As part of an ongoing art initiative, the Munster Civic Foundation organized a town-wide art display of fiberglass sculptures painted by local artists and creatives. After much contemplating and delegating with different organizations and community members, a tulip was decided to be the canvas. The tulip resembles the first bloom of spring with hopes to evoke joy after a long pandemic and is also a nod to Munster’s history being founded by Dutch farmers.

The tulips were designed by IU Northwest student, Tyler Kaufman. Kaufman is a Crown Point resident who, with the mentorship of his professors, presented the first sketch based on the MCF art Committee’s vision which would later turn into the full 3D rendering. 37 tulips were sponsored by businesses and are on display throughout Munster through September 7th.

South Shore Arts instructor Cara Schmitt and artist Emily Casella joined in on the fun by painting a tulip on behalf of South Shore Arts, which sits in front of The Center for Visual & Performing Arts on Ridge Road.

The inspiration and design for the tulip came from the young artists in South Shore Arts popular weekly class Art & Story Hour. Inspired by the much loved children’s book “Beautiful Oops” by Barney Saltzberg, the tulip speaks to the valuable message of leaning into the spontaneous side of making art. The story is bright and colorful and inspires children to be creative and make a what might be considered mistake into a beautiful oops.

“A little drip of paint…. lets your imagination run wild,” - Beautiful Oops.

A full map of all 37 tulips can be found HERE. Be sure to tag South Shore Arts when coming across the Beautiful Oops Tulip while tiptoeing thru town!