Northwest Michigan Regional: A Juried Exhibition of Michigan Fine Art
January 15 – April 1, 2012
This juried exhibition of fine art by regional artists celebrates the 20th anniversary for the Museum. Visit this exhibition to witness the creativity and talent of Northwestern Michigan artists. Susan Bandes of Michigan State University juried the exhibition.
Artists living in the area bordered by and including Oceana, Newaygo, Mecosta and Isabella counties on the south and Clare, Roscommon, Crawford, Otsego and Cheboygan counties on the east, and all of the Upper Peninsula are featured.
Image: Phenomena 35 (detail), Janelle Dahlberg, Traverse City, Oil, acrylic, and housepaint on board
Juror's Statement
From grandly scaled paintings to intimate objects, art is very much alive and well in Northern Michigan as this regional exhibition attests. Given this most beautiful of locations, it is hardly surprising that landscapes, weather, and the seasons are prevalent subjects. Even when a painting verges on the abstract, it may still be based on viewing and experiencing these surroundings.
While unintentional, the exhibition reflects the proportions submitted in each medium with a predominance of painting compared to three-dimensional art or photography. This is a large show but it could have been even larger since less than one-quarter of the 457 pieces could be included. Jurying was a daunting but enlightening task as I was pleased to become acquainted with so many highly talented artists, each of whom has a unique and distinctive vision.
Whether small or large, the art on view engaged me for a myriad of reasons including mastery of a technique or a new twist on it, a sense of energy and/or urgency, an emotional impact or a personal message. Obviously, a juror brings her own prejudices and preferences to the process, but quality and resonance guided my choices. I found that my repeated viewing was well rewarded as I hope yours will be too. I thank all of the participating artists for sharing their formidable talents with us.
Susan Bandes – Juror
January 2012
Award Winners
$1,000 FIRST PLACE
Janelle Dahlberg, Traverse City, Phenomena 35, Oil, acrylic, and house paints on board
$750 – SECOND PLACE
Rufus Snoddy, Suttons Bay, Pondering Nicki’s Dream, Acrylic on canvas with mixed media
$500 - THIRD PLACE
Howard Crisp, Traverse City, Landscape III, Acrylic on canvas
$250 HONORABLE MENTION
Angela Saxon, Traverse City, The Sky Above the Lake, Oil on board
$100 Honorable Mention
David P. Grath, Northport, This Perfect Place, Oil on board
Maureen Gray, Interlochen, She Danced, African Wonderstone
Douglas Hoagg, Traverse City, 726th Bomb Squadron, Digital enlargement from etching
Carol LaPorte, Traverse City, African Kaleidoscope, Digitally manipulated photos, fabric transfer, appliqués, and machine quilted
Scott Thomas Rice, St. Helen, Royal Bath, Graphite on paper
Margaret White, Kewadin, The Adoration, Mixed media
$250 Viewer’s Choice
To be determined - come see the exhibition and vote for your favorite
