 Artist Story: Signs A few years ago, in 2002, I completed my Masters in Educational Leadership from Michigan State. Back then, I was an art teacher. I wanted to become a principal. I completed my degree and started applying for jobs. That is what you do when you finish a degree. Right? Before this time, I had gotten every job that I had ever applied. Looking back today, I am so grateful I did not get any of those jobs. I think I had 5-6 interviews I was putting a lot of effort into becoming a principal. I started painting. I think it was around 2006 or 2007. I took a few classes at Oxbow in Saugatuck Mi. I kept applying for principal jobs going to leadership training seminars. In 2015 I was sitting in a conference and women I had been sitting next to me said, "I don't know why you want to be a principal it is clear to me you are an artist. She went on to say; I have no idea why I feel compelled to tell you this. But I just had to say something to you." a few mornings later, I was driving to work, and I prayed for a sign for where I should put my energy. As if not getting the jobs, and this woman out of the blue saying this to me, were not big enough signs. Two or three hours later, I got a call from my friend and gallerist Richard App. As it turns out, he was having a meeting about billboard signs for a project he was working on called Cool Art Hot City, promoting the arts in the city of Grand Rapids. He called to tell me they would like to use my painting on a billboard. https://www.therapidian.org/placematters-first-annual-art-outdoor-project-draws-attention-grand-rapids-local-art So sometimes the "signs" are prominent. Like as big as a billboard sign. Sometimes they are little and come from unexpected people. It is hard to believe that it was only five years ago. I am so glad I finally got the message and changed the direction of my energy. 5 years later I am now a full-time artist. I found an artist who makes signs. This week I get to chat with Scott Froschauer on Zoom and pick out the piece of art I get to buy from him. http://scottfroschauer.com/ After a presentation in one of my grad classes with collector Steve Shane I got to thinking about my own little art collection. I first saw Scott's signs in 2018 at ArtPrize in GR I loved them and I am so excited that I am going to finally get one for myself. What signs are you grateful for in your life? August 2020 News in the studioNew artwork has been created mixing some of my old techniques with the new techniques that I have learned while attending Savannah College of Art and Design.SCAD I will be showing them in St Joseph Michigan at the Box Factory if all goes according to plan(well since writing this COVID had other plans) in November for my M.F.A. Final Thesis show Trauma, and Beauty an Artist’s Response. This show will now be online. I will host an online artist talk and live zoom reception. I will also be in a group show @ Gallery Uptown in October “Fresh Faces & Familiar Favorites” withMaggie Bandstra, Summer Osborn, Teresa Gaudino, Suzanne Moynihan, Carol Schmidt, Liz Lystra and Julie Hegedus New works created in the studio in June and July Shows to attend in Aug.-Sept.2020:
The Muskegon Museum of Art GLASS Treasures from the Permanent Collection, a spectacular and immersive glass experience, July 7 – November 29, 2020. The exhibition will transform the L.C. and Margaret Walker Galleries into a dynamic and vibrant display of translucent color (and sound!) with works from our incredible collection of vintage and modern glass and offer the very rare opportunity to experience the impressive entirety of the MMA’s fine art glass. The exhibition works by the artists that defined the studio glass movement, including Dale Chihuly, Harvey Littleton, and Marvin Lipofsky will join works by today’s new masters. The exhibition will also highlight collections of vintage Tiffany and Steuben lamps and glasswork alongside pieces from the pioneering days of contemporary studio glass, to give guests an exciting glimpse into the technologies and interests that have shaped the glass movement. https://muskegonartmuseum.org/exhibition/glass-treasures-from-the-permanent-collection/muskegonartmuseum.org/exhibition/glass-treasures-from-the-permanent-collection/ Meijer gardens George Segal June 16, 2020 – January 3, 2021 George Segal: Body Language is the first opportunity to see the artist’s sculptures side-by-side with a recent gift of prints from the Segal Foundation complemented by additional loans of a painting, pastel drawing and sculptures. Holland Area Arts Council: The Steve Leary Show Steve Leary July 16-September 5 Padnos Gallery Steve Leary is an artist whose profession is construction. New to being an artist Steve began painting just four years ago to the delight of just about anyone who enjoys his fun, bright pop art style work. Steve grew up being a fan of the car culture art movement with it’s cartoons, graphic signs and tongue in cheek graphics. Steve is a prolific and naturally talented painter and furniture designer who honed his craft after embarking on an artists residency in Maine that let him do nothing but paint for hours every day. Steve currently lives in Dorr, MI. You can also view this one online https://www.hollandarts.org/steve-leary-show.html All The Things Adam Dahlstrom July 23-September 12th Armstrong Gallery Artist Meet & Greet July 23rd, 5:30-7:30 pm Advanced reservations required please call (616) 396-3278 for more info. Adam brings all the things with him (minus the kitchen sink) for this unique show. His vibrant mixed media collages focusing on color and pattern, pen and ink portraits of “people” real and imagined, collaborations with other artists, and his latest obsession- hand carved wooden spoons. Pieces old, new, and divergent. A fun showing from one of West MIchigan's most talented artists.
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