CHESTERTON, Ind. (July 11, 2026) – 4th Street Theater proudly unveiled a new outdoor public art installation

on Saturday, July 11, created and generously gifted by Northwest Indiana artist Dan Gue of Gue Studios. The

installation coincides with the theater’s participation in the Indiana Dunes Arts + Culture Trail, a regional

initiative led by Indiana Dunes Tourism celebrating the rich artistic and cultural assets of Porter County.

Designed around the Arts + Culture Trail’s “Sand + Steel” theme, the piece, titled Spirit of the Region,

captures the essence of Northwest Indiana through imagery inspired by the Indiana Dunes, the region’s steel

industry, and the transformative power of the performing arts. Dramatic theater lighting illuminates a pair of

soaring wings, creating an inviting backdrop that celebrates creativity while offering visitors a new interactive

photo destination.

“Theater creates connection,” said Gue. “Whether you’re performing on stage, building sets, designing

costumes, or working behind the scenes, it builds confidence and community. If my artwork can bring more

people to discover what happens here, then it’s an honor to be part of that.”

The wing concept originated with longtime 4th Street Theater designer Stanlee Hudson, who envisioned

creating a welcoming public art installation that would encourage visitors to stop, take photos, and discover

Chesterton’s community theater. Hudson immediately knew Gue was the perfect artist to bring the vision to

life—a friendship and creative partnership that began nearly 40 years ago through youth theater.

“This campaign gave us the ideal opportunity to bring a longtime dream to life,” said Hudson. “People often

don’t realize Chesterton has a community theater. These wings create a destination, spark curiosity, and

celebrate the creativity that happens here.”

The piece also carries profound personal significance for Gue. Created during one of the most difficult periods

of his life as he cared for his father in his final days, the completed artwork unexpectedly became a tribute to

family, faith, and the enduring impact of art.

“I finished the painting the day my dad passed away,” Gue shared. “The concept had been planned months

before, but standing in front of those wings, with the dunes and steel mills that meant so much to him, it took

on a meaning I never could have imagined.”

As one of 14 participating destinations on the Indiana Dunes Arts + Culture Trail, 4th Street Theater invites

visitors to experience local theater while exploring the region’s vibrant arts community. Trail participants can

digitally check in through the Indiana Dunes Tourism App and collect exclusive artist-designed postcards

celebrating each participating location.

The installation now welcomes patrons, visitors, and the community year-round, serving as both a public work

of art and a symbol of the creativity, collaboration, and community that defines 4th Street Theater.

About 4th Street Theater

Located in downtown Chesterton, Indiana, 4th Street Theater is a nonprofit community theater dedicated to enriching

lives through quality live theatrical productions, educational opportunities, and meaningful artistic experiences. The

theater welcomes performers, volunteers, and audiences of all ages while celebrating the power of storytelling to

connect communities. For more information, visit: 4thstreetncca.com. Follow on Facebook: /4thstreettheater.