Author: Amy Gibas

Amy Gibas by Amy Gibas
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 & White Affair benefiting Studio 23/The Arts Center is a fundraising tradition that is known for the high-quality art auction and gallery showcase for regional artists. This year’s major fundraiser will feature an art auction with two exciting components: auction and gallery space both online and inside the Tabor Gallery of Studio 23. View the artwork in person at Studio 23, scan the QR code to bid, or bid online anytime. Artists will also have a “buy it now” option featured, which can be purchased with no bidding required.

A select number of art pieces will be reserved for live auction during the Black & White Affair. Our virtual silent auction will conclude during the Black & White Affair, and guests may take home winning bids that evening. Join us for this exciting evening of live bidding and enjoy live music, hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, and martinis. The event is black tie optional.

The Black & White Affair Silent Art Auction is a wonderful way to add to your art collection while supporting Studio 23/The Arts Center. The bidding begins at noon on November 26, 2022 and ends at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 9, 2022.

We will be accepting artist donations through Wednesday, November 16. Artists interested in donating artwork to the black & white auction can fill out a form here.

 

Tickets for the Black and White Affair are available now!

Tickets are $85 per person, or $160 for a couple. Patron Sponsorships are available for $275 and include recognition in the event programing and 2 tickets to the Black & White Affair. Sponsorships at Diamond, Platinum, and Gold levels include recognition on event program, donor wall, website, and social media, and 2 or more tickets to the Black & White Affair.

For tickets and more information on the Black & White Affair, visit our Black & White Affair webpage.

 

We hope you can join us!

READ MORE
Amy Gibas by Amy Gibas
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 day.

   

The following morning, Rob Clark of Michigan Sugar set out on the difficult task of choosing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners, as well as several honorable mentions. Artists who placed in the top 3 received cash awards generously sponsored by Michigan Sugar Company. Many of the farmers and owners of the featured farms joined us in the gallery to see the work on display. Paintings were then displayed in the front window of Studio 23 to be enjoyed by our community.

Thank you to Michigan Sugar for making this event possible!

First Place: Barbara Plezia with the Maxwell Family of Maxwell Farms

Second Place: Victoria Jendretzke

Third Place: Elli Hennessy

Honorable Mentions:  Tom Myers, Anna Rogers, Bruce Francke, and Ruth Howell

 

Upcoming Events at Studio 23

Painters & Potters 2022
Student & Faculty Exhibition

Opening Reception Thursday, July 21, 5-7 p.m.

This annual exhibit showcases the artwork created by the talented students and instructors of Studio 23 during the 2021–2022 terms. You are invited to meet the artists and instructors, plus learn more about our education programs during the reception.

 

Wildlife, Landscapes, and Fundamentals: A Nature Photography Comprehensive with Zachary Branigan

Join Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy executive director, Zachary Branigan, for a highly detailed, hands-on nature photography three-part course! This course will include the fundamentals of proper exposure, manual control of your camera, specific techniques for capturing landscapes at any time of day, and how to shoot wildlife all year around. The course will include a creative discussion about getting the mood and atmosphere you crave, critiques of your work. and plenty of one-on-one instruction! Whether you are a seasoned photographer looking for advice on how to break out of a creative rut, a new photographer trying to master your camera or manual exposure, whether you shoot film or digital, or whether you have a $10,000 camera or an iPhone, this dynamic course will provide you with value. Zachary is a trained photographer with over 20 years of experience and has had his work exhibited and published locally and in national outlets such as US News and World Report.

This three-week workshop begins Thursday, July 14, 6-8 p.m. (July 14, 21, & 28)

Registration Required, $75

Chalk Walk Art Festival

Saturday, August 13, 2022

This annual festival features chalk art, live music, and food vendors on the sidewalks of historic Downtown Bay City near Wenonah Park.

For artist registation and more information, visit studio23baycity.org/chalkwalk-festival/

 

READ MORE
Amy Gibas by Amy Gibas
Posted 10 June 2022

Summer Solstice Art-a-Thon

Summer Solstice Art-a-Thon 2022
June 21 – 26th

Our third annual Summer Solstice Art-a-Thon is right around the corner!

The Summer Solstice Art-a-thon began in 2020 as a way for the Studio 23 Artist Collective to connect and celebrate our creativity together. As this tradition evolves, we continue to add opportunities to learn, grow, create, and connect with one another.

 

Summer Solstice Plein Air Paint Out
Sponsored by Michigan Sugar

Michigan Sugar has invited us back to their farms for another year of plein air painting. Artists who register will create paintings or drawings on location at farms who supply Michigan Sugar with sugar beets. Registered artists will receive a list to submit preferences and will be assigned to a location.

Registration

Artists can register online by following the link here.

In place of a registration fee, artists will create a Facebook Fundraiser for Studio 23 to be run during the Summer Solstice Art-a-Thon. Once registered, artists will send an image of themselves or their artwork, and Studio 23 will create a graphic and message for each artist to use when creating their fundraiser campaign.

Schedule for Plein Air Paint Out
Saturday, June 25

8 a.m. – 9 a.m. Check in at Studio 23
Have your canvases, paper, or other surface ready to be stamped at check in. Only work with a stamp will be accepted for exhibit.

8 a.m.- 3 p.m. Painting on the Farms
Once checked in, artists will travel to their assigned farm to set up and paint. Plan to be back at the Studio with enough time to frame your work before the 4 p.m. deadline. Look up your location ahead of time and determine your travel time.

3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Framing
Return to the gallery to frame your work. We will have workstations for artists to use, but please bring your own framing supplies. Have your stamps verified before framing. Artists can submit up to 2 works for exhibition.

4 p.m. All Work Complete
All work must be verified and framed by the 4 p.m. deadline. Work will be arranged on tabletops in the gallery for the Sunday reception.

Reception
Sunday, June 26, 1-3 p.m.

Join us in the galleries to see the artwork created during the Paint Out event and help us in celebrating our local farms and local artists. Our juror Rob Clark will be announcing prizes and congratulating all of our local artists. Thanks to our sponsor, Michigan Sugar, we have exciting cash prizes that will be awarded.

First prize: $600
Second prize: $300
Third prize: $100

 

Other Summer Solstice Event

Summer Solstice Kick-off Party
Tuesday, June 21st, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Enjoy live music, watch our progressive painting being created, and learn more about the week’s activities!

Lunch & Learn Sessions
Wednesday – Friday at 12 noon

Bring a brown bag lunch and join us in the gallery Wednesday through Friday at noon to hear from experts on various professional development topics for artists.

Wednesday, June 22
CV and Resume Development for Artists with Andrea Ondish

Thursday, June 23
Insurance for Artists with Cameron Sich, Sponsored by MCI Insurance

Friday, June 24
Portfolio Development with Nick Reszetar

 

Storytelling for Artists with Rae Chesny
Wednesday, June 22, 7 p.m.

Author Rae Chesny will discuss the importance of storytelling about yourself as an artist and how to share your story with others.

 

Matting & Framing Workshop
Thursday, June 23, 4 – 7 p.m.

Join the Studio 23 Artist Collective to learn the basics of cutting matte board for framing.
Registration includes one 24”x36” piece of black matboard and ‘scrap’ boards to practice cutting. The studio will supply matte cutter, blades, and acid-free tape for mounting and hinging. Artists must bring their own frames. Materials are non-archival. Artists wishing to use archival matboard should supply their own.
Registration Required. $65 for non-members, $55 for members.

 

Drink & Doodle with Sean Gallagher at Drift Shoreline Beer Garden
Friday, June 24, 6 p.m.

Join instructor Sean Gallagher for a laid-back evening of drawing together and enjoying drinks at Drift Shoreline Beer Garden.
$20 registration is required.

Art Ladders LIVE!
Saturday, June 25, 3 p.m.

Art Ladders hosts Armin Mersmann and Valerie Allen will record an episode of their podcast live from Studio 23! They will discuss the excitement of a plein air painting events as artists are returning from a day of outdoor painting at local Michigan Sugar farms.

 

To Register for Summer Solstice Events, visit studio23baycity.org/education/

 

 

READ MORE
Amy Gibas by Amy Gibas
Posted 13 May 2022 | exhibits

Studio 23 Collegiate Spotlight: Jocelyn Gonzales

Studio 23 is pleased to announce the launch of our Collegiate Spotlight Program! The Collegiate Spotlight will feature the artwork of area college students with a developed portfolio of artwork. Students will be recommended for the Collegiate Spotlight by area college faculty and staff and approved by Curator of Exhibits and Membership, Amy Gibas.

Students will be featured in the Tabor Gallery of Studio 23 for 7 to 8 weeks with four rotations from January through September, when the Tabor Gallery will be handed over to our Textile and Fiber Artist in Residence for a solo exhibition. Students will have the opportunity to work with Amy to arrange, hang, or otherwise display their work, gaining valuable hands-on experience.

 

   

We are happy to inaugurate our Collegiate Spotlight program with Delta College student Jocelyn Gonzales! Jocelyn was recommended for the Collegiate Spotlight by Delta College faculty and will have her artwork featured in the Tabor Gallery during May and June.  Jocelyn is an artist and Art Education major living in Bay City, Michigan. She loves gardening, riding her bike, and playing games with her friends and family.

Jocelyn has also been recently hired as an instructor for children’s classes here at Studio 23! Reflecting on her time as a young student, Jocelyn says “I remember having so much fun when I was younger taking classes at Studio 23. Now, I teach here and I’m so excited to show kids like me everything that art can offer them.”

Welcome Jocelyn!

 

Upcoming Events

Fiber: Four Voices, Diverse Visions
May 26—July 9
Opening Reception Thursday, May 26, 5—7 p.m.

Invited artists are C Joanne Grabinski, Carol Irving, Marti Liddle-Lameti, and Sally Rose. Each artist brings a unique creative process to the exhibit ranging from felting, weaving, organic installation, fashion, and needle art. The Rowley Gallery will be filled with texture and color.

 

Free Spin Art
May 28th, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Free event sponsored by Feet on the Street

Kids Rock Painting
June 7th, 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Free event sponsored by Feet on the Street

Adult Craft Bar
June 9th, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Project prices vary from $1-$30

Studio 23 Artist Collective Plein Air at Saginaw Bay Yacht Club
Saturday, June 4th, 9 a.m.—4 p.m.

Join the Studio 23 Artist Collective for a morning of fun, laid-back plein air painting at the Saginaw Bay Yacht Club! No competition, no pressure! A great way to warm up for the Summer Solstice Plein Air Paint Out! Call or visit us online to register!

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Solstice Art-a-thon
June 21—26, 2022

Our Summer Solstice line up features classes and professional development workshops for artists throughout the week and a Plein Air Paint Out with cash prizes sponsored by Michigan Sugar. You can sponsor your favorite artists in our Plein Air Paint Out through Facebook fundraisers to help support Studio 23 and make events like Summer Solstice Art-a-thon possible.

Summer Solstice Art-a-thon is presented by Studio 23’s Artist Collective, a group that learns and creates together. Michigan Sugar supports the local arts, and we thank them for their dedication to our community.

For full schedule visit studio23baycity.org/summer-solstice.

 

READ MORE
Amy Gibas by Amy Gibas
Posted 8 April 2022

Through the Eyes of a Child

When Don and Ashley Sabourin’s daughter received a camera for her fourth birthday, they were struck by the unique first-person perspective from the eyes of a 4-year-old in her photographs. She took photos of her friends that only another child could capture, and framed images of the world that she thought were interesting or important to her. They decided to provide cameras to see what children see and how they live, and to embrace the diversity of children in Bay County. Their photographs show their unwritten life, with the hope of providing a better understanding of how they see the world.

Each child’s set of photographs displays a unique personality and narrative as they explore the world around them from behind a camera. The variety of images displays a range of style and subject matter that we would expect to find in an adult juried exhibition: landscapes, cityscapes, staged and candid portraits, still-lives and found compositions, abstract studies of color and texture, and yes, cats.

As I look through this collection of photographs, I am struck by the joy of unencumbered creative expression and the potential for growth as artists and artistic thinkers. I am also reminded that as artists, our creative voices and styles are culminated from a lifetime of experiences. It is never too early-or too late-to start cultivating creativity.

 

Through the Eyes of a Child is on display in the Tabor Gallery of Studio 23 through May 14th. A Closing reception for students and their families will take place on Saturday, May 14th from 1-2:30 p.m.

 

 

Upcoming Events

This Must Be the Place
Jay Handy

March 24- May 14

Photographs submitted by Bay City residents are the inspiration for artwork created by Jay Handy. Photos that help display the rich lives and beautiful moments that have taken place in Bay City were chosen to be incorporated into Jay’s compositions. The artwork is a celebration of our community, where full cycles of life have occurred for generations.

 

Books on Art Club

Wednesday, April 20th, 4 p.m.

A virtual discussion of Vincent & Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman.

Stop in or call us at 989-894-2323 to learn more about the Books on Art Club.

 

A Perfect Pairing

Thursday, April 28th, 6-8 p.m.

Artists and wine experts unite to unveil new artwork from six artists, each expertly paired with a wine to complement the composition. Each pair will discuss their artwork and wine selection as you sip your way around the gallery.

A Perfect Pairing is limited to 36 tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are $40 per person and include the wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, artist inspiration talks, and an “After Glow.”  This event begins promptly at 6 pm and will conclude at 8:30 pm.

We have six unique opportunities to sponsor an artist and beverage pairing.  Each sponsorship is $200 and includes two tickets and recognition on signage at the event.  We hope that you will consider sponsoring this unique event.

Must be 21 or over to participate. Register at studio23baycity.org/events/a-perfect-pairing or by calling Studio 23 at 989-894-2323.

 

Member Make & Take

Saturday, May 7th, 11a.m.-4p.m.

April showers bring may flowers! Join us to create your own paper flower bouquet or take a packet home to create later. This is a free event for members of Studio 23.  For more information on membership visit studio23baycity.org/membership.

 

April Workshops

April 14th: Beginner Stained Glass w/ Donna Martin, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. $65 and $40 material fee

April 23rd: Woven Wrapped Bracelet Workshop w/ Angela Griebe, 11 a.m.-2p.m.  $35

April 28th:  Advanced Stained Glass w/ Donna Martin, 4 week workshop, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.  $130 and a $40 material fee

April 30th:  Try It Watercolor w/ Bill Brinker, 11-2 p.m.  $35 mem, $45 non

READ MORE
Amy Gibas by Amy Gibas
Posted 11 March 2022

Fiber Art with a Capitol A: Interview with C Joanne Grabinski

Studio 23 is pleased to announce our new Artist-in-Residency program! We are currently accepting applications from fiber and textile artists residing in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, or Wisconsin. The selected artist will receive funding to aid in the creation of new work to be exhibited at Studio 23 from September to November 2022. This exciting new opportunity is made possible by the C Joanne Grabinski Artist-in-Residency fund.

C Joanne Grabinski has been an active member of Studio 23 for several years, and was kind enough to share with us why she decided to create this fund and her thoughts on the importance of recognition for the fiber arts.

 

 

How did you first become involved with Studio 23?

As I stepped away from my long academic career at the end of 2010, I made the decision to follow two new creative paths—one as an artist and the other as a creative writer. As new opportunities opened for me to pursue my intent to become an artist, I first learned about Studio 23 through Tara Welch and Val Allen the evening they attended the Judges’ Panel (announcement of the Top 10 Adult Finalists and the Top 5 Youth Finalists) for Art Walk Central 2015. Since then, I have participated in Studio 23’s 100 Day Project and the Painters & Potters Exhibit. Some of my artworks have been juried into both the 50 Artists-Great Lakes Bay Region and Mi Artists All State exhibits. I have contributed toward several Studio 23 fundraisers, including the Black & White Affair and the Renovation Project.

 

Why did you decide to fund the Artist-in-Residence opportunity?

As Studio 23 became my “art home”, I wanted to find a new way to fund something further for this excellent non-profit arts organization. In 2021, I asked Tara to identify several potential initiatives that would allow Studio 23 to develop a new program or expand on an existing project. When we met to discuss these potential projects, I was immediately drawn to the idea of the newly-started Artist in Residence program. In 2019, I went to my first artist residency at Golden Apple Art Residency in Maine; I will be there again this summer for a second art residency. Although Studio 23’s Artist in Residence program is quite different in style and format, I understood the value of such an experience for an artist. Studio 23’s new program also brings many benefits to Studio 23 through the artist’s interaction with students and the broader community the organization serves. Now, my funding for this program will help to support two artists in residence each year, starting this year and continuing into the future. This is a perfect match between my artistic/creative life and my philanthropic interests/goals.

 

Why do you feel recognition for fiber and textile arts/artists is important?

Well, the simplest and most direct answer to this question is, “I am a fiber artist.” My “career” as an artist, begun in 2012, still feels quite new. In my relatively short time in the art world, my artwork has been accepted more quickly than I ever expected. Frustratingly, I also have had to defend my original fiber artwork as ART and not “just craft” or “only hobby”. My specific fiber art medium is needlepoint, so I’ve spent many moments explaining—or trying to—how what I do is different from the wonderful craft or hobby needlework done by many others. I also have learned that fiber/textile art is most often exhibited in invitational and/or juried exhibits specific to fiber/textile arts. Likewise, fiber/textile artworks are less often featured in magazines focused on ART/fine art or fine Craft than in magazines specific to fiber/textile arts. In my own short career as an artist, I have had the privilege and honor of my work being accepted, recognized and rewarded in both invitational and juried exhibits open to artists and artworks in all ART mediums. I feel strongly that fiber/textile artists need to be seen in and recognized in both medium-specific AND medium-diverse exhibitions, residencies, publications and other opportunities open to artists from across the art world. I have personally learned and grown better as an artist because I had access to, dialogue with, and acceptance into both the specific and the diverse art worlds.

 

You can see the work of C Joanne Grabinski during Fiber: Four Voices, Diverse Visions, along with artists Carol Irving, Marti Liddle-Lameti, and Sally Rose beginning May 26th at Studio 23.

Application for the Artist-in-Residency program for Fiber and Textile artists is open through Friday, April 29th, 2022. For details and application, please follow the link here, or contact Curator of Exhibits Amy Gibas at agibas@studio23baycity.org with any questions.

 

Upcoming Events and Workshops

Family Paint Night: Marvelous Midnight
Friday, March 18th, 5:30 p.m.

Join instructor Courtney Clark for a fun evening of paint, pizza, and fun! Courtney will take you through a fun colorful painting step-by-step. Pizza, breadsticks, and salad provided. Bring beverages of your choice! $25 per person and $20 for each friend/family member you bring and includes all the supplies you need to create your own magnificent landscape that you can hang together with your families creations. Recommended ages: 7+

Please register 2 days or more prior to the event as spots are limited.

 

This Must Be the Place
The artwork of Jay Handy
March 24 – May 14, 2022

Photographs submitted by Bay City residents are the inspiration for artwork created by Jay Handy. Photos that help display the rich lives and beautiful moments that have taken place in Bay City were chosen to be incorporated into Jay’s compositions. The artwork is a celebration of our community, where full cycles of life have occurred for generations.

Gallery Walk & Talk with Jay Handy
Friday, March 25th at 4:15 p.m.

Opening Reception
Friday, March 25th, 5-7 p.m.

 

Community Printmaking Workshops with Artist-in-Residence Jay Handy

Saturday, March 26th
10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

In this 2-hour workshop led by artist in residence Jay Handy, participants will learn the technique of ‘chine colle’ printmaking. Jay will guide the group through the process of etching a Plexiglas matrix, as well as applying, embedding, and properly wiping off ink. Finally, the prepared plate will be sent through a press with a sheet of art paper, leaving the creator with their work of art to bring home.

A $5 payment is required to reserve your seat for this workshop. Space is limited. Please call Studio 23 at 989-894-2323 to reserve your seat.

This workshop is generously sponsored by the Bay Area Community Foundation.

 

 

More Upcoming Workshops

Try It Session: Adult Origami March 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Melt making w/ Dark Candles April 2, 1-4 p.m.

Beginner Stained Glass w/ Donna Martin April 15, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Woven Bracelet Workshop w/ Angela Griebe April 23, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

 

READ MORE
Amy Gibas by Amy Gibas
Posted 11 February 2022

Art is more Fun with Friends

Studio 23 Membership Drive
January 23rd – February 23rd

Membership to Studio 23 has its benefits. You’re kept up to date on all our latest classes, exhibits, and events. You get discounts on artwork, classes, and workshops. Artists are included in our Artist Collective, a networking, social, and professional development group for artists of all levels. After all, art is more fun with friends.

With our annual Studio 23 Membership Drive, we want to extend the feeling of friendship that is cultivated within our walls out into our community. For each membership purchased between January 23rd and February 23rd, 2022, we are donating one Craft Bar Project to a child at Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Bay Area Women’s Center. Creating together is a great way to connect and build relationships, and to foster and encourage creativity and self-expression.

Contribute to the wellbeing of our community by supporting the local arts and making a direct impact on a child. Sign up for an individual or family membership and encourage a friend to join with you! A visit to the gallery, a Saturday workshop, or relaxing with a coloring sheet in our new Art Nook are all great ways to spend time with friends and family!

We hope to see you and a friend in the studio soon!

Amy Gibas
Curator of Exhibits & Membership

Upcoming Events at Studio 23

Books on Art Club: February 16, 2022, 4 p.m. Virtual Zoom Session

We will be reading The Flowering, An Autobiography of Judy Chicago. Artist Nancy Philo will be leading our discussion. Nancy has been an artist collective member at Studio 23 for a few years and she is now teaching two classes for Studio 23. Make sure to check out our class schedule for some options!

If you would like to be notified about book club activities, please send us an email. We will update your interests in our database.

Don’t forget to start at smile.amazon.com when you shop! Select Studio 23 as your charity and we receive of portion of your purchase. This helps support our exhibits, programs and public art initiatives. Thank you for your support!

Family Paint Night: February 18th, 5:30–8:30pm.

Join instructor Ava Rummler for an evening of paint, pizza, and fun! Ava will take you through a fun winter painting step-by-step. Pizza, breadsticks, and salad provided. Bring beverages of your choice! $25 per person and $20 for each friend/family member you bring and includes an 8×10 canvas and all the supplies you need to create your Snowperson that you can hang with your family or friends creation!

To register please call: (989) 894-2323
Must be registered to participate

Winter Session 2 weekly classes for adults begin on March 21st. Check out the education tab on our website to view all the options. From pottery to drawing, and watercolor to poetry, we feel we have something for everyone!

 

 

 

READ MORE
Amy Gibas by Amy Gibas
Posted 13 January 2022 | events, exhibits, gallery, photography, public events

A New Perspective on Macabre Subjects in the work of Michael J Murphy

Beyond Photography… featuring the artwork of Michael J Murphy is now open!

Public Reception: January 14, 2022, 5 – 7 p.m.
Exhibit on display January 12, 2022 – January 29, 2022

From his dreams of becoming a mortician at age 12 to his high school job as a gravedigger, Michael Murphy had a lifelong fascination with the macabre. His series of graveyard photographs began in 2004, when he befriended the groundskeeper of a historic Philadelphia cemetery, and he spent the next 15 years actively seeking and photographing cemeteries everywhere he visited.

Michael Murphy passed away in 2021 at the age of 61. He was a free spirit who, after graduating from Bay City Central High School in 1977, enrolled at Piney Point Merchant Marine Academy. Upon graduation, he spent some time sailing the Great Lakes, enjoying his youth and collecting stories. His next adventure was a move to Texas, where he worked in the oil fields. After returning to Michigan, he became a registered nurse and spent 28 years caring for patients in the emergency room and intensive care unit. He was dearly loved by his coworkers, patients, and many friends that he seemed to make wherever he went.

This exhibit of Michael’s photography features 70 images spanning cemeteries in five states and showcasing the monuments and memorials created to commemorate the deceased. The photographs in this exhibit reveal how trends and style have influenced how we have memorialized our loved ones through time.  Although macabre, the show is also a tender and sentimental reflection on the passage of time through the loss of loved ones and the decay of their monuments. Informational labels in the exhibit include pieces of history, thoughtful observations, and background on materials and styles, making this exhibition of interest to artists, photographers, and historians alike.

The “Beyond Photography” exhibit is made possible by Murphy’s wife, Sara Urband-Murphy. While Murphy was fascinated by the dead and the rituals that the living employ to memorialize those that they loved, his contribution to the living was a far greater gift.

Please join us for a public reception Friday, January 14th from 5 to 7 p.m.

We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Amy Gibas
Curator of exhibits & membership
Studio 23/The Arts Center
agibas@studio23baycity.org

Upcoming Events at Studio 23

Weekly classes for adults and children begin on January 17th. Check out the education tab on our website to view all the options. Children classes begin at age 7 and adult classes begin at age 18. From pottery to drawing, and watercolor to poetry, we feel we have something for everyone!

Studio 23’s 100 Day Project begins January 25th! This is a self-driven creative practice that only takes 5 to 10 minutes a day, and a great way to explore, experiment, and motivate yourself to start or finish new and existing projects.

Our first day kick-off session will be on January 25th from 4 – 5:30 pm. This will be a hybrid style check-in with options to join us in the classroom or virtually over Zoom. We will have meetings at the 30, 60, and 90 day marks with a final celebration after the 100 Days on May 10th.

Our guiding word for 2022 is momentum. You may use this as a theme throughout the 100 days or choose your own, but I hope we will all find the momentum we need to have a successful 100 days and more!

To register for the 100 Day Project, please visit our jotform link by clicking here. Registration and membership to Studio 23 is required to participate, and there is a registration fee of $10.

Our next Member Make & Take event is Thursday, February 10th, available from 2 to 8 p.m. Join us to create a fun, Valentine-themed piece of artwork, or take a packet to create at home! This is a free drop-in event for members of Studio 23. No registration is required.

Books on Art Club: February 16, 2022, 4 p.m. Virtual Zoom Session

We will be reading The Flowering, An Autobiography of Judy Chicago. Artist Nancy Philo will be leading our discussion. Nancy has been an artist collective member at Studio 23 for a few years and she is now teaching two classes for Studio 23. Make sure to check out our class schedule for some options!

If you would like to be notified about book club activities, please send us an email. We will update your interests in our database.

Don’t forget to start at smile.amazon.com when you shop! Select Studio 23 as your charity and we receive of portion of your purchase. This helps support our exhibits, programs and public art initiatives. Thank you for your support!

 

READ MORE