by Amy Gibas
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/