by Val Allen
You are invited to 50 Artists of the Great Lakes Bay Region 2021
50 Artists of the Great Lakes Bay Region + Art Around the City 2021 showcases the works of 50 artists who live and/or work in the Michigan counties of Saginaw, Bay, Midland, Isabella, Gratiot, Clare, Gladwin, and Arenac. A panel of experts in the visual arts and community leaders from the region selected the artists from 108 entries. 50 original artworks are displayed in the Rowley Gallery at Studio 23/ The Arts Center from September 23 – November 13, 2021. In addition, 50 images from the selected artists are being installed and displayed on weatherized metal plates as part of the Art Around the City project situated along the Bay City Riverwalk and in historic downtown Bay City for two years.
We are celebrating with a public reception on Thursday, September 30, 2021, 5–7 p.m. Meet the artists, view the artwork and enjoy an evening of camaraderie!
Here is the link to the Facebook Event.
The legacy of fine art in our region includes a rich history of artists that include international names such as architect Alden B. Dow, painter E. Irving Couse and contemporary artist, Jim Shaw. Studio 23 credits the presence of many art nonprofits, guilds and associations that promote visual arts in Mid-Michigan as important resources for the artist community. I am thrilled that the ongoing collaboration between artists and communities is encouraging connections that lead to conversations, inclusion and general well-being in our region. The power of art can bring hope, healing, happiness and so much more. This free public reception will be another example of how art brings us together.
Douglass Barron, Bridgeport Sharon Berkan-Dent, Midland Nancy Brooks-Siebert, Midland Sharon Caldwell, Midland DJ Carmody, Midland Jeff Caverly, Essexville Tamara Ebenhoeh, Frankenmuth Michael Glowacki, University Center Brian Goff, Bridgeport Avram Golden, Bay City Jason Graham, Saginaw Emmy Heger, Midland Phillip Hanson, Saginaw Pamela Hart, Midland Erin Houghtaling, Saginaw Michael Inman, Midland Danielle Kato, Bay City Bonnie Lalley, University Center Debra LaRocque, Bay City Matt Lewis, Saginaw Marti Liddle-Lameti, Sanford Bruce Lipsitt, Midland Jamie Long, Midland Alan Maciag, Midland Jim Matherne, Essexville Jody McDonald Rider, Midland Zizelda Moreira, Midland Allise Noble, Saginaw Priscilla Olson, Midland Susan Pack, Hemlock Steven Parkhurst, Midland Mark Piotrowski, Bay City Katrina Rae, Frankenmuth Roger Reichmann, Midland Hermelinda Roof, Midland Sally Rose, Mt. Pleasant Stacie Rose, Birch Run Laurie Russell-Parrent, Kawkawlin Annie Stout, Midland Janis Taylor, Mt. Pleasant Kristianne Tefft, Midland Suzanne Thomas, Midland Julie Tyslicky, Coleman Jan Wegner, Saginaw Marilyn Whitworth Soules, Midland Neal Wilcox, Midland Vicki Winton, Saginaw Carol Zahn, Midland Rebecca Zeiss, Midland Mike Zureich, Midland
The jurors for this year’s exhibit were selected for their art expertise as well as their locations in the region. Jurors from Bay City, Saginaw, Mt. Pleasant and Midland studied over 300 images to select the ultimate 50 Artists. The panel included Janet Danek of Janet Danek Design, Leeds Bird, nonprofit performing arts leader and art collector, Kathie Fuce-Hobohm of Space Inc., and Thor Rasmussen, Saginaw Art Museum and Temple Theater.
Read more about our jurors here on the exhibition page.
Become a 2021 Art Advocate today and celebrate artists!
Click here for our donation page!
The first 50 Artists of the Great Lakes Bay Region was held in September 2017. This event has propelled over the past four years with help from businesses and community supporters. This biennial exhibit is alternated with an all-state exhibit for Michigan artists. Through Studio 23’s Art Advocate campaign, there has been over $10,000 in cash prizes awarded as well as a $12,500 investment in the Art Around the City Public Art Project. This specific art advocacy campaign also provides support for educational growth seminars for artists. Momentum continues as the number of 50 Art Advocates grows for 2021. Join today!
The public reception for 50 Artists will be held on Thursday, September 30, 2021, 5–7 p.m. The juror’s Best of Show award of $1000 will be awarded that evening as well as two juror’s cash awards of merit. The award ceremony will start at 6 p.m. There will be a popular vote cash award of $1000 and two honorable cash awards on the images displayed for the Art Around the City path. Those awards will be announced on closing day of the exhibit, November 13, 2021 at 1 p.m.
Our hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 11 am – 5 pm. Please stop and view the new exhibit.
Kind regards,
Val
Valerie Allen, curator of exhibits
Upcoming Events on our Studio 23/The Arts Center Facebook Page
Studio 23 “Call for Artists” to exhibit Forgotten Places in our window gallery.
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Curiosities Wonders Exposition
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