The “Art is Art” exhibition includes abstract artworks by (from left) Rufus Snoddy, Jef Bourgeau and Piers Wright, among others, at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts in Manistee. RRCA courtesy photo.
By Mark Videan
Editor’s note: This article is updated from the original which referred to an exhibit and a show, now past.
Locals and visitors have several exciting opportunities to experience fine art in regional venues this month. Art centers in Manistee and Benzie counties are exhibiting an outstanding array of artworks, from the representational to the abstract, some with elements of both, created by artists living in the area and beyond.
“Art is Art”, an exhibit of abstract artwork presented in various media, is currently on display at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts (RRCA) in Manistee through September 3. The show features works by six Northern Michigan artists: Susan Wild Barnard (textiles), Jef Bourgeau (prints on canvas), Jesse Hickman (mixed media), Judy Jashinsky (graphite on paper), Rufus Snoddy (acrylic paintings with textural elements) and Pier Wright (bold, large paintings). The title “Art is Art” refers to this quotation by artist Barnett Newman: “Art is art. Everything else is everything else.”
Exploring six artists’ individual interactions with their shared time and place in Northern Michigan is the focus of “The Northern Eye”, showing now through Sept. 9 at Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts (OAC) in Frankfort. Works range from realistic representations to the purely abstract.
Artists are Jamey Barnard (paintings), Jef Bourgeau (“Crumpled Paintings” and “The Lake House” installation), Jason Care (painted portraits and neo post-impressionist landscapes), Judy Jashinsky ( “Land to Water“, “Water to Land”, 80” x 35”, pastel, acrylic paint, and colored pencil on wood), and Mary Sidor (“10,000 Marks” series, India ink on paper).
RRCA, at 101 Maple Street in Manistee, is open Wed.-Sat., 12-3 p.m.
OAC, at 132 Coast Guard Road in Frankfort, is open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sun., 12-4 p.m.
Admission to both art centers is free, and donations are appreciated.
Mark Videan is a printmaker, woodcarver, basket weaver, tattoo designer and retired jeweler. He lives in Manistee and is Freshwater Reporter’s co-editor, calendar wrangler and word puzzle wizard.
