ROLAND VAN RIJN
Fund for the Arts

Roland Van Rijn, originally from the Netherlands, made Vermilion his home for more than 25 years. During that time, he became a passionate advocate for public art, supporting creative projects throughout the community. Roland was committed to deepening community appreciation of public art and encouraging the artistic potential he believed lived within everyone. Although blown glass was his favorite medium, he was driven to share the beauty and transformative power of art in all its forms.

As part of his life’s vision, Roland sought to create a lasting legacy for public art—from visual and functional works to environmental and performance art, as well as funding for arts education and more. To make this possible, he established the Roland Van Rijn Fund for the Arts at the Community Foundation of Lorain County. He entrusted Public Art Vermilion to guide the fund’s mission and steward its distributions and grants, helping bring new artistic opportunities to his beloved hometown of Vermilion, Ohio.

When it comes to art, Roland would encourage letting your imagination lead—explore freely, learn something new, and appreciate the beauty and personality in the world around you.

If you would like to contribute to this fund, click here. Your gift supports public art in Vermilion in perpetuity. Thank you.

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