Revitalizing the Arts Culture

In art – like all things – it is often a small idea that leads to a monumental happening. For my gallery, this monumental happening was our most recent art show. The show titled, Social Discourse: An Arts Experience, was a juried exhibition of Michigan artists’ work. It started as an idea among local art enthusiasts and – with the help of Michigan State University – evolved into a thought-provoking exhibit.

It officially opened on May 22, with the grand opening on June 6. Despite raging storms, more than 400 people attended the grand opening reception. The show closed on Saturday, June 28 with total attendance counts exceeding 2,000.

The Social Discourse exhibit gave our Michigan artists an opportunity to use their art to ask questions and ponder answers to the most pressing issues of our time. From politics to the environment, artists stirred interest and inspired discussion.

The multi-media exhibit featured many provocative pieces. Some artists used drama, while others used humor. No matter the approach, each piece evoked emotion in the audience members.

For me this was an extremely successful show. While the numbers were impressive, the unique nature of the show – and the success of the show taking into account its unique nature – was really what stood out. The fact that such a progressive exhibit could stir so much interest in our city is inspiring. For me, this represents a first step toward the establishment of a renewed focus on arts and culture in our downtown. It is very, very exciting.

Here’s to small steps. Here’s to the big picture. Here’s to art.

Success Amid the Storm

Last week was the grand opening reception for the art show going on right now at my gallery – a juried show that addresses timely, social issues using art. Unfortunately, as we prepared to unveil our exciting show, tornado sirens were wailing and the entire city was under severe weather warnings. Needless to say, excitement in the gallery was not in short supply.

Unfortunately, many of those who were planning to attend and had not yet arrived – some traveling from areas where the storms nearly shut down freeways – had to seek shelter somewhere other than the gallery. Such is the unpredictable nature of Mother Nature herself (another post for another time).

Regardless of the weather and its initial impact on attendance, it has been a successful show.

This show – Social Discourse: An Arts Experience – is a unique show by many standards, but is truly unique for our city. Its unique nature has attracted some that might not attend an art show. Some of the content is dark and some is of a lighter nature. However, it all makes you think. It makes you think about our world and the social issues that define us as individuals.

As I look ahead at the last two weeks of the show, I am excited for the new faces we will see and the lives this art will touch. Rain or shine, we are proud to provide a unique arts experience to our community.

Here’s to the rain that couldn’t destroy our parade. Here’s to art.