vibrant, eclectic space within. There is virtually no space left untouched by the exuberance of artisan works, and it is most certainly a place where innovation and inspiration meet.
The workspace of the NAC is designed to allow visitors of any ability or skill level to create using various mediums of art. The overseeing group of volunteers that operates the NAC is the Nappanee Arts Council, founded about a decade ago as a nonprofit organization. Encouraged and endorsed by several local leaders and civic organizations — including the support of Mayor Phil Jenkins — the Nappanee Arts Council came to fruition with the goal of embracing and showcasing arts and culture in the Nappanee community and beyond.
When the opportunity arose to unveil the NAC, and the building was secured as a new workspace venue, the original plan was to complete renovations and open by 2020. Although the pandemic necessitated a change of plans, it did little to dim the focus. That time was spent bringing more projects to fruition, such as the bold brushstrokes of the mural that captivates upon entry to the NAC.
“A person can walk in here and find their comfort zone in this empty studio. The Nappanee Arts Center was designed to be free to use by the community for the purpose of art,” says Jeff Stillson, who currently serves as president of the Nappanee Arts Council.
There is always a full slate of activities for patrons to participate in at the NAC, including various classes for painting in oils, watercolors and acrylics, along with sculptures in clay, stained glass works and other art forms. Members of the Nappanee Arts Council serve as volunteers, mentors and teachers for anyone who wants to embrace their skills as an artist — young or older, novice or seasoned.
Time and space can also be rented for such occasions as private parties, homeschool groups, individualized courses and lessons, and many other services.
The NAC also has a retail sector, through which artists can sell their wares and enhance their following and exposure. Guests may also purchase supplies there. Other tools and supplies used by patrons are funded by donations.
The outreach and impact of the Nappanee Arts Center and its governing council expand well beyond the walls of the studios. Over the past five years, several groupings of whimsical sculptures have graced the storied thoroughfares of Nappanee, totaling more than 125 works.
The series includes such favorites as “The Apple Orchard,” “Woodland Creatures” and “Junkyard Dogs,” among others. Currently, the Nappanee Arts Council is working toward completion of several sculptures themed by the perennial holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker.”
The majority of these sculptures have now found a permanent home along the city’s Art Path, which winds through picturesque country scenery along the eastern edge of Nappanee, offering glimpses of nature and rolling landscapes along the way. One of the newest additions to the Art Path commemorates the milestone of the 100th sculpture — a seven-foot floating butterfly surrounded by a 10-foot cascading waterfall.
Just weeks ago, in the completion of another Nappanee Arts Council collaboration, downtown Nappanee was graced by a new attraction called “Cartoon Alley,” which pays homage to the six nationally known cartoonists who hailed from Nappanee. The painted illustrations of cartoon panels literally line the exteriors of historic buildings along one of the downtown corridors.
Another recent development is the creation of the Richard and Susan Pletcher Fund, established in conjunction with the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. The fund will work to ensure that expenses are continually met. Donations are always welcome and can be made by visiting inspiringgood.org and searching for the fund that bears the Pletcher family name.
To discover all that awaits at the Nappanee Arts Center, visit during open hours, typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Since the staff is entirely composed of volunteers, it’s wise to call ahead at 574-354-2477.
Or simply search the front window for the green traffic light — if it’s lit, the NAC is open. After all, green means go… go dream, go create and go become an artist.
