Unity Foundation of La Porte County announced today that a $1,200 grant will be awarded to the Michigan City Southern Shore Art Association from the Dale E. Landsman Arts Foundation.

The check will be presented at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 1 at their 722 Franklin Street Gallery.

The funds will be used by the organization to support art and artists by boosting membership, sponsoring an exhibit, and providing support to artists who wish to create art in a different environment.

The Foundation was formed in February of 2001 to perpetuate the memory of Dale E. Landsman, a local advertising executive and fine artist, and to honor and promote his love for the visual arts. Mr. Landsman was known for his own creativity and his ability to inspire and encourage creative growth in those who knew and worked with him throughout his life.

Mr. Landsman began drawing and painting at a very young age and won his first award in school at the age of 7 for a poster contest. He continued to win awards in school and throughout his artistic and professional life and always felt that, in addition to encouragement by his family, the continuous reaffirmation of his talent was an inspiration to him. He and his family established the Foundation in order to offer that inspiration to other students of the arts.

Past Landsman foundation grants include: supporting the Creative Concepts art show at Michiana Resources, sponsoring an art contest for elementary school students, and providing specialty art supplies to high school and adult artists in the community.

Persons wishing to donate to the Dale E. Landsman Arts Foundation may do so by sending a check to Unity Foundation of La Porte County, PO Box 527, Michigan City, IN 46360.

Since 1992, the Unity Foundation of La Porte County has served donors, nonprofits and local communities. As La Porte County’s community foundation, it manages approximately $21 million in assets, administers more than 200 charitable funds, and has distributed nearly $10 million through direct grants and scholarships. The Council on Foundations has deemed Unity Foundation in compliance with all Indiana and national ethical and operating standards for community foundations.

Unity Foundation’s mission is to strengthen La Porte County now and forever by: building permanent endowments; providing leadership; offering philanthropic vehicles for everyone; and, being a catalyst for social and economic vitality. For more information, please visit www.uflc.net or call 219-879-0327.