OR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Amy B. engagement@4thstreetncca.com 312.767.4129

4th Street Theater Celebrates Artistic Collaboration with New Public Mural

CHESTERTON, Ind. (July 11, 2026) – 4th Street Theater proudly unveiled a new outdoor mural 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 is celebrating the rich artistic and cultural assets of Porter County.

Designed around the Arts + Culture Trail’s “Sand + Steel” theme, the mural, 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 Hodsden, who envisioned creating a welcoming public art installation that would encourage visitors to stop, take photos, and discover Chesterton’s community theater. Hodsden 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 Hodsden. “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 mural 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 mural 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 mural 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.