Renaissance: Roam the Globe Bios for 2008

~ April 25, 2008 ~

Get to know all of our Renaissance: Roam the Globe artists!

Fusion 3, Rhonda Johnson, Kathy McPhail, and Martha Van Raaphorst-Soft Pastels
Fusion 3 offers something very different in terms of how most of us view the process of creating art.  Last year, Fusion 3 brought together three individuals who started a kind of experimental, meditative group to create several art pieces that are begun with the intention to “let go of attachment and ownership and working together to create a piece of art.” To those ends, the original three artists began a series of workshops. The work displayed in Renaissance Roam is the result of these workshops. Each of the group members has total control over a piece for a time and then passes the work on to the next person, thus completely releasing control of its development. The piece is passed around and the process continues until all agree that the piece is finished. The resulting work is a collaboration that begins with meditation and is carried through in a cooperative kind of sharing. Each artist works using intuition and remains fully open to receiving “what comes,” rather than having some preconceived idea of what the outcome will be. The medium used is soft pastels and the artists have a variety of artistic experiences and achievements that they bring to the work. You can see samples of Fusion 3’s work at: www.rhondajohnsonstudio.artspan.com

Deborah Bassett-Maxwell-Pottery

At age three, Deborah’s mom gave her a box of 64 crayons, and she was hooked on art. Paints, markers and art lessons followed and led her to the SC4 Art Program and a BFA from Kendall College of Design. Deborah has also taught classes at Studio1219 and in her own studio, Red Mudd. Deborah’s inspiration for her unique pit-fired work comes from her effort to meld the freedom of flight with the constraint of containment in a single piece. Through simple shapes and architectural designs, she pursues these interests in the abstract sense by exploring chemical reactions to the shape and firing of wheel-thrown and hand-built pieces. Use of such unusual household items such as dry dog food, salt and sugar during firing, helps her create luminous colors on her unglazed pieces. Deborah’s goal is to have her bowls and vessels “go to good homes and to be enjoyed by their owners.” Her work offers a “please touch me” invitation of sorts for its textural highlights. One of Deborah’s pieces, in particular, went to a good home: the governor’s. In July, Governor Jennifer Granholm selected a pit-fired vase made by Deborah for installment in her residence.  You may see samples of Deborah’s work at: www.redmuddcreations.com.

Greg Campbell- acrylic paintings
Greg, like many of our artists, got involved with art at a very young age. Early on, he was influenced by his older brother who loved comic books. His high school art teacher introduced him to the masters, and he has been studying and painting ever since. He describes his style as all the “isms.” Over time, Greg has experimented with realism, cubism, surrealism, fauvism, and impressionism. You name it; he has done it. He has worked with a variety of mediums, but now prefers acrylics. In college, he majored in marketing, but continued to have a strong interest in art. A banking account executive today, Greg still finds time between his 60 hour work week and his ten month old baby to do commissioned art pieces. His goal had been a kind of game he plays with himself: to make every piece look like it came from a different artist. “Because of my time constraints, I only do work that really interests me.” Greg will be showing in this area for the first time, and will also be demonstrating for visitors his versatile techniques during the evening of the Roam.

Jody Parmann-mixed media on canvas

A perennial favorite in the Renaissance Roam and on the local art scene, Jody’s work was chosen to represent the city’s 150th birthday. Beyond that, Jody has been at the center of many art initiatives over the years, generously donating her time and her talents. She owns three art-related businesses: Muse Creative Design, 5th Street Magazine, and http://www.OneWordOneIdea.com.  The One Word, One Idea concept is an interactive exchange between the artist and individuals who offer their “word” and then attend a show or go to her website to see how she has artistically interpreted their word. Her first teacher was her mom who did portraits and encouraged her artistic endeavors as a child. Jody has taken classes at SC4 in fine art and design. She is no stranger to demonstrating live painting. She will be doing it again as part of this year’s event. You will know her when you see her fresh face and painted jeans.

Sue Andrews-Wearable Art, Fiber
Sue Andrew’s colorful work is a result of her love of experimenting with fabric. She started sewing when she was a little girl. Many things have been created through the years including quilts, samplers, home decor items, and women’s/children’s apparel.  For the past couple of years, she has become focused on women’s jackets. “I guess mainly because I love designing and wearing them.” By using unique color combinations and “fancy patch “configurations, she transforms ordinary fleece shirts into eye-catching pieces of wearable art. Each jacket takes about 5 to 8 different coordinated fabrics.  Selecting the combinations is a time consuming, but very much loved part of the process.  Color choices range from the very brights, to earthy tones; and quite often include batik.  Usually, she finds one piece of fabric that interests her, and then proceeds to accent, complement, and create. Sue has been inspired by the many art shows and fashion museums in Chicago/New York and, as a result of these experiences, presents her jackets with design, flair, and individuality. Future plans include dyeing her own fabrics to achieve desired colors. Currently, she is designing and making her own “pottery “buttons to use on her jackets. Sue is excited about the Renaissance Roam and looks forward to her new connection with Studio 1219.

Nate Dauphanais-spray paint, house paint, acrylic paint on canvas
Nate Dauphinais answers the question, “How did you get into art?” with a simple statement that says much. “Art got into me. It is a daily pursuit. Painting is a way of thinking. I love the smell of paint.” Anyone who knows Nate knows he carries with him at all times two or more small books in which he writes and draws daily. The sketches in these books evolve into paintings. The books are remarkable in themselves and follow a character created by Nate named Shiner Apparatus. “Every finished painting fits into a bigger work in progress called the Shiner Apparatus. Originally intended to be a small independently published “zine,” it has evolved into a daily practice of observation, note taking, drawing, cutting, pasting and painting. These books have taken on a life of their own. I can look up five years ago to the day, feed it back into the apparatus, and come up with something entirely new. It is my own, constant, self-contained source of renewable images and ideas. The infinite urge to create is a curious thing.” To get a peek into the workings of this highly creative mind, check out Nate’s work at the Roam. Nate is an accomplished musician as well. When he isn’t painting, you can find him being way cool behind the drums with his band, Juxtaposers.

Kendra Scarlavai-Realistic Oil Paintings with Collage Elements
Kendra Scarlavai started drawing at a young age and was encouraged by family members. By high school age, she knew she was going to pursue art as a career. After taking language courses in collage, she found she was drawn to the ascetics of eastern cultures, especially Japan. In 2007 she had the opportunity to travel to Japan and gather photographic images that documented a way of daily life very different than our own. The technique she uses for this series of oil paintings begins with photographs that are collaged together in photoshop and then used as references resulting in “realistic, yet impossible” images. Kendra studied at Grand Valley State University and holds a BFA in Illustration. For her exhibit in Renaissance Roam, she chose oils “because of its traditionally western association.” Using a western medium to display a foreign culture appealed to her. Kendra has been awarded a Portfolio of Excellence from Grand Valley, as well as a position as Ambassador for The Institute for International Education of Students. Her plans for the future involve travel and dreams of becoming a free lance illustrator. Check out Kendra’s striking images at: http://www.kendrascarlavai.com.

Dean Lavery-Ornamental Iron and Blacksmithing
Dean Lavery calls himself the “Celtic Cowboy,” and says he got into blacksmithing because, “My brother thought he was John Wayne!” After graduating from High School he enrolled at Michigan School of Horseshoeing. He shoed horses for 22 years and has a strong attachment to all things western and southwestern. “With that being said, I believe this was the contributing factor for the ‘Cowboy’ portion of my business name.”
He is also drawn to Celtic designs because of his Irish and Scottish heritage. “My Father was born in Bothwell, Scotland, and my Mother was born and raised in Belfast, Ireland.  This was the inspiration for the ‘Celtic’ portion of my business name.” Dean creates functional art pieces from different kinds of ornamental iron and sometimes from horseshoes themselves. “You would definitely find these pieces in my home. I guess when it comes down to it, I am a ‘Celtic Cowboy’ at heart. Thank you for your interest in my work.”

Debra Dunkel-Mixed Media Contemporary Collage
Debra Dunkel’s first art show was in Royal Oak at age ten. She describes herself as “born and bred with a passion for art.” She has explored oils, acrylics, watercolors, pen and ink, clay, weaving, lithography, photography, metal and stone sculpture, and her latest discovery: abstract infusions of many mediums including handmade paper, photography, and pen and ink. “Creating with paper has taken me to places that challenge my norm, stir my senses, and evoke promises for new direction. The mix of paper and photography has lent itself as a great tool for exploration.” Her work is precise, clean, colorful and expressive. The resulting pieces are accomplished without pre-conceived themes or planning. The paper “gives direction and I am the tool that is controlled by it.”
Debra’s enthusiasm and passion for her work is contagious. She has shown in many venues throughout Michigan and has received a number of awards for her work.

Roger Hansel- 3-D Sculpture; reclamation
Roger Hansel uses recycled or reclaimed objects in his work and likes to use them in ways that make people think. He is this area’s most green artist, folks, having jumped on that bandwagon long ago. Humor is important to his work as well. He enjoys using everyday items in an unusual manner. One of Roger’s most popular subjects is fish. His work is whimsical and eye-catching. Roger’s studio looks like something from a Dr. Seuss story, a lamp made from a mannequin’s leg, a child’s wagon, and color everywhere. It is apparent he really enjoys creating these one-of-a-kind folk art pieces. He lives the life many dream of---having fun and getting paid to do what you love. Why fish, you might wonder. Well, the first fish was a bit of an accident it seems. The piece of wood Roger was working with was shaped like a fish. He started putting other pieces with it, and it turned into a fish. Voila! After he did the one fish, he started doing more of them. “It just took off. They are very good sellers. I do the fish in between my commissioned pieces.” Roger’s commissioned pieces include painted and embellished furniture; some children’s furniture, and mural work. Visitors to the Roam will have a chance to see inside Roger’s Studio and experience his off-beat and happy approach to art and life.

Holly Pennington-Charcoal and graphite drawings of the human figure
If you never have seen Holly’s work, here is your opportunity to view something special. Holly’s mother, Pat Phipps, is an artist and a curator of art. Her father is a master craftsman who builds furniture. The five children in her family grew up in a very creative atmosphere. “The work I do in charcoal has an ephemeral quality that, at times, emulates a delicate ink wash. I believe there is sensuality about my work that makes it appealing to the senses.” Holly works with her hands and loves the texture of the paper. The human figure is her favorite subject. She notices that as she has gotten older, she has a different sensibility about the space around the subject. “The older you get, the more you tend to simplify using minimal marks, so each one is very critical.” In the past few years, the most gratification for her has come from what she removes from the work. Her work is compared to poetry because, at best, it’s what poetry conveys but does not say directly that’s important. To Holly, drawing is like meditating. The outcome of her work is the least significant part of the process. When you see her images, you will understand her passion as it is translated there on paper. Holly rarely exhibits her work, so this is a rare opportunity to see and perhaps own an original.

Madeline Long Kerr-Realistic and abstract oil and watercolor; graphite drawings
Madeline Long Kerr enjoys painting people, animals, seascapes, marine and nautical scenes, and still life. She attended the Center for Creative Studies and is also self-taught. Her preferred style is realism, but she does some abstract work as well. Her work reflects her view of life as she likes to do “happy art.” Making others happy through her work is gratifying. She endeavors to continue to grow as an artist and to branch out into more speculative work, as well as her commissioned work. She loved drawing as a child and spent much time copying portraits from magazines. She is inspired by God, her surroundings, museum visits, and other artists. She has been involved with numerous art organizations, including tenures as president of Scarab Club in Detroit and the Blue Water Art Association in Port Huron. She has had numerous one-woman shows and has won many awards. Her work has a luminous quality and a surprising attention to detail. Check out her work at: www.realisminartristry.com.

Marcy Gelaude-Photography
For Renaissance Roam, Marcy Gerlude has selected a series of beautiful architectural photographs that were recently taken during a trip to Europe. “I couldn’t be more excited; the Renaissance Roam is the perfect venue for these images!” Music has played a big part, through the years, in influencing Marcy’s work. She notes that as music styles have changed, so has her work. A high school art teacher had encouraged her to pursue a career in the art industry. Her father, an automotive designer for many years, encouraged and supported her efforts. At the end of her first semester in college, she secured her first job at an advertising agency in Troy and she has been a designer ever since. She has two degrees from Macomb College in Graphic and Commercial Design and Photography. Photography is what she enjoys most because of the freedom that is allows to manipulate and change reality. “The concept of manipulating an image and capturing one fleeting moment with the press of a button is an incredible and exciting experience.” The images selected for this show “reflect a timeless beauty that even after hundreds of years, still remains.” In addition to photography, Marcy also does technical illustrations, paintings, and is currently writing and illustrating a series of children’s books.

Pamela May-jewelry
Pam May first became aware of dichroic glass six years ago while on a trip to Sedona, Arizona. She went to a local art fair and discovered the vibrant and brilliant colors of the glass being used by one of the artists. After coming back home, she did research on how to make her own dichroic glass jewelry. “The glass I work with is a special type of scientific glass called dichroic glass. The word “dichroic” means “two colors” because of the two or more colors that the glass reflects and transmits at the same time.  Developed by NASA to reflect ultraviolet light from the astronauts’ reflective visors, dichroic glass is used by scientists to separate and filter specific colors of visible light. Its ability to reflect color in a beautiful way makes it a perfect material for jewelry.” No two pieces are ever the same. “I have taken some glass fusing classes to gain knowledge in how to work with the kiln. Through experimentation and some favorable accidents, I have developed techniques that involve layering a complex collage of dichroic and other art glass by firing multiple times in the kiln to 1500°F or higher. My goal is to continue to work and experiment with the glass and hopefully expand into other products using the dichroic glass such as wind chimes and dishes.  I’m just beginning, but envision many great things to come.” Pam has participated in many, many art fairs and shows throughout Michigan.

Winnie Schuette-Acrylic on Paper and Canvas
Winnie Schuette doodled on the backs of envelopes as a kid and says she still does that. At SC4 she studied with Earl Robinette. From there, she attended Eastern Michigan University, Oakland University, (where she earned her B.A.) and the School of the Art Institute in Chicago. Winnie has been painting backdrops in Chicago and Michigan for over twenty years. She has “finally gotten back into non-commercial painting” and brings these images for the first time to the Renaissance Roam. Her use of texture, layering of colors as washes, varying shapes and forms, and “pushing the paper to its limit,” are what makes her work interesting. Winnie is currently involved in continuing “The Shop” tradition at the Federal Building in Port Huron, working on her backdrops, and continuing to develop her “fine art” side. “Art is essential because, it keeps me sane.” Winnie is looking forward to showing her work at the Ren Roam this year and making connections with other artists. Her website address is: www.backdropsbywinnie.com.

Susan Gartee-Painting
Susan Gartee’s technique and subjects determine her art-style and medium. She aspires to “create an eye-deceiving dimension from a flat canvas.” She was born in Flint and raised in “Wonderland.” Susan describes art as “just part of my organic composition; it is how I view the universe; my portal to the other side.” She is self-taught, but has attended Mott College and taught at N.B. C. A. in North Branch for one year. Susan believes that “the brush is only a catalyst of the intuitive nature and passion projected onto the canvas.” She hopes to “keep creating, inspire others, finish my book to be published; fate and destiny determine the rest.” She wishes to “expand and intrigue” with her work. Susan enjoys networking with other like-minded artists and being involved in community projects.

Stella Pytleski-Fused glass
Stella Pytleski got interested in stained glass twenty years ago while she was living in Texas. This hobby had a great calming effect on her after a stressful day at work. In fact, she relates, “This hobby can take over your life and you don’t realize how much time goes by before you stop. It is quite addictive.” Her greatest pleasure was teaching stained glass to an 80 year old retired Air Force Major. He was so thrilled that he could do stained glass, it was really gratifying to see his excitement. “After all these years I realized that I wanted to be more creative in the eclectic and abstract form, so I entered the field of glass fusing. This work is done in a kiln and glass is sometimes heated up to 1500 or 1600 degrees Fahrenheit until it flows. I experiment a lot and I come up with creations that amaze even me. I enjoy doing overlays and using dichroic glass in my designs. Glass has its own mind and you sometimes don’t know what will come out of the kiln.  I LOVE THE SURPRISES.” Stella’s surprising pieces are sure to delight visitors to the Renaissance Roam.

Creeker Craft Pottery-Celeste Skalnek and Jane Barden




Celeste Skalnek studied pottery with Bill Arnold at SC4 and has been immersed in pottery for nine years. She enjoys the outdoors: fishing, motorcycles, and gardening. In fact, she is a Master Gardener and a Michigan Certified Nurseryman. She incorporates her love for the outdoors into her work using colors and themes of nature for her functional pieces. Celeste especially enjoys the challenge of doing custom work for clients. Her goal is to share her love of clay and its uses with others. She is involved with the Reach Out for College Credit at SC4 as an instructor.
Jane Barden has always been interested in art and has taken classes in drawing and painting with oil, acrylic, and watercolor. Nine years ago, she took her first clay class at SC4 and has been hooked ever since. “I love the versatility and three dimensional aspect of clay. It offers endless possibilities being both artistic and functional. My work is unusual in that all my pieces are hand-built. I like the challenge involved in designing custom work, but particularly enjoy the results of unplanned spontaneous pieces.” Jane finds pleasure in living simply close to nature, and she feels fortunate to reside in a rural setting that offers constant inspiration. She enjoys walking, hiking and canoeing. Jane’s goal is to continue to develop and mature in her work. 
Together, Celeste and Jane teach private classes at their Creeker Craft Studios and they also teach in the Pottery Studio at Studio 1219.

Baerbel Sztumerski-Pottery
Because she always loved pottery, Baerbel Sztumerski decided to learn how to throw pots in 1994. She enrolled in a class at Oakland Community and studied under Henry Tanaka. “I really like throwing functional pieces. They remind me of sitting around the table, having good food, company, and fun. Working in clay is very satisfying and addictive.” Baerbel’s functional pieces are brightly colored using primary colors and include covered dishes, plates, bowls and other serving pieces. Her colors are so rich because of the use of slips, which is liquid clay. She uses many applications to get the vivid color and then puts a clear glaze over it. Baerbel has participated in many art shows including Lexington and Fire and Ice in our area. Her work is very eye-catching and appealing to the senses. She is happy to be involved in this year’s Renaissance Roam.

Charles Stroh-Photography
Charles Stroh loves to travel and take photographs of unusual things he encounters in his travels. Most recently he has visited Turkey.  He has lived in Afghanistan and India for a combined three years: Afghanistan while serving in the Peace Corps, and India on a Fellowship. He is retired from the faculty at the School of Art, WMU. He has a BFA from the Minneapolis School of Art and a MS and MFA from the University of Wisconsin. He has taught art on the college level in many states as well as in Kabul, Afghanistan. Charles has exhibited his artwork in over 160 juried, invitational, and one-person shows since 1972, most recently, the Southwest Michigan Area Juried Exhibit in 2007. He has earned many, many fellowships, awards and grants over the years and has been included in Who’s Who in American Art since 1985. Charles has also been an art writer and has published over fifteen manuscripts in various journals. In addition, he has participated in over 170 juried invitational one-person exhibits. When asked what his goals are, this accomplished man responded: “I hoped to live long enough to do something of significance.” A true Renaissance man, he also does printmaking, paintings, and lithography.

Displayed at Studio:
Bret Roche-drawings with markers and computer art
Bret Roche is a twenty-one year old young man who attends Woodland Developmental Center and loves art. He was influenced by his former art teacher, Mr. John Whiting. Because of his autism, Bret sees the world differently than most. His mom, Cindi, describes it as “accepting everything and everyone as they are with no judgment attached. He has no concept of hate.” Bret is described as very polite and a hard worker by the people who know him. In fact, he recently got an award for “worker of the month” from his restaurant job. Bret has an affinity for music, movies, and time. He is able to tell you the day most movies came out and what day you were born on as he remembers everything and “seems to have a clock in his head.” Bret’s art is created with markers on paper and also on the computer. His way of seeing the world is colorful and uplifting. Bret will offer a display of his work at Studio 1219 during the month of May, 2008. Look for it in the classroom area adjacent to the Yoga gallery.

 

LEXINTON ARTISTS - HARRIS HOUSE

Stefanie Kruchko-Hanson-Paintings
Stefanie Kruchko-Hanson currently teaches painting at St. Clair County Community College. She also coordinates the Open Studio with Model program at Studio 1219, an ongoing program since the beginning of Studio 1219’s classes. Her work has been exhibited in juried shows in Ontario and throughout the Midwest. She just completed a one-person show at the Saginaw Township Offices after winning an honorable mention in the 2007 State of the Arts exhibition last fall. Stefanie’s recent oil paintings concentrate on landscape and the figure. She prefers to work from life, and her current paintings are outgrowths of studies done from models and on sketching trips. “My work is fairly realistic and the subject matter is pretty common: somebody sitting in a chair, sleeping dogs, trees…stuff like that. What attracts me to the subject are aspects which are easy to miss, but if you look at them carefully, they are really beautiful. It may be the relation of colors and pattern to the background or the how the light dissolves one thing and focuses attention on something else. I look at the ordinary and focus on the extraordinary.”
She has an M.A. in painting from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa and a B.A in art from Saint Mary’s College, South Bend, Indiana.

Sam Borg-Sculpture, Multi-media
Sam Borg’s interest in art started when his 5th grade teacher recognized a burgeoning talent and encouraged him to develop it. Her recognition of his talent stayed with him throughout his school years. After high school, the Korean conflict came along and Sam was drafted into the service. While stationed in Germany, he did art projects for the military such as banners and murals. After the service, Sam got a job with Ford Motor Company as a master clay design modeler where he built full size clay models of automobiles for thirty-six years. He retired in 1986 and moved to Lexington. Sam describes his life for the last several years as “a dream come true.” Being free to devote his energies to art created a whole new way of life for him. Sam’s “main enjoyment” is sculpture. He is interested in the human form and human emotions; the “complexities that exist between people such as compassion or intimacy.” Sam’s work includes life size sculptures as well as smaller pieces. In addition to sculpting, Sam also enjoys painting and pen and ink drawings. Joy is something you can hear in Sam’s voice when he talks about his art. Sam’s excellent work has received national recognition and numerous awards. To preview Sam’s work visit his website: www.greatlakes.net/~samborg

Dawn Franzel- oil, acrylic, watercolor paintings
Is anyone busier than a mother of two who is also co-owner and manager of a business, a personal trainer, and an artist? Dawn Franzel is no stranger to juggling her time, but the time she devotes to art will offer a treat to visitors of this year’s Ren Roam. Dawn is a certified teacher with a degree in Child Development and Art from CMU. She enjoys working with a variety of mediums and describes her style as “diverse.” She creates representational art, abstract, and realistic art---depending on her mood. She looks at things in a way that others would not and loves being able to please others with her work. When Dawn was a child, she never went anywhere without her crayons and something to draw on. Her strong interest in art is credited to a high school art teacher who first recognized her talent and believed in her, as well as her grandmother who loved to draw. Dawn enjoys painting almost any subject and hopes to one day teach art full-time, as well as devote more time to her own creative endeavors.

Julienne Jaworski-Abstract, impressionistic acrylic paintings
Julienne has had a lifelong interest in art---especially painting and drawing. She holds a BFA degree from Wayne State University, and a graduate degree from MSU. She has taught high school art, given private instruction, and does decorative painting and murals on commission. Julienne’s goal is to “meld emotion, color and form.” Her favorite quote is: “Eliminate the obvious, exaggerate the essential.” (Vincent Van Gogh) Julienne’s work has garnered many awards: first place for Watercolor Award at the Arts Expo International Show; Purchase Award at Saginaw Art Fair, Watercolor Award at the Saginaw Art Fair, and President’s Award at the Lexington Arts Council’s Juried Art Show.

Valerie Daggett-Abstract Oils

Valerie Daggett was born in California and moved from state to state as an Air Force child. Her interests and inspirations include macro and soft-focus photography, poetry, music, refracted light, and spirituality. Valerie carries herself like a California girl---sunny, open and accessible, free-spirited, yet you sense the still waters run deep. “Art has always been at the heart of my soul as a child. Passion and expression are the seeds of transformation connecting me to a higher source.” Her work has an ethereal quality that seems to originate from someplace outside the realm of possibility. She is a self-taught artist who was first inspired by photography by using soft-focus filters. These kind of images led to her painting style. Valerie enjoys being connected to other positive people and networking with other artists. She also does some writing for Blueroot Magazine. She has won Best of Show with Lexington Arts Council, and Honorable Mention in the Port Sanilac Arts Expo.  See Valerie’s work at: http://www.ecclecticcollections.blogspot.com/.

Dorothy Wagner-Impressionistic watercolor, acrylic, oil
Dorothy Wagner was born in Chicago and raised in Western Michigan. She attended the Art Center School of Design in California, and has taught art at the Port Huron Museum. She is inspired by the evening and morning sky; the way the light shines on objects. She enjoys working on landscapes. “Drawing is a magical process. I paint to make people happy and to influence them to enjoy the wonderful world around them.” Before her retirement, she was a senior Creative Designer at G.M. Her accomplishments include: the rare opportunity to show a painting in the International Women’s Show in Beijing, China, during the Fourth World Conference on Women. She has also earned a best in show in both Port Huron’s International Art Show and with Lexington Arts Council. Her work is hung in the prestigious Woman’s Art Museum in Washington D.C.

Robin Hages-Contemporary glass
Robin Hages got into art because he “tried it.” He has studied his craft at Western Michigan University, the Center for Creative Studies, Michigan Hot Glass, and The Glass Academy in Dearborn where he did an internship. Robin is interested in finding out new things especially when it comes to nature, people, physics, and spirituality. My work is constantly in flux; I reinvent myself almost weekly.” Besides glass and clay, Robin also enjoys drawing and photography. He holds a BFA from the Center for Creative Studies, Detroit. He operates his own hot glass studio and gallery where he teaches classes. 

Alfred Gay—Monoprints
Alfred Gay was looking for a way to mix his love of both painting and print-making, which led him to “the controlled chaos” of monoprinting. Monoprinting bridges the gap for people who are “painters at heart,” but want to do print making without needing to use the “laborious mathematic formulas” once required. The artist builds up layers of paint on Plexiglas to create an image. This “plate” is then run through a traditional printing press and printed on paper. This then leaves a ghost image on the plate for the artist to use as a guide for the next application, change ink colors, blot, or use various solvents to change the image. Every piece is unique. Alfred likes that the hand of the artist is there in each separate image.
Alfred was born in Germany and raised there as well as on the west coast of the U.S.
He attended the University of Washington in Seattle and holds a BFA and Mater’s Degree in Printmaking. He teaches art and communications at St. Clair County Community College, and exhibits his work in galleries and shows throughout Michigan.

Joe Balone-Watercolor and Mixed Media
Joe Balone is a master painter whose work has been featured in many magazines including The Wallstreet Journal and Illustrated Quarterly. It is also part of many permanent collections including Wayne State University, The Cleveland Museum of Art and The Detroit Institute of Art. Joe attended Cranbrook Academy of Art and is a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Arts. He was a G.M. Designer before he retired and began painting full time. His realistic landscapes have an impressionistic touch and have won awards from the Port Huron Museum, the Lexington Street Art Fair, and SC4.
He has had solo exhibits at the Whitney Gallery in Birmingham, the Ivan Rouse Gallery in Clarkston, and the Raven Gallery in Detroit. Joe has shown work at such prestigious venues as Cornell University, The Carnegie Institute, and the DIA to name a few. Joe’s paintings have not been seen in this area for many years, so don’t miss this rare opportunity to check out the very special work of this man who has devoted most of his life to art.