State of the Art: 16 art exhibitions you can see now through September | Features

Head to TC, Glen Arbor, Cross Village, Petoskey, Frankfort and Charlevoix to see them all

By Brighid Driscoll | July 27, 2024

Pictured: Edward Duff’s “Moon Rise,” cropped for the web.

Take a break from the trail or the beach and enjoy the peace and quiet of a gallery, museum or art centre.

Our local art scene is bursting with vibrant exhibits that promise to delight your senses and spark your imagination. From avant-garde installations to landscapes that remind you of home, there’s something for every art lover, whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newbie. And since the majority of these exhibits feature Michigan artists, it’s a great way to support the creators in your community. Join us for a tour of some must-see artworks.

Higher Art Gallery (Traverse City)

Northern views by Edward Duff is “a love letter to Michigan,” says artist and gallerist Shanny Brooke. Brooke and Duff have worked together since they opened the gallery and were looking for a landscape artist to round out the offering. “I wanted someone exceptional,” she says. “When I met Ed, I knew.”

The collection captures all that is dreamy and magical about the beaches of Northern Michigan. At first glance, Duff’s oil paintings almost look like photographs. Hazy lavender, blue moonrises over the water, and coastal forests are just a few of the visions Duff conjures up. “This is all Northern Michigan,” Brooke says. “There’s (one) of Sturgeon Bay that I really like. That part of the water always feels a little wilder and more untamed. … He does a lot of beautiful open waters.”

A painting of the view from the Empire Bluff trail perfectly captures the Caribbean blue hue the summer lake is known for. Only one scene is unique from the rest of the collection: a driver’s view of an unnamed highway at sunset. The view is undoubtedly a Michigan road and will bring a familiar sense of home to anyone who grew up anywhere in the Mitten. Stop by soon: the show ends August 3.

Glen Arbor Arts Center (Glen Arbor)

When you find yourself in Leelanau County, check out the Glen Arbor Arts Center Create members exhibition. The diverse work is a perfect way to immerse yourself in a world of local talent. Running through August 8, this unique showcase features the diverse and engaging works of 41 current members. Discover an array of 2D and 3D media including clay sculptures, intricate collages, fiber art, mixed media pieces, expressive paintings, detailed printmaking, evocative photography, and striking sculptures. Each piece tells a story and reflects the rich artistic heritage and creativity of the Leelanau community and the Northern Michigan region beyond.

Three Pines Studio (Cross Village)

Experience three fascinating exhibitions in the coming month. From 3 to 13 August you can enjoy En route by Doug Barron and Brian Goff, stunning oil paintings that combine impressionism and realism. Meet the artists at the reception on August 3, from 2-5 p.m., and learn about the vibrant landscapes and architectural scenes that evoke cherished moments.

Then discover from August 17 to 27 Light on the land by Louise Pond. Her delicate paintings masterfully capture texture and light, creating depth and emotion in each piece. Join us for the artist reception on August 17th, 2-5pm.

Finally, see Beaches on the Mitt by Ron Theisen from August 31 to September 10. This exhibition offers a serene journey through the beautiful beaches of Michigan and captures the essence of summers on the Midwest coast.

Crooked Tree Art Center (Petoskey)

Through August 31, two exhibitions by Michigan artists are on view at CTAC. The husband and wife team of Robert and Susan Perrish are behind Horizons: Landscapes and Figuresin which their distinctly different works are shown, united by a romantic approach to contemporary subjects. The Perrishes’ paintings depict the idyllic Michigan countryside and studies of the human figure. Meanwhile, Michigan: An American Portrait is a collaborative exhibition featuring work by 13 artists. The project delves into the history, people, and natural world of Michigan, exploring the relationships between place, identity, and the human experience. (It was inspired by the PBS documentary of the same name!)

Oliver Art Center (Frankfort)

Experience Contemporary conversations at the Oliver Art Center from August 2 through September 6. Four artists are featured in this immersive exhibition. Christopher Fellows presents powerful sculptures with rich colors and textures, combining futuristic vibes with an ancient otherworldliness. James Kipp’s luminous oil paintings showcase jewel tones and the mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow. Glenn Wolff’s mixed-media pieces emphasize the unique juxtaposition of vibrant colors against muted natural metals and wood surfaces. And Brad Sprouse’s earthy ceramics and sculptural forms utilize intriguing found objects and natural materials.

Art Circle Charlevoix (Charlevoix)

Regionally inspired work by Northern Michigan locals is on sale at Charlevoix Circle of Arts throughout August. Summer salonNow in its fifth year, it offers residents a place to showcase and sell their art each summer. The work is constantly changing as more pieces are sold, and it’s the perfect way to purchase work that captures local beauty from artists who know it best.

Dennos Museum Center (Traverse City)

In addition to the Inuit art collection and several other permanent exhibitions, the Dennos Museum has four exhibitions running through September 1.

Solo E Tutti: a celebration of community is a project by Interlochen Arts Academy Visual Arts students that explores the concept of ‘community’. Louise Jones: 10,000 Flowers has new works on canvas from the renowned floral muralist. The Michigan Watercolor Society has shared its 77th annual works exhibition, with 55 pieces on display, 30 of which will be exhibited at various locations throughout the state. And last but not least, Hard edges, vibrant colors highlights more than a dozen works from Dennos’ permanent collection of optical “Op” art that play with the viewer’s perception.

But wait, there’s more! Mark your calendars for September and the arrival of three new exhibitions.

A Beautiful Mess: Weavers and Knotters of the Vanguard showcases the extraordinary talents of 11 female artists who transform everyday materials into fiber art. From intricate, hand-sized pieces to expansive, room-sized installations, these works incorporate traditional weaving, knotting, and macramé. Addressing themes of racism, sexism, and climate change, these artists create powerful, personal works that challenge the status quo and inspire reflection.

“Historically, textile work has been considered a craft and not necessarily a fine art,” says Chelsie Niemi, Audience Engagement and Communication Manager. “So there’s been a bit of a movement, especially recently, to recognize traditionally female crafts as fine art. These women are pushing the boundaries of what this medium can look like.”

Next, experience Heaven in stonea collection by Katrina Bello in which charcoal and pastel drawings capture the essence of the Northern Michigan coastline. “She did a residency at the Tusen Takk Foundation in Leland. Part of their goal is to connect artists with public exhibition spaces. We organize those shows as part of our Spotlight Series,” Niemi tells us. Bello’s work, influenced by her residency, delves into themes of history, earth science, and the human connection to the natural world. Her powerful pieces reflect on time, landscape, and the divine.

Finally, discover a contemporary Japanese ceramic art collection with diverse styles, shapes and glazes. These pieces are drawn from the extensive collection of Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz and emphasize functional and sculptural ceramics.

“The Horvitzes have (probably) the largest collection of contemporary Japanese ceramics outside of Japan,” says Niemi. “This will be a long-term loan. Normally our exhibitions are only a month long, but this one is a year long.” This exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of Japanese ceramic art, appealing to visitors of all ages and backgrounds.