ON EXHIBIT NOW IN THE BECK AND BORWELL GALLERIES:
Creative Kaleidoscope: Annual Juried Exhibit – Beck and Borwell Galleries, September 13 – October 18
Our annual juried show promises to highlight a range of exceptional artwork by our talented regional artists. All artwork in this show has been juried by our independent jurors Mark Mehaffey and Liz Celeste.
Juried Awards were given in the following categories:
BEST IN SHOW $500: Greg Jaris “Cormorant Vase”
2D ARTWORK CATEGORY
1st Place $300: Katie Ward “Dad Life”
2nd Place $200: Nancy Adams Nash “Adoration of the Moon”
3rd Place $100: Heather Monkmeyer “Distance in Four Movements”
2D MIXED MEDIA ARTWORK CATEGORY
1st Place $300: Louise Cameron “Main Street Frankfort”
2nd Place $200: Betsey Blessing “Pink Curtains”
3rd Place $100: Honore Lee “When We Were”
3D ARTWORK CATEGORY
1st Place $300: Amanda Sheppard “All the King’s Men”
2nd Place $200: Don Flynn “A Cut Above”
3rd Place $100: Corene Kufta “Geometry Pendant”
About Our Jurors:
Liz Celeste:
Curator of Education and Exhibitions at the Dennos Museum Center, Liz holds a BA in Anthropology from Wake Forest University and a MA in Arts Administration, Education and Policy from The Ohio State University. Liz has spent much of her professional career among institutions of higher education working as an Assistant Curator and Programming Manager at Stanford University and as Deputy Director of Exhibitions and Programs for the Ohio State University’s Urban Arts Space. Liz has extensive experience developing interdisciplinary programs, forging academic connections on campus and working with students of all ages. In addition, she is an award-winning artist focused primarily in photography. When she is not immersed in the arts, Liz volunteers with numerous social and environmental justice causes and sat on the board of Up North Pride, working to build a more inclusive and welcoming Northern Michigan community.
Mark Mehaffey:
Internationally recognized artist Mark E Mehaffey is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society; Dolphin Fellow, the National Watercolor Society, Watercolor USA Honor Society, the Transparent Watercolor Society of America; Signature Life Member – Master Status and Distinguished Master, Watercolor West, the Rocky Mountain Watermedia Society, the Louisiana Watercolor Society; Signature Life Member, the International Society of Experimental Artists, Signature Life Member and the International Society of Acrylic Painters.
Joint statement on the process of jurying this exhibition:
Liz: Selecting the work for this exhibition was a responsibility that Mark and I thoroughly enjoyed. Many works left us feeling inspired and we quickly agreed upon the Best in Show. The subtle iridescence dancing on the surface of the clay is still twinkling in my eye. Thank you to all the artists and the team at Oliver Arts Center for the opportunity.
Mark: Liz and I looked for engaging content and creative use of each artist’s chosen media. Design and technical expertise were also considered. Ultimately, if the work made us smile or made us stop and think, we made every effort to include it.
Congratulations to all the members…it is a super show!
Respectfully,
Liz Celeste and Mark Mehaffey
OAC AWARDS:
Oliver Art Center staff has some favorites of our own. In addition to the wonderful pieces chosen by our jurors, OAC staff would like to acknowledge the work of the following artists:
OAC FAVES ($25 Gift Certificates):
2D Artwork:”Particulars Demand Universals and Vice Versa” by Hank Feeley
3D Artwork: “Thought Funnels” by Austin Garno
2D Mixed Media Artwork: “Motorboat to Heaven” by Glenn Wolff
Honorable Mentions:
“Dark Horse” by Suzanne Sudekum
“Sunset Collage” by Ann Loveless
“Broke Baroque” by Linda Elshof
“Take the Long Way Home” by Greta Bolger
“Endless Summer Road” by Adam Van Houten
“Dragon” by Mike Yost
An artists’ talk will be held on October 18, from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, free admission.
ON EXHIBIT NOW IN THE FISHER ROOM:
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HOOKED: The Art of Fishing – Fisher Room, August 30 – October 4
Dive into Northern Michigan’s deep fishing roots! This exhibit will reel you in with original artwork and historical ephemera that explore the region’s longstanding relationship with the fish and the fight. From vintage lures to modern-day masterpieces, there is something for every fishing enthusiast in this fun exhibit. (Pictured above, L to R: painting by Robin Wilaband-Snow, sculptural lamp by Steve Kline, fish decoy by Fred and JoAnne Campbell)
UPCOMING EXHIBITS:
PLEIN AIR FRANKFORT 2024:
Join us for the culmination of our 2nd Annual Plein Air Frankfort event on September 21st! Our participating artists will fan out across Frankfort that day, working on their unique “en plein air” canvases featuring the sights and scenes of our picturesque harbor town. All work must be completed by 3pm, when it will be submitted to the OAC and judged by longtime Frankfort artist and OAC member Peggy Hawley. Be sure to attend our special reception, award ceremony, and sale that evening from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm! We will award prize money and the submitted works will be available for purchase. Come get an exceptional original piece of art highlighting beautiful Frankfort! Refreshments will be served, admission is free. All are welcome to attend, meet the artists, and enjoy the exhibit!
Scenes from Plein Air Frankfort 2023:
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| Guests at our Awards Reception | 1st Place painting by Pamela Spicer | Artist Adam Van Houten hard at work |
Transfiguration: The Art of Upcycling – The Fisher Room, October 11 – November 8
Trash to treasure! Transfiguration, a special exhibition showcasing artists who breathe new life into the discarded. Get ready for surprising and detailed works of art made from everyday objects most of us wouldn’t give a second glance.
Resonance and Rhythm – Beck and Borwell Galleries, October 25 – November 30
Enjoy the interplay of the abstract and the organic in the sculptural wood furniture of Jon DeHoog and the mixed media abstractions of Christy DeHoog Johnson. Michelle Newman’s layered, color field paintings create a rhythmic balance against the geometries and patterns explored by Joan Richmond in her interpretive landscape paintings. Together, this exhibit will be a feast for the eyes!
An opening reception will be held on October 25, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, free admission.
Thanks to our sponsor, The Manitou Restaurant, for making this exhibition possible!
ARTventure: Winter Member Show – Beck and Borwell Galleries, December 6 – January 3
One of our largest exhibits, the Winter Member Show is a great kick-off to the holiday season. Join us for this special exhibit featuring paintings, sculptures, ceramics, fiber, wood and more by our talented member-artists.
An opening reception will be held on December 6, from 5:00 pm 7:00 pm, free admission.
PAST EXHIBITIONS:
Contemporary Conversations – Beck and Borwell Galleries, August 2 – September 6
Christopher Fellows – powerful sculptural works featuring rich colors and textures that fuse a futuristic vibe with an ancient timelessness. James Kipp – luminous oil paintings full of jewellike tones focusing on the “interplay of light and shadow”. Glenn Wolff – mixed-media work highlighting unique combinations such as vibrant color juxtaposed with muted natural surfaces of metal and wood. Brad Sprouse – earthy ceramics and sculptural forms in combination with intriguing found objects and natural materials. A show that is sure to stimulate conversation and entertain the eye!
REMEMBERING STEVE ELRICK: A Retrospective – Fisher Room, August 5 – August 23
Artist Stephen Elrick was a Frankfort resident and CSA member who passed away July 28, 2023. Steve began his art career creating full-sized bird sculptures mounted on stone or driftwood. From the beginning, his trademark was the amazing life-like quality he brought to his work. In 1979, he added pen and ink bird drawings to his output. He also created what he called “Thimble Creatures”—miniatures of all kinds of wildlife, birds, and animals, and even some fictional characters. His work has been featured in numerous galleries and art shows. This exhibition will showcase a variety of Elrick’s work for sale and pieces on loan from family and friends.
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| Susan Smith | Chris Wucherer / Debra Coburn | John Rath |
Finding the Light: Photography and Glass – Fisher Room, July 1 – August 2
An invitational exhibit combining fine art photography with luminous art glass. Michigan artists will be featured as we explore the interplay of light and shadow and how they affect both mediums in different ways.
The Artists’ Roundtable Exhibition – Beck and Borwell Galleries May 17 – June 14
For over 30 years about a dozen artists have met weekly over breakfast in Empire, Michigan at an Artists’ Roundtable. Their members are working artists, retired art educators, and others with art interest. Over the years, some members of the original group have passed, so this exhibition will include retrospective work of these founders as well as the work of current members.
Regional Student Exhibition – April 12 – May 10
This annual favorite will feature hundreds of works by talented students in grades K-12 from regional schools. A wide variety of media will be on display, including photography, digital art, ceramics, painting, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media. Awards and scholarships will be presented in each medium. Concurrently, we will exhibit work by participating art teachers in our Fisher Room – highlighting the talent of area educators!
Congratulations to the artists who received awards for their entries in the following categories:
Best In Show, “Leaning Towards the Light” – Maya Tzonev, 1th Grade, Interlochen Arts Academy
1st Place Ceramics, “Back Pain” – Asher Lasky, 10th Grade, Interlochen Arts Academy
2nd Place Ceramics, “Smoke” – Eliza Frary, 12th Grade, Frankfort High School
3rd Place Ceramics, “My Olori (My Queen)” – Muniba Nur Ritman Oke, 10th Grade, Interlochen Arts Academy
1st Place Mixed Media, “Suffocation” – Lucy Bodie, 11th Grade, Traverse City West High School
2nd Place Mixed Media, “Metamorphosis” – Sydney Owens, 10th Grade, Interlochen Arts Academy
3rd Place Mixed Media, “Cow Tags” – Nora Baumann, 12th Grade, Traverse City West High School
1st Place Drawing, “Untitled Hands” – Addie Feeley, 12th Grade, Traverse City Central High School
2nd Place Drawing, “9 Voicemails” – Willa Jaymes, 12th Grade, Interlochen Arts Academy
3rd Place Drawing, “The Past” – Margherita Coiro, 11th Grade, Interlochen Arts Academy
1st Place Painting, “Lay There” – Kylee Henderson, 11th Grade, Interlochen Arts Academy
2nd Place Painting, “The Angler” – Harley Redburn, 11th Grade, Frankfort High School
3rd Place Painting, “To the Lost Lady” – Elsa Carter, 10th Grade, Frankfort High School
1st Place Photography, “Identity” – Dax Hummel, 11th Grade, Traverse City West High School
2nd Place Photography, “Blinded in the Dark” – Hanna Lantz, 11th Grade, Traverse City Central High School
3rd Place Photography, “Ripple” – Nora Neidoffler, 11th Grade, Traverse City West High School
1st Place Sculpture, “Move On” – Phoebe Stranahan, 10th Grade, Interlochen Arts Academy
2nd Place Sculpture, “Piece of Cake” – Lucille Phillips, 12th Grade, Traverse City Central High School
3rd Place Sculpture, “The Eyes of the Albatross” – Naomi Driver, 9th Grade, Interlochen Arts Academy
Best In Show, Maya Tzonev
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| 1st Place Ceramics, Asher Lasky | 1st Place Mixed Media, Lucy Bodie | 1st Place Drawing, Addie Feeley |
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| 1st Place, Painting | 1st Place, Photography | 1st Place, Sculpture |
Journey Through AbstractionThree Michigan artists are featured in the exhibit, each with a unique twist on abstraction in their artwork. This exhibit will run through April 5, 2024 in the Beck and Borwell Galleries and the South Exhibit Hall.Visitors to the exhibit will journey through abstract and surreal dreamscapes. Vibrant color will abound; interesting juxtapositions of textures, proportions, and forms from sleek industrial geometry to rough-edged organic shapes will be on display, and the content will challenge viewers to tap into their own dreams and subconscious to draw out memories, stories, and fantasies.Ann Arbor-based artist Kenneth Anbender’s otherworldly paintings and collages take viewers on a journey through a dream world, fusing beauty with the uncanny to create art that he calls “beau-canny”.Sculptor Marat Paransky is based in Farmington Hills and raises the concept of “upcycling” to gorgeous new levels. Once-discarded materials take on a new life in sculptures that demonstrate the artist’s masterful approach to the concept of “elevating the mundane”.Nancy Clouse of Grand Rapids adds just a touch of sweetness and fantasy to this exhibition with her intricate paintings on particle board. Hidden amongst the wood fibers can be found fairy tale creatures, characters from children’s classic tales, and other mysterious faces and forms for the viewer to explore.
An exhibition inspired by the design principles of Form and Function.
Form will be represented by a sculpture exhibit in the Beck and Borwell Galleries and South Exhibit Hall,
and Function will be represented by a functional fiber show in the
North Exhibit Hall and Fisher Room.
imPRESSions Printmaking Invitational Exhibit:
Oliver Art Center presents “imPRESSions”, an intimate printmaking exhibit featuring the work of five Michigan artists, including Andrew Jagniecki of Onekama, Mark Vidian of Manistee, Barbara Greenwood of Williamsburg, Lorrie Grainger Abdo of Kalamazoo, and Betsy Stecker of Ferndale/Royal Oak/Presque Isle Michigan. Orginal, hand-pulled prints of all sizes are on display through April 5th in the Fisher Room and North Hall. Linocuts, etchings, monoprints and more are shown, along with original plates and printmaking tools.
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