Art Education with Autumn

Starting in 2021 we’re going to feature a Studio 23 artist/student and the work that they’re doing. We’re starting with our artist friend Diane Arendt.

Art Student of the Month: Diane Arendt

I sat down with Diane a few weeks ago to talk art, her art background, and life in general. Diane has been taking art classes at Studio 23 since 2015. Her main concentration being acrylic painting. You’ve probably seen her beautiful art work up on the walls of Studio 23, as she has been in many exhibits over the years.

Diane actually started creating at a young age. She studied art in college and worked a side job like so many students do. Diane’s side job was at a dentist office and one day while assisting the dentist she met a patient named Larry. Little did she know, she had just met her husband. Diane and Larry were married and started a family. Like so many of us, her art was put on the back burner. Diane spent many beautiful years raising her son, volunteering, and overcoming health issues. But, as her son grew older Diane knew she was ready to dive in to her art again. She started taking classes at Studio 23 as refresher courses but, has really stayed for the comradery with like-minded artists. Diane told me she is constantly learning from painting with others because she gets new perspectives all the time- ideas she never would have considered, otherwise.

Interviewing Diane and hearing her fascinating story of life and art, I learned that her major concentration in college was actually multimedia art. She also talked of her love for Norman Rockwell. How she admires his realism. She very much appreciates his ability to “say something” with his art. When we were done talking I really just had one question for her… “What would you say to someone who’s considering taking an art class at studio 23?” Her response was quick and sure, “Do it. Do it!! You’ll be in a great environment, you’ll learn more than you ever knew you could and you’ll make friends along the way.”

If you’re like Diane and you’re ready to dive into art, you can give us a call at Studio 23/The Arts Center or sign up online. www.studio23baycity.org. Winter classes start the first week of February so sign up today!

Posted 11 November 2022

21st Annual Back & White Affair and Art Auction

21st Annual Black & White Affair and Art Auction December 9, 2022 6 – 9 p.m. The Black & White Affair is returning this Friday, December 9, and we are excited for an evening of drinks, hors d’oeuvres, live music, and a live auction of artwork by local artists. The annual Black &...

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Posted 8 July 2022

Congratulations to the winners of our Summer Solstice Art-a-Thon Plein Air Paint Out!

On Saturday, June 25, 13 artists visited 12 farms growing sugar beets for Michigan Sugar and spent the morning and afternoon painting the fields, buildings, and scenery of the farms. Artist checked in at Studio 23 beginning at 8 a.m. and had paintings finished and framed by 4 p.m. the same...

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