Michigan Legacy Art Park

Michigan Legacy Art Park is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring awareness, appreciation, and passion for Michigan's history, culture, and environment through the arts. Located on a 30-acre preserve of wooded hills in Benzie County, it is situated within the grounds of Crystal Mountain Resort. The park was founded in 1995 by the late artist David Barr, who envisioned a space where contemporary artists could bring Michigan's history to life using natural materials[3][4].

Mission and Vision

The mission of Michigan Legacy Art Park is to utilize the arts as a platform for storytelling about Michigan's history and culture while fostering a deeper connection with the environment. Its vision includes growing and maintaining its collections, providing educational opportunities, engaging with the community, and effectively managing its resources[1][4].

Programs and Activities

The park features an outdoor sculpture collection with over 40 works of art, 1.6 miles of hiking trails, and hosts various events throughout the year. Key activities include:

• Summer Sounds Concert Series: A diverse musical event series held during the summer months.
• Education Programs: Offering field trips, in-school workshops, and artist residencies that integrate art into educational curricula.
• Legacy Gala: An annual fundraiser honoring individuals who have positively influenced Michigan's arts, history, or culture.
• Fairies & Forts: A family-friendly event marking the start of summer, featuring hiking, art activities, and live music.
• Art Exhibitions and Tours: Featuring both permanent and temporary sculpture exhibits with guided tours available.

Organizational Structure

Michigan Legacy Art Park operates as a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) organization, relying on contributions from individuals, corporate sponsorships, and grants to sustain its operations. The organization values artistic excellence, engagement, learning, inclusion, and stewardship in its mission and activities[1][5].

History

David Barr, who was awarded the Governor's Michigan Artist Award in 1988, envisioned the park as a space to express Michigan's history through contemporary art, using natural materials. After its founding in 1995, the park has since expanded to include various educational programs and community events[3][4]. The partnership with Crystal Mountain Resort provides a sustainable model for land use and shared resources[3].

Financials

The organization's primary sources of revenue include contributions and fundraising events. As a non-profit, donations to the organization are tax-deductible, supporting its artistic and educational initiatives[2].

Governance

The park's governance structure includes a leadership team and board of directors who oversee the implementation of strategic plans and ensure the organization's sustainability and growth[1].