50 Artists
of the Great Lakes Bay Region
2025
Artists applied and were selected by a panel of experts in the visual arts and community leaders from the region. Each artist is featured in 50 Artists of the Great Lakes Bay Region, an exhibition in the Rowley Gallery of Studio 23, on display from October 16 – November 29, 2025. An additional piece of art from each artist has been selected to be reproduced on a metal plaque and installed as a part of Art Around the City.
Congratulations to our 50 Artists of the Great Lakes Bay Region!
Congratulations to our 50 Artists of the Great Lakes Bay Region!
Valerie Allen
Valerie Allen received her bachelor of fine arts degree from the University of Cincinnati. She is a mentor for the artist community Mastrius, and cofounder of the podcast Art Ladders: The Creative Climb. Valerie has exhibited internationally, including at Site: Brooklyn and the Mostra Internazionale di Pittura in Italy. Allen received the 2022 All-Area Award from the Saginaw Enrichment and Arts Commission as an artist and community leader, and the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award from ADC Fine Art in Cincinnati.
A reproduction of Valerie Allen’s artwork can be found at the end of the Riverwalk Pier on the west side of the Saginaw River at map number 34.
Reclaimed V, mixed media
Remanufactured I, acrylic
Diane Arendt
Diane Arendt studied art at Western Michigan University, then married and raised a family. She revisited art in 2015. Arendt has exhibited in Studio 23’s juried 50 Artists of the Great Lakes Bay Region/Art Around the City in 2019 and 2023; 100-Day Projects in 2018, 2020, and 2021; En Plein Air exhibitions in 2021 and 2022; Painters & Potters exhibitions in 2015–2024; Tall Ships exhibition in 2016; and Women’s Perspective exhibition in 2015. She received Studio 23’s All-State Juried Exhibition Merit Award in 2022.
A reproduction of Diane Arendt’s artwork can be found along the Bay City Riverwalk Loop trail on the west side of the Saginaw River at map number 46.
Sledding With Poppa, acrylic
Here’s some Snow!, acrylic
Sharon Berkan-Dent
Sharon Berkan-Dent is a lifelong artist whose focus on long-form graphite drawing led to her acceptance into an international organization, the Society of Animal Artists, as well as local and international shows. Berkan-Dent is also an accomplished jewelry artist whose work has been published in Art Jewelry magazine and in the book “Cast: Art and Objects Made Using Humanity’s Most Transformational Process.”
A reproduction of Sharon Berkan-Dent’s artwork can be found along the Bay City Riverwalk Loop trail on the west side of the Saginaw River at map number 32.
Autumn Wariness, graphite on illustration board
Winter’s Kinship, graphite on illustration board
Robert Bridenbaugh
Artist Robert Bridenbaugh has received numerous regional awards, and his art has been included in international exhibitions. He attended Columbus College of Art and Design and the Toledo School of Design in Toledo, Ohio. His acrylic paintings are based on Michigan subject matter—he is inspired by the unique landscapes of the state. While his paintings are based on real places, his art is an interpretation of what he sees. With a background in print-making, his work has a strong design element as its foundation.
A reproduction of Robert Bridenbaugh’s artwork can be found at the entrance to Wenonah Park at map number 1.
After the Storm, acrylic on canvas
Falling Water, acrylic on canvas
Nancy Brooks-Siebert
Nancy Brooks-Siebert is an artist who lives and works in Midland, Michigan. She works across a range of media, including paper, fabric, print, photography, and box-making. What draws her in—and drives her creative process—are color, texture, and pattern. Those elements are always at the forefront of her mind as she creates, guiding the choices she makes and shaping the final work. She explores the world around her and then translates what she sees into her art. Brooks-Siebert is involved in a thriving artist community in the Great Lakes Bay Region. She has been part of the Great Lakes iPhoneography Group since 2020.
A reproduction of Nancy Brooks-Siebert’s artwork can be found along the Bay City Riverwalk Loop trail on the west side of the Saginaw River at map number 35.
Marsh Walking, paste paper
When the Birds Sing, paste paper
Diane Brown Wilhelm
Diane Brown Wilhelm’s passion for photography began in the 8th grade, developing black-and-white prints in a school darkroom. She never imagined that it would evolve into a love for landscape photography. Capturing nature’s quiet beauty has become more than a hobby—it’s a meaningful way to connect with the world and share inspiring moments beyond words.
A reproduction of Diane Brown Wilhelm’s artwork can be found in Veterans Memorial Park at map number 48.
Black and White: Roaring Fork, photography
Guided by Light, photography
Jeff Caverly
Jeff Caverly is an Essexville, Michigan, photographer who has enjoyed photographing the world around him for over 30 years. With a recent move to the shore of the Saginaw Bay, he is looking forward to spending more time in nature and photographing the numerous birds and wildlife that frequent the area.
A reproduction of Jeff Caverly’s artwork can be found in Veterans Memorial Park at map number 50.
Egret Reflection in Shadows, photography
Porcupine, photography
Cynthia Chilcote
Cynthia Chilcote began her career as a painter in 2019, learning from several talented members of the Saginaw Area Watermedia Artists (SAWA). Today, in addition to watercolors, she enjoys painting with soft pastels. She has been honored with acceptance into several local, state, and regional shows, and she currently serves as president of SAWA.
A reproduction of Cynthia Chilcote’s artwork can be found on the Bay City Riverwalk Loop trail on the east side of the Saginaw River at map number 3.
Perfect Balance, watercolor
Electric Skies, soft pastel
Sara Clark
Sara Clark has been the studio art technician, gallery coordinator, and an adjunct art instructor at Saginaw Valley State University since 1992. She has juried exhibitions for regional art groups in Michigan and has given public lectures. Clark has had several one-person shows and has shown in national exhibitions, including shows throughout the Midwest. Described as quirky and whimsical by colleagues, Clark’s art generally involves a playful look at the perception and presentation of form and fantasy by today’s fashion- and trend-conscious society. She works both sculpturally and functionally in terracotta, stoneware, and, recently, glass. Examples of her recent concerns can be seen in her “Caprice Circus” series, which alludes to the post-COVID climate.
A reproduction of Sara Brooks Clark’s artwork can be found along the Riverwalk behind Breakers Cove on the east side of the Saginaw River at map number 24.
Caprice Circus: Lock up, terracotta and mixed media
Caprice Circus: Square Pegs, terracotta and mixed media
Alma Cooke
Alma Cooke, originally from Illinois, is a musician and retired schoolteacher. She views producing art as an intellectual and creative process that “speaks” to the artist and inspires an artistic essence imbued with an integration of notable details. Starting with an idea, she selects disparate images and shapes to create a collage. The arrangement of these forms is placed precisely on the canvas, followed by an application of acrylic paint.
A reproduction of Alma Cooke’s artwork can be found near the Kantzler Memorial Arboretum at map number 42.
Grasping the Essence of the Garden, mixed media
Dream State, mixed media collage and acrylic
Heather Deogracia
Born in 1976 in Modesto, California, Heather Dawn Deogracia is an award-winning artist from the San Francisco Bay Area. She earned a bachelor’s degree in medical illustration from California State University, San Bernardino. Her career includes over 10 years as a graphic designer, and she has displayed her illustrative work in over 50 exhibitions in art galleries, museums, fundraisers, and local business establishments.
A reproduction of Heather Deogracia’s artwork can be found in Bigelow Park at map number 27.
Forever Fairy Flowers, Ink, alcohol ink markers, and colored pencil
Eye See You, ink
Lane Dexter
Lane Dexter’s passion and gift for art began at a young age. He was particularly encouraged by one special art teacher at Midland High School. The Ferris State graduate found success in graphic design and illustration. A degree from Saginaw Valley State University then fueled 17 years of inspiring K–12 art students. Now retired, Dexter enjoys being an adult student and is enthusiastically pursuing his personal artistic creations.
A reproduction of Lane Dexter’s artwork can be found at the end of the Riverwalk Pier on the west side of the Saginaw River at map number 33.
Three Pears Marching, graphite
When Belief Rang True, graphite
Marcia Henne
Portraits have always been Marcia Henne’s main passion in painting. She has also worked in landscape and abstraction, but her heart always calls her back to faces. She likes to capture the nuances in each person’s personality and fitting the portrait into an environment that supports the time, feeling, and essence of the person. She most often works in oil from old photographs of family and friends. This allows her to capture the mood of the era in a somewhat nostalgic way. Her main goal in her portraits is not a hyperrealist interpretation but the overall spirit of the sitter. She hopes that this creates a story for the viewer to contemplate.
A reproduction of Marcia Henne’s artwork can be found in Waterfall Park at the end of 3rd Street near the Saginaw River at map number 9.
Grandma Florida (Jane), oil on board
Mo, oil on board
Erin Houghtaling
Erin Houghtaling’s collages assemble the forgotten into haunting portraits, using magazine fragments, cultural detritus, and dreamlike symbols. Navigating between precision and chance, she reveals something truer than memory, stranger than fiction, and eerily alive.
A reproduction of Erin Houghtaling’s artwork can be found along the Riverwalk behind Breakers Cove on the east side of the Saginaw River at map number 26.
Mostly True, paper collage and acrylic on wood panel
New and Harsh, paper collage and acrylic on wood panel
Larry Hulburt
Larry Hulburt is a retired teacher and abstract painter based in Midland, Michigan. After exploring music and photography, he found his creative voice in painting. His style, “wabi-sabi meets mosaic,” embraces imperfection and layered texture. Working from his basement studio, he has created art that has been featured locally and continues to evolve with curiosity and quiet joy.
A reproduction of Larry Hulburt’s artwork can be found on the Double Tree Hotel near the main lobby entrance at map number 2.
Hometown, acrylic on canvas
Countryside, acrylic on canvas
Matthew Jacobson
Matthew Jacobson is a Midland-based artist originally from north-central Wisconsin. Working primarily in oil, his art reflects a lifelong connection to animals, sports, and rural life. His bold, honest style captures people and animals in their natural rhythm. A former farrier and framer, Jacobson pursues a creative practice that is grounded in faith, craftsmanship, and lived experience.
A reproduction of Matthew Jacobson’s artwork can be found on Saginaw Street near the Dow Bay Area Family YWCA at map number 21.
Goal Line, oil
C.C., oil
Walda Juhl
Walda Juhl is a lifelong Michigan resident who resides in rural Bay County. She enjoys painting landscapes, nature, and abstracts in either watercolor or acrylic. Her education began in childhood, when she took the Famous Artists Course through the mail. After retiring from her nursing career, she took a three-year online Virtual Art Academy course. Her mantra is to paint in nature and paint often. Her paintings have been sold, commissioned, and entered in multiple juried shows. She belongs to Studio 23 and Saginaw Area Watermedia Artists (SAWA), leading their plein air group. Launching her website in 2020, she is currently working with acrylics and watercolor in plein air in a style she terms “mixed reality.”
A reproduction of Walda Juhl’s artwork can be found on the side of Studio 23 along 5th Street at map number 7.
Desert Walk, acrylic
Market Excitement, watercolor
Rosemary Kavanagh
Rosemary Kavanagh has lived and exhibited in galleries and museums in Ireland for eight years; Connecticut for 30 years; Newport, Rhode Island, for 14 years; and New York City for 10 years, as well as in Mexico; Rome; Lowell, Massachusetts; Chicago; and Grand Rapids and Lansing, Michigan. She makes hand-painted paper historical dresses and oil-on-canvas historical patterned dresses portraying the history of the mistreatment of the vulnerable. She was invited to show these works of art in a Bronze Elegance fashion show at the University of Michigan. She exhibits them in museums and galleries, and she sells her work in the gallery at Studio 23. She is now painting large black portraits on Persian rugs.
A reproduction of Rosemary Kavanagh’s artwork along the Bay City Riverwalk Loop trail on the west side of the Saginaw River at map number 45.
Beautiful Man, acrylic and fabric paint on hand knotted ru
Child Labor Dress in praise of Lewis Hines, oil on Canvas lined with cotton and trimmed in faux fur
Debra LaRocque
Debra LaRocque is an award-winning artist from Bay City, Michigan, who works primarily in graphite and acrylic. She has a bachelor of fine arts degree in painting and drawing from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her work is inspired by nature, light, and the patterns created by it. For the past 15 years, her work has centered around acrylic painting and graphite drawing. She has been working on a series based on bird nests. She is fascinated by the construction of this often-overlooked object that is a marvel of construction and engineering. Her goal is to elevate this often ignored and overlooked item found in nature.
A reproduction of Debra LaRocque’s artwork can be found along the Bay City Riverwalk Loop trail on the west side of the Saginaw River at map number 38.
Nest Series #80, acrylic
Nest Series #81, acrylic
Matt Lewis
Matt Lewis is primarily a painter and is a graduate of the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, where he earned his degree in fine arts in 2002. He later received his teaching certification, and he now teaches art in public schools. Lewis is an award-winning artist, and his work can be found in numerous public collections, including Henry Ford Hospital, General Motors, the Golden Apple Art Residency in Maine, and the College for Creative Studies, to name a few. He has shown his art all over Michigan, and his work is in many private collections across the United States and overseas.
A reproduction of Matt Lewis’s artwork can be found along the Bay City Riverwalk Loop trail on the east side of the Saginaw River near Uptown Drive at map number 22.
M.E.M.I #44, oil on canvas
M.E.M.I #42, oil on canvas
Martha Liddle-Lameti
Martha Liddle-Lameti is an internationally recognized artist who creates two-dimensional fiber “paintings,” as well as three-dimensional assemblage multimedia sculptures and wearable art. Her work can be seen in private as well as public collections, including Memorial Healthcare of Owosso. Liddle-Lameti was born in Detroit and studied art at Olivet College and Eastern Michigan University. She taught art and fashion design at Owosso High School and as an adjunct professor for Kendall College of Art and Design. She holds a bachelor of fine arts degree from Eastern Michigan University and a master of arts in teaching degree from Saginaw Valley State University. Her current home and studio are on Sanford Lake near Midland, Michigan.
A reproduction of Martha Liddle-Lameti’s artwork can be found in Bigelow Park at map number 28.
The Divine Mother Earth-“Embrace”, Felted and torched fibers and natural elements
The Divine Mother Earth-“Protect”, Felted and torched fibers and natural elements
Bruce Lipsitt
Lipsitt Photography creates Impactful Images with unique travel and nature photographs intended to create emotion, tell a story, or transport you to a different place. These Impactful Images were captured in locations around the world, so they can allow you to bring a unique memory or new perspective from these places into your home. The images are available as metal prints that showcase their rich colors and breathtaking detail.
A reproduction of Bruce Lipsitt’s artwork can be found in Bigelow Park at map number 30.
Reuss River View - Lucerne, Switzerland, photography
Revelin Bridge - Dubrovnik, Croatia, photography
Alan Maciag
Michigan artist Alan Maciag earned a master’s degree in art education from Central Michigan University in 1974. He retired from his job teaching art after 32 years. When not painting on site, Maciag can be found painting in the garden paradise of his home.
A reproduction of Alan Maciag’s artwork can be found on the gate to Drydock on Center Avenue at map number 15.
Curves Ahead, oil on canvas
Near Sundown, oil on canvas
Bruce Maki
Bruce W. Maki is a landscape/fine art photographer and naturalist. An avid photographer of Michigan’s wilderness areas, he also pursues creating photographic artwork in his studio, Juniper Hill Garret, where post-production, printing, and framing also take place. His studio is in a converted chicken coop on a Victorian-era farmstead in Gratiot County’s Emerson Township.
A reproduction of Bruce Maki’s artwork can be found on the side of the Bay County Historical Museum on 9th Street at map number 18.
Luminaria, photography
Bulrush Wetland, photography
Jody McDonald Rider
Jody McDonald Rider is an artist living in Midland, Michigan. She received her degree in Illustration from Kendall School of Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Each person is a unique individual, and she strives to capture their expression, spirit, energy, and soul to create a memory of a moment in time. She likes to experiment with mixed media, using light and shadow to produce a fascinating dialogue of form and movement.
A reproduction of Jody McDonald Rider’s artwork can be found along the Bay City Riverwalk Loop trail on the west side of the Saginaw River at map number 43.
Jim Johnson, mixed media on cardboard
Something’s Missing, charcoal
Armin Mersmann
Most of Armin Mersmann’s artistic energy has been devoted to graphite drawing. In the last 15 years, he has branched out to iPhoneography and oil painting. Discovering and rediscovering his chosen media are the everlasting stimulus that keeps him interested and excited.
A reproduction of Armin Mersmann’s artwork can be found on the side of Herter’s Music Center at 5th Street and Washington Avenue at map number 17.
Pirouette, graphite
Portrait of Tall Greg, graphite
Kathy Mills
Art has been a part of Kathy Mills’s life since childhood. She enjoyed drawing and painting but did not have any formal lessons until she retired. Since retirement, she has taken lessons in graphite, colored pencil, and watercolor. Her daily walks are the inspiration for her pieces. Flowers are her favorite subject.
A reproduction of Kathy Mills’s artwork can be found along the Bay City Riverwalk Loop trail on the west side of the Saginaw River at map number 37.
Backyard Glory, colored pencil
Lemon, colored pencil
Allise Noble
Allise Noble has a background in fine art and interior design, and she has been teaching students of all ages and abilities at local arts nonprofits for over 10 years. She is especially passionate about working with artists with disabilities and mental health struggles. She believes in the healing power of creativity, and feels blessed to see every day how creation sparks joy in both the creators and those around them.
A reproduction of Allise Noble’s artwork can be found on the side of Violet’s Blue at 4th and Saginaw Street at map number 12.
Belonging, acrylic and mixed media
Patience, colored pencil and mixed media
Priscilla Olson
Priscilla Olson grew up in Midland, Michigan, but spent her professional life in the Chicago area as a commercial animator and plein air painter. Since returning to Midland in 2011, she has participated in painting events around the state. She continues to be an active plein air painter, although she has recently been painting imagined figurative pieces in her studio.
A reproduction of Priscilla Olson’s artwork can be found in Bigelow Park at map number 29.
Virtual Time, oil on panel
Waiting for a Friend, oil on panel
Steven Parkhurst
Steven Parkhurst is a Midland-based artist who works out of his Flat Frog Studio. He is an oil painter and iPhoneographer. Parkhurst has taught ceramics, beginning drawing, and advanced critique at the Midland Center for the Arts. He has also judged various art shows throughout Michigan.
A reproduction of Steven Parkhurst’s artwork can be found in Waterfall Park at the end of 3rd Street near the Saginaw River at map number 10.
Progress, iPhoneography
Lunch, iPhoneography
Nancy Philo
Nancy Philo is a working artist and painting teacher whose work is in many corporate and private collections in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. She is a former gallery owner and cofounder of Twenty-One in Truro, on Cape Cod, and the Newburyport Gallery Owners’ Association. She was also a gallery director on Santa Fe’s famous Canyon Road, where she curated art and enjoyed representing many artists from around the world.
A reproduction of Nancy Philo’s artwork can be found in front of Farm Bureau Insurance on Saginaw Street at map number 13.
Closed on Tuesday, acrylic on canvas
Golden Hour on the Porches, acrylic on canvas
Amy Lynne Pobanz
Amy Lynne Pobanz is a visual artist. She enjoys creating art in many media but has a special relationship with painting. Pobanz is a colorist; she is enthralled by hues and light. She is also the arts lead for MI Creative Potential, a collective impact initiative that advances equitable access to quality K–12 arts education in Michigan.
A reproduction of Amy Lynn Pobanz’s artwork can be found near Kantzler Memorial Arboretum at map number 41.
Aspens II, acrylic
Saginaw-Tokushima Friendship Garden/ Gratitude to Hiroyuki Takagi, acrylic
Scott Rice
Scott Rice earned his bachelor of fine arts degree in Illustration from Kendall College of Art and Design and his master of fine arts in painting and drawing degree from Central Michigan University. Since 1996, he has been a faculty member for Kirtland Community College’s Art Department and is responsible for all the beginning and advanced courses in drawing, painting, watercolor, illustration, portfolio, design, photography, sculpture, art appreciation, and art history.
A reproduction of Scott Rice’s artwork can be found on the side of Timothy’s Fine Cigars along Saginaw Street at map number 16.
A Moment for HIMSELF, graphite
Those with the least often give the most, graphite
Andrew Rieder
Andrew Rieder was born and grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he attended North Carolina State University’s College of Design, receiving his bachelor’s degree in art and design. He moved to the Midwest to study painting and drawing, earning his bachelor of fine arts degree at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and his master of fine arts degree at Michigan State University. In 2010, Rieder began working in the Great Lakes Bay Region of Michigan, where he teaches at Delta College as an associate professor of art and design. His work has been shown in national and international exhibitions and is in public and private collections.
A reproduction ofAndrew Rieder’s artwork can be found in Bigelow Park at map number 31.
Discourse, mixed media on wood panel
Trudge, mixed media on wood panel
Valarie Root
Valarie Root was born in Saginaw, Michigan, and began her career teaching art and developing her painting. Since graduating from college with an art degree, she has exhibited her work in galleries and in both private and corporate settings, earning recognition for the distinct vibrancy and depth of color of her paintings.
A reproduction of Valarie Root’s artwork can be found in front of Bay City City Hall on Washington Avenue at map number 20.
Happy Halloween, oil
Pink Magnolias, acrylic
Sally Rose
The questions fueling Sally Rose’s art practice are process-oriented experiments with handmade paper and sculptural form. Rose received a bachelor of fine arts degree from Colorado State University and a master of fine arts degree from Indiana University. She retired as head of the Fibers Program at Central Michigan University. Her work is included in the Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking in Atlanta and the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest, Hungary, as well as in the Lark series book “500 Paper Objects: New Directions in Paper Art.”
A reproduction of Sally Rose’s artwork can be found along the Bay City Riverwalk Loop trail on the west side of the Saginaw River at map number 44.
Hot Summer II, handmade paper, linen thread, pigments
Autumn II, handmade paper, grape stems, pigments
Ronald Ruhland
Ron has always had an interest in photography, whether to memorialize a sporting event or capture the beauty of nature. His boating hobby allowed him to travel the Great Lakes, where he would use photography to spotlight a remote lighthouse or the beauty of God's creation. During Covid, Ron started taking his hobby seriously. Walks throughout the Tri-Cities allowed him to focus more on local landscape and wildlife. Now his goal is to capture a little piece of our unique world and improve each photograph over the last.
A reproduction of Ronald Ruhland’s artwork can be found in Waterfall Park at the end of 3rd Street near the Saginaw River at map number 8.
The Hawk Asked Mr. Rabbit for Lunch, photography
Nature’s Reflection, photography
Carol Speltz
Carol Speltz loves everything wild and beautiful in nature. On a recent trip, she fell in love with the land diversity and magnificent mountains of Wyoming. When she paints, there is no plan, just a powerful connection. She seeks not perfection, but emotional reflection.
A reproduction of Carol Speltz’s artwork can be found along the Riverwalk behind Breakers Cove on the east side of the Saginaw River at map number 25.
Biggorn, oil
Mountain Mist, oil
Amy Tatroe
Amy Tatroe is a Michigan-based artist. Her aim with her paintings and photos is to capture a mood or a feeling. She is a collector of nature, often painting and photographing the natural beauties that surround her. And, like all collectors, she delights in sharing her collections with others.
A reproduction of Amy Tatroe’s artwork can be found along the Bay City Riverwalk Loop trail on the west side of the Saginaw River at map number 47.
Morning Blush, photography
Mountain Mist, Pale Morning
Jill Tatroe
Jill Tatroe started self-portraiture in her late teens and continually comes back to it. Initially, it was a means for her to really see herself, as a response to being an identical twin. She is also always available as a subject, and, since anything she creates is filtered through her own eyes and experience, why not use herself as a visual reference?
A reproduction of Jill Tatroe’s artwork can be found along the Bay City Riverwalk Loop trail on the east side of the Saginaw River near Uptown Drive at map number 23.
Any Given Monday, oil on board with spray paint and gold leaf
Not my Timeline, oil on board with gold leaf
Shelly Taylor
Shelly Taylor is a mixed-media artist known for experimental work and use of heavy texture. Her creative work reflects the interplay between texture, color, and emotion. While portraits of women have been a primary focus of her art, she is now continuing to expand, exploring interior and exterior scenes, as well as abstraction.
A reproduction of Shelly Taylor’s artwork can be found on on the side of the Mill End Lofts building on 5th Street at map number 14.
Did Someone Say Tacos?, mixed media
Facing the Fire, mixed media
Kristianne Tefft
Residing in Beaverton, Michigan, Kristianne Tefft is a self-taught artist who specializes in mixed-media encaustics. Her wax creations have been featured in several art exhibitions, both locally and nationally, showcasing her unique approach to encaustics. Dedicated to sharing her passion for art and experimentation, she also teaches workshops and classes to both adults and children, in the hope of inspiring others to explore their own limitless creativity.
A reproduction of Kristianne Tefft’s artwork can be found along the Bay City Riverwalk Loop trail on the west side of the Saginaw River at map number 36.
Fallout, encaustic mixed media
Breath, encaustic mixed media
Sherrie Tiderington
After retiring from teaching, Sherrie Tiderington pursued her interest in art. She has worked in graphite, pen and ink, and watercolor. She is drawn to portraiture because it’s a challenge to capture people’s expressions and moods. Her work has been included in juried shows that include several Michigan Water Color Society shows; the Manifest Gallery in Cincinnati, Ohio; Webster Arts in St. Louis, Missouri; the Midland Center for the Arts in Midland, Michigan; State of the Arts in Saginaw Township, Michigan; and 50 Artists of the Great Lakes Bay Region and MI Artists All-State Juried Exhibition at Studio 23 in Bay City. Tiderington has received awards for her graphite work and her watercolor pieces.
A reproduction of Sherrie Tiderington’s artwork can be found near the Kantzler Memorial Arboretum at map number 39.
At the Shoreline, watercolor
Riverwalk,watercolor
Tom Tomasek
Tom Tomasek is an award-winning pastel artist with a focus on landscape. His work has been shown in museums and galleries throughout Michigan as well as at the Michigan Governor’s Residence in Lansing and in Michigan’s Sister State, Shiga prefecture in Japan. Tomasek has been an artist in residence in Maine. His work has been published in the book “Art of the Sleeping Bear Dunes: Transforming Nature into Art” and in Pastel Journal magazine.
A reproduction of Tom Tomasek’s artwork can be found in Wenonah Park at map number 4.
Back in July, pastel
Northwest Cumulus, pastel
Tamara Trudeau-Ebenhoeh
Tamara Trudeau Ebenhoeh resides in Frankenmuth, Michigan. As a wildlife painter, she is inspired by field observations, hiking, on-site sketching, and photography. Acrylic is her medium of choice. She has exhibited her work in various Michigan locations, including Studio 23/The Arts Center, the Midland Center for the Arts, and the Gaylord Area Council for the Arts Gallery . Her work was recently highlighted on PBS’s “Destination Michigan.”
A reproduction of Tamara Trudeau-Ebenhoeh’s artwork can be found near Kantzler Memorial Arboretum at map number 40.
Time Out in the Woods, acrylic
The Day the Fence Went Up, mixed media and acrylic
Julie Tyslicky
Julie Tyslicky grew up in rural Marshall, Michigan. She collects rocks from almost everywhere she travels, and feels drawn to the energy they seem to emit. Her drawings attempt to show how special every rock is, with its varied layers and colors. Her creative process is to choose a rock to draw from her collection, then decide where it goes on the paper, and repeat until the piece is completed. She also keeps the light source in mind, making sure of the relationship of each rock to the rest of the piece. She strives to show peace and give the viewer the chance to remember their own journey in finding that special treasure of their own.
A reproduction of Julie Tyslicky’s artwork can be found on the side of Studio 23 along 5th Street at map number 6.
Rocks And Shale #6, colored pencil
Rocks And Shale #2, colored pencil
Alyssa Walters
Alyssa Walters received her bachelor of fine arts degree from Northern Michigan University. As a mother of two, she has shifted her photography from actively searching to simply noticing. She is drawn to the subtle tension at the edges of nature—spaces where presence feels fleeting and stillness lingers. Now, it’s the strange or misplaced that finds her, reminding her that nature continues its quiet transformations, with or without her attention.
A reproduction of Alyssa Walters’ artwork can be found in front of the Bay County Historical Museum on Washington Avenue at map number 19.
After the Snap, photography
And Still it Grows, photography
Kyle Walters
Kyle Walters began his art studies at Delta College in 2010. From there, his interest in graphic design and painting grew. Soon after, he started a skateboard brand by the name of Kutuluh Skateboards. He sadly put his art journey on hold until about 2023, when he started working on his style. He had a small debut show this year at Native Son Detroit dispensary in Bay City.
A reproduction of Kyle Walters’ artwork can be found in Veterans Memorial Park at map number 49.
Misfunction Junction, felt ink pen, alcohol ink marker
Two Bits, felt tip ink pen, watercolor
Janice Wegner
Janice Wegner considers herself to be a contemporary artist. Her paintings can be described as “abstracted realism.” She is influenced by elements in nature, then creates a new visual reality by using colors, textures, and geometric and organic spaces. This creates contrast, tension, and an illusion of depth in the painting. Through the use of watercolor and acrylic paints, along with mixed-media textures and techniques, she wants her paintings to take the viewer on a new visual experience.
A reproduction of Janice Wegner’s artwork can be found on the side of St Laurent Brothers candy shop along 3rd Street at map number 11.
Bubbles Bubbles Bubbles, mixed media: watercolor, acrylic, crackling paste
Convergence, mixed media: watercolor, acrylic, molding paste
Kathy Wertz
Kathy Wertz currently lives in Midland, Michigan. While working as a paralegal, she took evening and weekend classes in various art media. Now, after retirement, she focuses on acrylic painting. Her favorite subjects are landscapes as well as animals and human figures. Over the years, she has participated in numerous juried art shows and has won a number of awards.
A reproduction of Kathy Wertz’s artwork can be found in Wenonah Park at map number 5.
Early Morning on the Sandbar, acrylic
Late Afternoon in the Pasture, acrylic