Saturday, August 14, 2010 A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CHARLEVOIX COURIER AND THE PETOSKEY NEWS-REVIEW
WATERFRONT ART2
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W elcome to the 52nd annual Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair his year, on Aug. 14, the Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair will be marking 52 years of excellence in bringing the best of fine art and fine artists to the community. “This year’s show promises to uphold the standards of previous shows offering an exciting mix of old favorites as well as first time exhibitors,” show director MaryBeth McGraw said. “There will be something for everyone, from first time buyers to established collectors. This year we are proud to present one of my former art students, Gary Leitner, who showed tremendous promise as an architectural artist, even at the elementary level.” Here is a cameo glimpse into the evolution of one of Charlevoix’s main summer attractions. In l959, Charlevoix became the second community in the state of Michigan to hold an outdoor art fair. (The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts held the first in 1952.) It was quite an accomplishment for a community Up North to pull off such a feat. And for 52 years running, the show that is now known as the Waterfront Art Fair has evolved from its grass roots attempt to bring cultural events to Northern Michigan by a handful of determined art enthusiasts, into a prestigious gathering of fine artists and craftsmen. Today, among summer art festivals, the Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair ranks first in the state as a one-day exhibition, and ranks second only to the three-day affair in Ann Arbor. The evolution has not been without growing pains, but its dedication to a tradition of excellence has never been compromised over the years. The history of the early
Visitors to the Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair browse through the artists’ offerings during last year’s event.
A painting of the first art fair was presented in 1959 by the artist, Robert Sellers, to Bernice Crandell Wexstaff and Sue Lempke, co-chairmen of the first Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair. “Waterfront Fair for Artists and Craftsmen” includes an interesting component. Beginning in 1961, fine art masterpieces were presented for viewing as special exhibits in the park. Most of these exhibits were provided on loan from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Cummings of Chicago, Palm Beach and Charlevoix. Cummings had acquired a lucrative enterprise in the multi-million
dollar Sara Lee conglomerate and was a philanthropist and art lover. As he became more affluent he collected art, an activity he characterized as a source of tremendous satisfaction. He enjoyed lending his works of art for
Lynn Morris Clay Creations Booths 113 & 114
exhibition because, he said, “Anyone who has the good fortune to own lovely things is only a trustee for humanity.” The Cummings collection loaned the Charlevoix Art Fair numerous paintings by masters like Henri Matisse, Edgar Degas and Pablo Picasso. Long-time residents Edith and Julius Gilbert were also an influential part of the early art fair: Edith working on the committee and Julius exhibiting as a sculptor. Partly through their connections with the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Gilberts were instrumental in arranging for the institute to bring its Art Mobile to Charlevoix. The Art Mobile was featured during at least three shows. The special exhibits ceased after the first 20 years and from that point on, the presenters and the patrons have carried on maintaining the standards set in the early years. In an article written in 1970, Edith Gilbert wrote that, “These are the prerequisites for a successful art fair: 1) good organization, 2) excellent talent and 3) a knowledgeable public.” McGraw said that her words form the foundation of the Art Fair’s philosophy today. At first, exhibitors were free to apply and to be admitted into the show, the only regulation being “exclusion at the discretion of the art fair committee,” — a small group of founders and arts enthusiasts that changed only gradually over the years because of resignations, deaths or the introduction of new members. In early years, it was not uncommon to find more than 200 exhibitors
setting up in East Park and spilling over to adjacent areas along the waterfront. Today, the participants are juried into the show and most years acceptance is limited to approximately 130 spaces selected from more than 600 applicants, with special attention paid to providing quality work and a variety of media. The Art Fair Committee is comprised of a small number of volunteers who put in endless hours adhering to the format and specifications set down in the by-laws of the organization. The Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair, as it has been designated since 1990, and the Charlevoix Council for the Arts work as tandem organizations both dedicated to the mission of providing exposure to the arts for Charlevoix and surrounding Northern Michigan communities.
The Charlevoix Council for the Arts is a non-profit organization that donates funds for art scholarships to aspiring young artists, brings performances and presentations to the schools and supports local art and music endeavors. It is dedicated to providing stimulus for the arts in the schools and the community throughout the year, and is funded primarily through entry fees paid by artists who show in the art fair. The annual Waterfront Art Fair takes place the second Saturday in August each year. It continues and expands upon the tradition of excellence it promotes. Exhibitors, buyers, collectors and art lovers can count on it. — Anne Kelly Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair publicity representative
A fine art gallery known for its unique and diverse selection. Featuring over 60 artists.
Demonstration Day Saturday • August 14th 10:00 am - 5:00 pm • Refreshments Observe close-up and talk with numerous artists including: Rex Benson Whimsical Sculpture
Meredith Krell
David Smallcombe Jewelry
Monoprints
Emily Beynon Watercolors
Cal Kemppainen Plein Air Painting
Mike Todoroff Plein Air Painting
Tyler Bier & Anna Farrell
Underbark Furniture
Demonstrations
New Mission Furniture Handcrafted in Northern Michigan 231-334-3753 underbark.com Glen Lake Gallery
Wheel Throwing & Sculptural Clay
Located in the red & white Schoolhouse, 6 miles south of Charlevoix on US 31
Booth 101 & 102
231.547.2288 lynnbmorris@charter.net
Booth 87
www.smallcombe.com
www.biergallery.com Open Daily 10am - 6pm
We are honored to represent the works of the late Norman Brumm
CHARLEVOIX WATERFRONT ART FAIR 2010
Inspirations of home Charlevoix native, scholarship winner Gary Leitner reflects on his first Waterfront Art Fair orn and raised in Charlevoix, I haven’t missed a Venetian Festival until this year in preparation for a strong showing at my first art fair ever — the 2010 Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair. As a graduate of Charlevoix High School, I was awarded the Waterfront Art Fair Scholarship in 1996. I then moved to southeast Michigan to attend Lawrence Technological University where I graduated with honors and a dual degree in architecture and interior design. I then completed the master of architecture program at Lawrence where my thesis, dedicated towards sustainable architecture and living, was placed top of the graduating class. I have since worked in a number of firms gaining valuable knowledge and experience allowing me to start the company Emerge Design LLC, a firm focusing on a variety of architectural and interior design projects. More information can be found on our website at emergedesignllc.com. Although I’ve been living and working in the metro Detroit area for more than 14 years now, I still call Charlevoix my hometown. I come from a long lineage of Charlevoix family history dating back more than 100 years. My parents, grandparents and great grandparents also grew up and reside in Charlevoix along with a lengthy list of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and my two younger brothers. I have found that in small communities, strong relationships can be built to last a lifetime. The series of work I will be showing at this year’s Waterfront Art Fair will represent buildings, places and things from Charlevoix that are important to me and will display my memories of growing up and coming back to the place I will always call home. I couldn’t think of a better place to be raised and come to. Surrounded by some of the most majestic lakes in the world, natural beauty and great ar-
chitecture, Charlevoix has been my inspiration for art and architecture. Much of my childhood was Leitner spent fishing at the Irish Boat Shop docks, swimming at Ferry Beach and special family breakfasts at Juilleret’s. My first job was as a deck hand for an elderly couple on Round Lake. I would ride my bike there every morning and we would take the old Chris Craft out on the lakes to swim, play cards and have lunch. I’ll never forget my first time docking the 54-foot sailboat, the Daydream, at Ward’s to fuel up and our many chartering adventures together. Walking downtown for lunch during middle school (now the new Library) was always a treat along with after-dance gatherings at the Village Inn Pizza and movies at the old Cinema III. Through my teenage years, I found resolve in the stillness of Lake Michigan and the boldness of the Lighthouse to help guide me towards the right light. I’ll never forget my first trip to Beaver Island and going there for the Homecoming Softball Tournament. The annual softball game at the Belvedere Club is also a fun summer event. I remember riding my bike though the club and “buzzing the tower” and spending time with friends at the cabaña’s. The first wedding at the casino was a great memory and the beautiful setting made it that much more special. Charlevoix is lucky to be the home Castle Farms, a fully restored historic treasure, magical in its form and elegance. I remember watching concerts at my great grandparents place atop the hill to the south. I’m dedicating my first art show to all the great memories and experiences Charlevoix has given me, and hope that my work will inspire some of yours. W
Artist Gary Leitner has used landmarks from his native Charlevoix as the inspiration for many of his drawings. The image above captures the well-known sight of the Beaver Island Boat Company Ferry “The Emerald Isle” passing through the open Charlevoix drawbridge. The drawing to the right depicts the Ward Brother Boat shop and docks on Round Lake.
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Pretty in Pastels
Sometimes a passion for art can lead an aspiring artist down surprising paths. Pastel artist, Michelle Bahr, has spent a lifetime devoted to pursuing her passion. She comes to the Waterfront Art Fair from Ada, Michigan. Studying graphic arts at Ferris State University, Bahr was first was employed in graphic industry. “During my 28-year career, I have transitioned from graphic designer to Michigan
State Police forensic artist, to fine artist,” she explains. Bahr has been “living the dream” of becoming a full time creative artist since 2004. She makes her own paper; she is fascinated with texture, vibrant colors and light and takes inspiration from nature. “In the end,” my goal is to finish with a painting that will draw you in, soothe, excite and provide a visual escape,” explained Bahr. W
Above: Michelle Bahr stands with a painting of a well-known Charlevoix landmark during last year’s Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair. Left: Another of Bahr’s paintings shows how she uses vibrant colors and light in her work.
Original Oil Paintings
KEVIN BARTON, A.I.S.
Having a ball Philip Thompson, of South Haven, who has been showing at the Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair for more than 20 years, stands with one of his signature etchings of a Major League stadium. New this year in addition to his drawings of more than 60 ballparks and stadiums, he will be adding aerial vews of 30 major universities. W
“Celebrate Venetian”
BOOTH #127
www.kevinbartonartist.com
24”x18”
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A passion for pewter Nashville’s Janet Miller puts a new twist on vases hef turned artist, Janet Miller of Nashville, Tenn. first took a metals class in order to meet boys. Soon she was hooked on the craft of turning out metal works of art. Miller attended the Oregon College of Art and Craft where she first learned about working with sheet pewter. She specializes in designing pewter vases and wall hangings with a geometric, industrial flair. Describing her technique, Miller explains that she first makes a design out of cardboard then creates a template from the model. “The twisted shapes are formed
from one piece of metal that is scored and very carefully bent by hand.” Miller makes her pieces individually with no molds or forms. She sands and files them, uses steel wool pads to give them a satin finish and finishes them with a light coat of lacquer to protect their surfaces. Her work displays a minimalism that features simple lines. Her vases and salt and pepper shakers are functional while maintaining their integrity of form. She has been awarded “Best Metal” in several art shows and festivals in which she has exhibited her work. W
Janet Miller of Nashville, Tenn. stands in front of some of her two-devemsional art and her signiture pewter vases at her booth during last year’s Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair.
52nd Annual
Saturday Robert Bridenbaugh stands with one of his waterscape paintings at last year’s Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair.
Water works
AUG 14th 2010 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Rain or Shine
ROBERT BRIDENBAUGH IS INSPIRED BY WATCHING WATER xperiencing nature first hand is vital to the oil paintings of Robert Bridenbaugh. “I feel blessed to live in Michigan where I am surrounded by beautiful land, and waterscapes.” Bridenbaugh said. An avid kayaker, he spends a lot of time studying water and the effects of light on it. He also ventures into high surf with a wetsuit, life jacket and a waterproof camera to photograph waves at water level.
‘’You really feel the power of water in motion when you are being tossed by the surf,’’ Bridenbaugh said. “I am captivated by the malleable quality of water, you get transparency, depth, weight, movement, and reflectiveness. There is a duality about water. The surface can be calm and meditative, or kinetic and powerful.” Bridenbaugh also paints Michigan landscapes. His landscapes often incorporate large cloud filled skies, strong light, and an element of water in them.
In the studio Bridenbaugh likes the editing process that a painting take as it evolves. “I am not a slave to my reference material; I like to add and subtract elements or details to make a better painting My artwork is an interpretation, not representation of nature.” Bridenbaugh artwork has won both regional and national awards and is in many private and corporate collections. Bridenbaugh will be exhibiting his newest paintings at the Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair at booth number 61. W
DOWNTOWN CHARLEVOIX Always the second Saturday in August (231) 547-2675 www.charlevoixwaterfrontartfair.org
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Something for everyone Above: Cedar’s Helmut and and Charlene Goral stand among some of their jewelry during last year’s Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair. Below are just a few examples of the couple’s jewelry. The Gorals have been coming to the fair for the past 36 years.
Jewels of the fair
Art fair veterans Helmut and Charlene Goral find their inspiration in nature elmut and Charlene Goral, who work collaboratively in their Northern Michigan studio in Cedar, have been showing their unique “nerikomi” colored porcelain jewelry for the past 36 years at the Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair. This Japanese technique involves mixing stains or oxides directly into a clay body rather than using them as a surface decoration in a glaze. “Using this knowledge as a starting point, we have developed and refined our own technique, creating jewelry distinctive for its rich blend of colors and intricate patterns,” according to the Gorals. “We are constantly finding inspiration for our designs in nature … the vibrant pattern of a tropical fish or a moth’s wing … the spiral of a sea shell. And like Japanese artists who painted the “floating world,” we try to capture the beauty of our planet in miniature landscapes of our own.” W
Children marvel at some of the works displayed during a recent year’s Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair.
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Left: Photographer and artist Scott Matyjaszek shows off one of his works during last year’s Charlevoix Watefront Art Fair. Above: An example of Matyjaszek’s three-dimensional work, which uses multiple layers of the same print to create depth in the piece.
New dimensions in photography Detroit native Scott Matyjaszek finds art in the ordinary eturning to Charlevoix for the 2010 Wa t e r f r o n t Art Fair, S c o t t M a t y jaszek will bring with him his unique three dimensional photographs. Matyjaszek was born and raised in Detroit and moved to Rochester, N.Y. in 1971. In 1983 he studied audiovisual
technology at Monroe Community College graduating in 1985 with honors. “During my college years, I developed a keen sense for a different kind of photography,” Matyjaszek said. “What makes my threedimensional photographs unique is that all the photographs are hand-cut and layered to create a technique I describe as photo-relief. The images are digitally printed
two or three times. Then the photographs are hand-cut with an exacto- blade, assembled, layered and glued together again to create depth and perspective.” Matyjaszek has been described as “having a sensitive eye for abstract beauty in mundane places.” His use of sumptuous penetrating color turns the smallest images into what have been called “urban spice boxes.” Collectors will be pleased
to know that this artist will be featuring his new Collector’s Edition series, a more dramatic version of his work set in a physically deeper black frame. “I use black suede as a background instead of a (front) white mat and ‘AR Reflection Free Vue Glass,’ for a clearer and brighter image.” Look closely to recognize parts of familiar objects transformed into focal point statements. Color, shape and
design of objects become the subject matter. Perspective is integral. In addition to his photography work, Matyjaszek is also the maker of Artephax Photographic Jewelry which, adding a new twist to an old theme, is a montage of original photographs transformed into three-dimensional miniature sculptures in the form of earrings and pins. His work was shown at the
1985, 1988 and 1996 Regional Finger Lakes Exhibition at the Memorial Art Gallery (Rochester, N.Y.) and was twice selected for the “Best of Photography Annual” sponsored by Photographer’s Forum Magazine. Also, my photography has been featured in a number of galleries, most recently at 171 Cedar Arts Center in Corning, N.Y. It is also a part of a private collection owned by Corning Inc./SCC plant. W
Speak Out! 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14 East Park, Downtown Charlevoix
Protect Our Jordan & Lake Charlevoix Watersheds Friends of the Jordan River is protecting our environment through:
• Education • River Cleanups • Youth Activities • Photo Contests
• Environmental Studies • RSG Position Letter
Please Support
WWW.CHARLEVOIXWATERFRONTARTFAIR.ORG
Friends of the Jordan River Watershed, Inc. Visit friendsofthejordan.org
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Save the Date Next year’s event: Aug.13, 2011 Always the 2nd Saturday in August
2010 Artists and Booths Vachon, Steve/Davis-Vachon, Sue .............. Ceramic .............1 Lahy, Carol................................................... Glass..................2 Burger, Rick ................................................. Painting..............3 & 4 Michlin, Joan/Ennis, Skip ............................ Jewelry ..............5 Pollack, Stephanie....................................... Painting..............6 Hopson, Louise ........................................... Mixed Media ......7 Fritz, Kathleen Chaney ................................ Painting..............8 & 9 Matyjaszek, Scott ........................................ Photography ......10 Schirmer, John ............................................ Printmaking .......11 Weber, Michael J. ........................................ Painting............. 12 Staropoli, John/Staropoli, Camille ............... Mixed Media ......13 Sponberg, Lars-Birger ................................. Painting..............14 & 15 Thompson, Philip ........................................ Printmaking .......16 Higdon, Randall ........................................... Painting..............17 & 18 Kostyshyn, Stephen .................................... Fiber ..................19 Duse, Luciano.............................................. Photography ......20 & 21 Sudduth, Mark ............................................. Glass..................22 & 23 Condon, Jeff ................................................ Drawing .............24 Woods, Glenn .............................................. Ceramics ...........25 Hoover, Deborah L. ..................................... Painting..............26 Sullivan, Connie S. ...................................... Jewelry ..............27 Krumrey, Kim ............................................... Ceramics ...........28 Kontorina, Marina ........................................ Painting..............29 Eggen, Priscilla ............................................ Ceramics ...........30 Ross, Carol .................................................. Painting..............31 Blanchard, James........................................ Jewelry ..............32 Hurlin, Kristin J. ........................................... Drawing .............33 Neathery, Louise .......................................... Painting..............34 & 35 Hough, Lori .................................................. Sculpture ...........36 Malloy, Clare ................................................ Drawing .............37 Olson, Scott................................................. Painting..............38 Cody, Mary .................................................. Jewelry ..............39 Van Houzen, Michael ................................... Wood .................40 Marsh, Charlene .......................................... Painting..............41 Miller, Janet ................................................. Sculpture ...........42 Weins, Carolyn............................................. Drawing .............43 Ripple, Jeff .................................................. Photography ......44 Hawes, Liz ................................................... Jewelry ..............45 Hall, Constance ........................................... Glass..................46 Kessler, P.A. ................................................. Painting..............47 & 48 Denison, Pat Custer .................................... Mixed Media ......49 & 50 Berry, Scott.................................................. Jewelry ..............51 Eisenhardt, Laurie........................................ Ceramics ...........52 Zhou, Jie ...................................................... Painting..............53 Osborne, Bob .............................................. Painting..............54 Meddaugh, Laura ........................................ Painting..............55 Dinning, Lynn ............................................... Glass..................56 Lally, Kate .................................................... Ceramics ..........57 Leitner, Gary ................................................ Mixed Media ......58 Fletcher, Andy.............................................. Painting..............59 DeLind, Doug .............................................. Ceramics ...........60 Bridenbaugh, Robert ................................... Painting..............61
French, Steve .............................................. Painting..............62 & 63 Herbon, John ............................................... Ceramics ...........64 Loveless, Ann .............................................. Fiber ..................65 & 66 Bahr, Michelle .............................................. Painting..............67 Otis, David D./Otis, June Y. ......................... Ceramics ...........68 & 69 Swift, Barbara .............................................. Jewelry ..............70 Callog, Cyndy .............................................. Painting..............71 Kahn, Michael .............................................. Ceramics ..........72 Kalinowski, Kathleen ................................... Drawing .............73 Skwira, Paddy ............................................. Ceramics ...........74 Fehrenback,Deborah ................................... Jewelry ..............75 Eberline, Pat ................................................ Ceramics ...........76 West, Margo ................................................ Ceramics ...........78 Goral, Helmut/Goral, Charlene .................... Jewelry ..............79 McNulty, Lynne ............................................ Fiber ..................80 Hollosy, Barbara K. ...................................... Jewelry ..............81 Tschudy, Cynthia/Tschudy, Ron .................. Ceramics ...........82 McElhaney, Bruce........................................ Wood .................83 Wagar, Mark ................................................ Glass..................84 Sharkus, Laurie............................................ Ceramics ...........85 Walton, Jon ................................................. Photography ......86 Smallcombe, David ..................................... Jewelry ..............87 Bolt, Sue/Bolt, Russ .................................... Ceramics ...........88 & 89 David, Douglas ............................................ Painting..............90 Tomac, Aaron .............................................. Glass..................91 Chamberlain, Linda ..................................... Mixed Media ......92 Streitwieser, Jill ............................................ Ceramics ...........93 Collins, Fiona ............................................... Painting..............94 Perkins, Kristin ............................................ Jewelry ..............95 Shapiro, Audrey ........................................... Ceramics ...........96 Brown, Kwang Cha ..................................... Painting..............97 Klassen, Chris ............................................. Mixed Media ......100 Czamanske, Paul......................................... Wood .................101 & 102 Berhorst, Carole .......................................... Ceramics ...........103 Chu, Danny .................................................. Painting..............104 Johnson, Amy.............................................. Jewelry ..............105 Stretar, Luke ................................................ Painting..............106 Stretar, Gary ................................................ Painting..............107 Fisher, Lynn ................................................. Ceramics ...........108 Francis, Wayne ............................................ Mixed Media ......109 Hammond-Sass, Idelle ................................ Jewelry ..............110 Salmonson, Terry ......................................... Photography ......111 & 112 Morris, Lynn ................................................. Ceramics ...........113 & 114 Brzostoski, Matthew.................................... Painting..............115 McWain, Paul .............................................. Photography ......116 & 117 Morgan, Trish ............................................... Painting..............118 MofďŹ t, Jo ..................................................... Ceramics ...........119 & 120 Pritchard, Mary ........................................... Jewelry ..............121 Malone, Shawn ............................................ Photography ......122 & 123 Schwab, Jack .............................................. Wood .................124 Archey, Susan.............................................. Jewelry ..............125 Brownlee, Ed ............................................... Ceramics ...........126 Barton, Kevin ............................................... Painting..............127 00267159