Story and photos by Emily Cook
If you have traveled along the M-22 corridor in recent weeks, you undoubtedly will have noticed the vibrance of this autumn. I cannot recall in recent years such a stunning display of nature. Maples light the landscape with fire-like reds. Oaks and aspens follow in their wake and, just now, tamaracks are making their annual shift from deep green to bright yellow, the latter being a personal favorite. I cannot think of a better example of the shifting northern Michigan seasons than a conifer dropping all its needles and settling into a slumber until new growth appears in spring.
From the perspective of an artist, these changing seasons allow for more than the opportunity to take a drive, with stops for views along the way. Whether appreciating the current color show or next spring’s ephemerals, those with a desire to create see opportunities to photograph, paint, weave, draw and more.
As Henry David Thoreau said, “The world is but a canvas for our imagination.”
For local artists, an opportunity to display these creations was presented recently by the Pleasant Valley Community Center in Arcadia. One block east of M-22, along Glovers Lake Road, the PVCC is currently exhibiting work representing “The Seasons”, a show demonstrating how artists uniquely view these inevitable shifts in nature. Community members (and passersby) are encouraged to stop and view the display, which runs through Jan. 6, 2023.
“We’re pleased to have received art (mixed media of sculptures, photographs, embroidery, stained glass, and pictures done in oils) from Manistee, Onekama, Arcadia and Frankfort,” said Deb North, a PVCC board member.
The community center, typically open 9 a.m.-5p.m., Monday through Friday, is in the former Arcadia Elementary School. Now, the building hosts a branch of the Manistee library, includes newly renovated workout and game rooms, offers a full gymnasium and kitchen, and contains multiple “classrooms,” where community events are held regularly. The idea for incorporating art into the mix came from former PVCC board member and Arcadia resident Dana Walker Care.
“We are always looking for new ways to use the building,” North said. “The idea of using the main hallway as an art gallery came about as a way to celebrate the artists in the area, create more community gatherings, and add vibrancy to the community itself.”
“The Seasons” is the second exhibition to take place in 2022, and board members hope to continue rotating the displays on a quarterly basis. This will allow for changing themes and give additional artists chances to participate. Residents beyond Arcadia Township are encouraged to enter future shows.
“We like to showcase artists from various locales in order to help support them and add different perspectives,” North explained. “The artists can contribute their art from various mediums and demonstrate their creativity.”
What better way to celebrate one’s fall color tour than stopping along the way to view art representing the seasons? Gaze at photographs of Lake Michigan at all stages. Study paintings, large and small, of favorite landscapes. Discover mixed media portraits and more. A beautiful “Art Gallery” wood sign, a donation from artistic PVCC board member Roger Brown, greets visitors.
It’s incredible to see whose creativity appears once the opportunity to share is provided. One hopes to see these opportunities grow as Arcadia’s community art gallery continues to expand.
To learn about future art displays (and accompanying opening receptions), follow the Pleasant Valley Community Center on Facebook or visit the center’s website: www.pleasantvalleycc.org. Artists can wait for open calls for work or reach out to the board directly regarding spotlight opportunities at: pleasantvalleycc@gmail.com.
Emily Cook is a resident of Arcadia, where she lives with her husband and two collies. She is a conservationist by training and a writer and artist when time allows. She explores the nearby nature trails and Lake Michigan beach as much as possible.
