One of the most passionate supporters of the Krasl Art Center’s amazing new Sculpting Community project will be memorialized and remembered forever as the art community names the East Garden there in memory of Lupe Hopp.
The Krasl Art Center announced Monday that the East Garden of the Sculpting Community project will be named to honor the late Maria G. “Lupe” Hopp and her commitment to her community, education and the arts.
The East Garden, on the Krasl Art Center grounds, is designed to host unique, interactive and alternating sculptures that will inspire a sense of play, wonder and reflection – many times all at once. The honor, which was a surprise to Lupe’s husband Dan and her family, was made possible by a group of Lupe and Dan’s dear friends, led by the vision and fundraising efforts of J.C. and Nancy Anderson.
J.C. says, “Nancy and I learned of Dan’s involvement with the Krasl Art Center to honor Lupe and we were happy to contact those we knew who Lupe had touched throughout her years of friendship, engagement and service throughout our community. Even we were surprised at the immediate and generous response. It was clear we all still missed our dear friend and we all look forward to having a place to share her memory in a place matching her spirit.”
Over the last eight years of her life, Lupe faced a serious cancer diagnosis, a battle she ultimately lost in 2017- just three days before her 70th birthday. During that time, she, and her husband Dan, served as Honorary Sculpting Community Chairs for the Krasl’s ambitious outdoor redevelopment. Lupe’s early feedback ensured elements of Universal Design were incorporated into the site plan, to the greatest extent possible, so Sculpting Community is usable by all people without the need for adaptation.
Dan says, “Lupe felt it was important to focus on not only the art within Sculpting Community but also on accessibility so those with mobility issues could easily enjoy the space,” and adds, “Accessibility and art are important to our family and I think the project benefited from Lupe’s early feedback.”
Dan recalls, “Lupe’s involvement with this project is just one example of how she did not let her cancer diagnosis keep her from actively and positively contributing to good causes. She would often say that she was not fighting cancer, but rather was determined to productively live her life with cancer. Her unrelenting positive attitude, courage and grace were an inspiration to all those she encountered.”
Sculpting Community and the Krasl Art Center are always free & open to the public, even as the last few elements are installed. The first sculpture installation and signage celebrating Lupe’s legacy will arrive this spring, 2019. If you are interested in supporting Sculpting Community or would like information about additional naming opportunities at Krasl Art Center, you can contact Julia Gourley, Executive Director – 269.983.0271 or jgourley@krasl.org
