Cycling Salamander

"Rusty" by Ritch Branstrom Top Ten Finalist

2011-10-03T23:39:00.000-04:00

Ritch Branstrom's sculpture "Rusty" is one of the top ten finalists in ArtPrize 2011. Vote for Rusty at the link below. The winner will be announced on October 6.

"Rusty" by Ritch Branstrom
Vote 42691.
Rusty is a crowd favorite. Help Ritch win!
First place prize is $250,000!
Text to 42691 to 808080 or vote online.
http://www.artprize.org/artists/public-profile/2562

Created out of salvaged and recycled materials, Rusty is 12 feet tall, 8 feet wide and 19 feet long.

ArtPrize 2011

2011-09-28T18:26:00.001-04:00

ArtPrize 2011 has arrived: woodtv.com

Cycling Salamander Artists in ArtPrize2011

2011-09-27T16:03:00.000-04:00

Two Cycling Salamander artists are competing in ArtPrize2011.
ArtPrize 2011: September 21 - October 9
ArtPrize® is a radically open competition. Open to any artist in the world who can find space. Open to anybody in Grand Rapids, Michigan who wants to create a venue. Open to a vote from anyone who attends. There is over a half a million dollars in prize money- making it the world's largest "ArtPrize."
Please help support our artists. Rebecca Glotfelty is the owner and proprietor of Cycling Salamander. Ritch Branstrom has shown many of his original creations at the gallery including his famous "can fish" as well as skeeters from his home in the U.P. We have plenty of fish available for Christmas gifts. Contact the gallery for more info.

LandMine - a film by Rebecca Glotfelty
Vote 45431 online or text your vote to 808080.

first round ends at midnight Wed., Sept. 28, Profile
http://www.artprize.org/artists/public-profile/53994
You must register to vote in Grand Rapids.

Filmmaker, Rebecca Glotfelty
grapples with the questions of inheritance, land
stewardship and environmental and historical
preservation in this documentary, which is centered
around two personal tragedies. The film reveals
Glotfelty’s inability to protect her family's sacred places.

"Rusty" by Ritch Branstrom
Vote 42691.
Currently in the top 25 in Westside!
Rusty is a crowd favorite. Help Ritch win!
First place prize is $250,000!
Text to 42691 to 808080 or vote online.
http://www.artprize.org/artists/public-profile/2562

Created out of salvaged and recycled materials, Rusty is 12 feet tall, 8 feet wide and 19 feet long.

Watercolor Workshop with Betty Bea Washburn

2011-07-30T21:51:00.003-04:00

The Northern Michigan Experience
with Betty Bea Washburn
Saturday, August 6 - Sunday, August 7
9am to 8pm (with appropriate breaks)
$250 (Supply list available)
Register with the
Cycling Salamander.

Painters of all skill levels are welcomed during this three day workshop with veteran watercolor instructor, Betty Bea Washburn. Cycling Salamander is proud to have represented Betty Bea since 1998. Here works are a favorite of Cycling Salamander Patrons and students love her encouraging teaching style. Whether you're a beginning or advanced painter, you'll gain insight from this extraordinary instructor. To see more of her work visit: www.bettybeawashburn.blogspot.com

Still Life and Portrait Demonstrations in Oil

2011-07-12T23:25:00.002-04:00

Taught by Natalia Andreeva
Sunday, July 17, 2011
9:30 – 2:30 pm
$25 - Call 231-547-2333 to register.

Morning Demonstration – The Still Life
9:30 – 11:30

Sushki by Natalia Andreeva

The Alla Prima Still Life Demonstration will show you how to build up confidence in speaking the language of art. Alla Prima paintings are quick and completed in one session while the paint is still wet. Learn how to evaluate the tonal values of color, spots, shapes and the direction of light.

11:30 – 12:30 Break
(Bring a Sack Lunch)

Afternoon Session – The Portrait
12:30 – 2:30

Ukrainian Girl

Whether you are a professional artist or beginner, painting from the live model is a powerful way to rapidly improve your skills. We will explore the unlimited possibilities of painting the portrait via Alla Prima in various mediums and will learn to work with a limited palette and achieve accurate proportions through study of facial structure and anatomy.

After the demonstrations students are invited to work on their own paintings.

About the Artist
Natalia emerged as an artist from the rich artistic climate of Novosibirsk, in Siberia after graduating from its most prestigious art college. During her classical education in the canons of European art she was greatly influenced by eastern philosophy. Consequentially, Natalia's work is a harmonious marriage between spontaneous expressions and classical realism.
Among Natalia's favorite themes are exquisite landscapes, depicting the subtlety of nature, still life, where vibrant shapes and internal dynamics are shown in contrast to the commonplace subjects, and finally, figures and portraits brimming with humanity, and giving testament to the beauty and harmony of the human condition. Visit her website: http://www.andreeva.com/

SMART Art and Design Show

2010-11-20T11:49:00.012-05:00

May 21-June 29, 2011 SMART (Sustainable Materials and Reclaimed Things) Art and Design Show will feature art, furniture, instruments, portable buildings, craft, etc, created out of SMART (Sustainable Material and Reclaimed Things) This juried and invitational show will feature top recycling artists and designers from Michigan.

Participating artists include: Ritch Branstrom, Andy Gregg, Betty Bea Washburn, Robert LaLonde, Tom Kaufmann, Jeff Krino, John Goss, Stella Larkin, Karen Godfrey, John Unger, Doug Delind and Lanni Lantto, Meredith Krell, Steve Toornman and others.

The opening reception will be Saturday, May 21 with musical entertainment provided by the Charlevoix Sax Quartet. The closing reception and awards presentation will be Saturday, June 25th. Awards will be determined by people's choice voting (one vote per person) Voting to take place at the Cycling Salamander between May 21 and 10pm on June 24.

Cycling Salamander is taking submissions for jury through May 15, 2011. If you're interested in participating in the show please email images of your work or include a link to your website.

Kids' Art Class

2010-07-16T18:33:00.004-04:00

More than a dozen kids from the Charlevoix Circle of Arts visited the Cycling Salamander today to be inspired by the show, "Out of the U.P.: Steel Sculpture by Gordon Gearhart" and by the sculptures by artists Ritch Branstrom (Rapid River), Karin Kirulus (Chicago), Rick Kane, Karla and Bill Tye (Kalamazoo), Larry Halbert (Dundee), and Chester Morris (Charlevoix). After viewing the work the kids collected seeds, twigs, rocks and other material in order to create their found object sculptural pieces. Here are a few of the camper's and their work. Way to go campers!

Current Show

2010-06-22T18:23:00.004-04:00

Out of the U. P.

The Art of a Blacksmith Revealed

Steel Sculptures by

Gordon Gearhart

Opening Reception

July 10, 2010

4 - 6 p.m.

Showing July 10 - August 31

Gordon E. Gearhart is an artist-blacksmith living and working in Marquette, Michigan. With a background in sheet metal and foundry work as well as basic blacksmithing skills, he pursued a degree in Industrial Technology at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan. While attending NMU, Gordon enrolled in a blacksmithing course in the Department of Art and Design. From that point on, using iron and steel to explore sculptural and functional forms became the focus of study. Blacksmithing became the main means of working the materials of choice. After studying blacksmithing and sculpture under the direction of Art Professor Dale Wedig at NMU, Gordon began his business producing architectural, sculptural, and utilitarian metalwork. His work took him across the country including Leadville, Colorado and Jacksonville, Florida before returning to Marquette in 1997 to open his studio.

Featured Artist - Ritch Branstrom

2010-06-20T19:02:00.004-04:00

Cycling Salamander is excited to have the famous "can fish" by Rapid River artist Ritch Branstrom. These fish are being caught quickly by our clients who love them as much as I do. Ritch will even do special order fish. One customer recently ordered a Bush's Bean fish to give to a friend who always eats a can of Bush's Baked Beans when his wife is away. Ritch has a variety of fish made from beer cans, juice cans and sport drinks and soda. And yes you do want to look the fish in the mouth as Ritch usually signs each fish with his name, time and temperature at completion. One thing you'll learn is that it is really cold in Rapid River for most of the winter months.

Catch your fish today

at Cycling Salamander.

More about Ritch

I recently met recycled artist Ritch Branstrom at his Rapid River Studio (the adhocworkshop) in the U.P. of Michigan. The shop is an amazing array of Ritch's creations and works in progress. It would really be inane for me to try to describe his creations so I'll just post a few photos that I snapped. I have learned that Ritch doesn't really like to have his photo taken so if you stop at his studio, you'll have to snap a photo when he's not looking.

Here's Ritch as I first met him in the doorway of the Adhoc Workshop in Rapid River, MI (30 or so minutes from Escanaba, MI) To find out more visit his website

Current Show - Rustic Ramblings

2010-05-10T23:26:00.005-04:00

Our current show is "Rustic Ramblings"watercolors by Betty Bea Washburn. Betty Bea Washburn has been a professional watercolorist for the last 30 years. Before settling in northern lower Michigan, Betty Bea was a public school art teacher in the Marshall Public School system. Today she finds inspiration for her large and vibrant watercolors in area landscapes, gardens and historical sites, especially those on Mackinac Island.

Washburn is intrigued by watercolor relationships: the harmony between the physical properties of the medium, the effect of atmosphere on the subject matter, and the use of color to create an internal glow.

Her watercolor journey which included study under Nita Engle, has led to an intuitive style of painting achieved by floating color on paper surface and pouring atmospheric colors to achieve glowing light effects.

This show is open during regular gallery hours through July 5, 2010.

Cycling Salamander Looking for Artists

2010-05-03T12:28:00.000-04:00

Cycling Salamander is a fine art gallery located in northern lower Michigan. We are currently looking for exceptional artists to show in our gallery for the 2010 gallery season. We are especially seeking fun and funky work, abstract expressionistic paintings, sculpture, pottery, glass and jewelry. We are not accepting realistic or pleine air painting at this time. Please email the gallery with photographs of your work or link to your website if you think your work might be a good fit for the gallery.
Thank you,
Rebecca

Winter at the Cycling Salamander

2010-01-08T13:12:00.000-05:00

Happy 2010
The Cycling Salamander is now dormant for the winter. We will emerge from our hibernation in May 2010. We do welcome inquiries and artist submissions at this time. We look forward to seeing everyone during the 2010 summer season.

Rebecca

Current Exhibit "My World"

2008-08-08T20:41:00.000-04:00

Now showing at Cycling Salamander Art Gallery is the exhibit,

My World which features photographs by Rebecca Glotfelty and

watercolors by Kelly Wesner. On Exhibit: August 9 - August 31, 2008

Read Rebecca's and Kelly's artist statement and view pieces in the show.

Michigan Music and Literature

2008-04-28T13:49:00.000-04:00

This year Cycling Salamander will be carrying a selection of music cds, books, and documentaries and films produced by Northern Michigan authors and musicians and filmmakers. I'm continually blown away by the talent that dwells among these Northern Michigan woods. Come listen to music by Charlevoix's Jetty Rae and Stephen Little, Boyne City's Robin Lee Berry, Norwood's Dwain Martin, Traverse City (Benzie County's) Song of the Lakes, East Jordan's "Breathe Owl Breathe" and more. Also you can browze our collection of northern Michigan literature and reference guides. Authors include Heidi A. Marshall and Mary Hramiec Hoffman from Harbor Springs, Jerry Dennis from Traverse City, Ken Scott from Suttons Bay, Glen Ruggles from Elk Rapids and Tim Smith from Williamsburg. Please contact me if you are a local musician or if you write or sing about life in Northern Michigan. We would love to carry your work.

S.O.S. - Save our Sculpture

2008-03-20T23:21:00.000-04:00

Norwood Township has cited Cycling Salamander for being in violation of our Special Use Permit (granted in 2001). According to the Township, the permit which we paid for does NOT allow us to offer art classes on the property nor display ANY artwork outside the confines of the gallery building. This includes artwork displayed in the secluded courtyard and screened back yard (6 acres) Soon, we will have to go before the planning commission and ask for an addendum to the permit. If you enjoy visiting Cycling Salamander, we ask you to write a letter in support of the display of outdoor sculpture and art classes at the gallery. Email your letters to me or or directly to Jonathan Scheel, the zoning administrator: jszoning@charter.net. Please cc me if you do.
Thank you for your help! (image above: Sculpture by John Mishler)

Gallery Artists in the News

2008-03-19T13:35:00.000-04:00

Cycling Salamander represents some of the finest artists in the state. It is a challenge to keep up with everyone's endeavors and awards that they receive. Recently, Foot Hospital in Jackson, Michigan purchased two of Doug Delind’s Raku fired pieces to put on permanent display. He was also featured in the February show at the Jordan River Arts Council in East Jordan, Michigan.
Rebecca Glotfelty’s half-hour documentary, “The Four Directions and the Waganakising Odawa” aired last November on 6 PBS affiliate stations in Michigan. Her documentary “Journey to Joy” depicting the musical group, “Song of the Lakes” will premiere Tuesday, March 25 at the State Theater in downtown Traverse City. An article about the documentary and Rebecca's other work will be featured in the March 21st Arts and Entertainment section of the Traverse City Record Eagle.

Gallery Listed as a "Pure Michigan Experience"

2008-03-14T14:56:00.000-04:00

Cycling Salamander was recently written up as a "Pure Michigan Experience" on the Michigan Travel Website. Thank you, Bill, for your wonderful write up.

"The vibrant country air, the scent of fresh flowers. Afternoon breezes blowing in the long grasses. Such are the stimuli when disembarking, after a long drive. at the Cycling Salamander just south of Charlevoix. Before entering the gallery itself, one stops by a lovely fish pond guarded by a semi-nude bronze of exquisite proportions. More of the wonderful work of William Tye lie inside. The interior of the gallery is rustic with creaky hardwood floors, a lofty roof with exposed rafters, old-world-charm windows. It is jam packed with wonderful exhibits by several Michigan artists - vibrant watercolours, whimsical pastels, sculptures. Some are of universal design, others portrait the life and culture of the state. The back yard has a quarter mile walkway past a swamp full of cattails and noisy birds then through raspberry patches and a hardwood lot. Tastefully located at various points are more sculptures, making the whole exercise even more relaxing and interesting. To promote local artists, Rebecca Glotfelty, the proprietor, holds open houses every so often and invites an artist to attend. My next trip to Northern Michigan will coincide with one of these shows. If the artwork I have seen at the gallery is intriguing, then meeting the artist should be a treat. A visit to the gallery is a lovely relaxing break. The only thing missing from the ambiance is a fine bakery!"

We invite you to share your experience at the Cycling Salamander. Just click the link to the write.

Tai Chi Classes offered by gallery artist.

2008-03-05T14:34:00.000-05:00

Did you know that clay artist, Meg McClorey, is also a Certified Alexander Technique instructor of Tai Chi? She teaches classes in Charlevoix and Boyne City, but you can also take part in a week-long tai chi/sailing excursion "Tai Chi on the Inland Seas." from August 24 through August 30. Cycling Salamander is collaborating wtih Exploration Sailing Charters located in Lake Huron's North Channel (Canada) to offer this fabulous opportunity. The week-long trip costs just $1,000/per person and includes accommadations, provisions, and tai chi instruction.

Tai Chi, a form of martial arts from the 12th century, is thought to help a "vital energy" called "qi" (chee) flow through the body. Tai Chi is a low-impact, weight-bearing exercise to benefit bones and joints: an aerobic exercise to benefit cardiovascular health; known to improve physical conditioning, muscle strength, coordination, and flexibility for better balance and lowered risk for falls; may help ease pain an stiffness; reported to improve sleep; and may be beneficial to overall wellness.

Read Meg's article , A Tai Chi Practice, featured in the January issue of the Northern Express Magazine.

Postcards available

2008-02-29T14:22:00.000-05:00

Do you have a friend who might be interested in visiting the Cycling Salamander? Please tell them about this site or you can send us their address and we'll send them a gallery postcard. Who doesn't like getting a postcard? It is a great way to say, "Wish you were here!" We would also like to provide postcards to tourist related businesses in Northern Michigan. Likewise, we would be happy to put your information on display at the gallery.

Northern Michigan Retreat for Artists

2008-02-29T12:16:00.000-05:00

Are you an artist looking for a little cabin to retreat to this summer? Cycling Salamander is offering it's "tea house" which overlooks the fish pond. Enjoy some lemonade as you watch for birds (green herons, blue herons, virginia rails, red-wing black birds, warblers and finches are commonly seen), read a book, paint or draw. The cabin rents for $15 for the day (single's only) If you would like to stay at the cabin for the evening, you might like to know that the spring peepers and bullfrogs can be pretty loud!

Artist Profile - Natalia Andreeva

2008-02-26T13:15:00.000-05:00

In December 1998, I received a dozen slides of still-life, landscapes and portraits created in oils and watercolors. It didn't take me long to pick up the phone and dial the artist who sent them to me. "Is this Natalia?" I asked. "Yes, the woman, replied in a thick Russian accent. "I'd like to have your work in my gallery, if you're still interested." Less than a week later, Natalia, her six month old boy, Daniel, and her husband brought an armful of artwork to my gallery in downtown Marshall. Thus began our professional and personal relationship. Natalia and I are the same age and have shared some of the same struggles in the past ten years. What I appreciate about Natalia is her optimistic nature and her ability to find beauty and harmony in the human condition and translate this into her art. Currently, Natalia, her two sons and husband, Sasha live in Tallahassee Florida. Originally from Novisibirsk, Siberia (In Russia) Natalia has traveled extensively throughout the world, thereby being exposed to a wide range of artistic styles and traditions. Among Natalia’s favorite themes are exquisite plein-air landscapes, depicting the subtlety of nature; still life, were vibrant shapes and internal dynamics are shown in contrast to the commonplace subjects; and figures and portraits brimming with humanity. Natalia holds a diploma from Novosibirsk State Pedagogical Institute. Her education includes postgraduate studies at the department of Painting and Composition at the Moscow Pedagogical University, and numerals workshops through out Russia and USA. Her work has been distinguished with honors and fellowships. ViewNatalia's paintings currently available at the Cycling Salamander.

Artist Profile - Jerry Power

2008-02-10T18:56:00.000-05:00

In 1998, Jerry Power sent me a sheet of slides of his work. I was blown away by his detailed pastels which brilliantly capture the subtle nuances of light and color. In the last ten years since I've been carrying his work, Jerry has received dozens of awards and has been featured in American Artist magazine and Pastel Journal. It has been a pleasure to know Jerry and his wife, Pati and to carry his work. His paintings have the capacity to transport you to that northern Michigan beach, the abandoned farmstead, or the meadow sprinkled with bachelor buttons and Queen Anne's Lace.

Artist Statement
I started painting late in my life and found my quickest development came with plein air painting. Although I do paint in oils, I favor pastels when painting in the field because I find them easier to handle. I like to paint scenes with strong shadows so I do most of my landscape painting in the early morning or late afternoon. These are the times the landscapes seem to pull you in. I feel my obligation as an artist is to share with the viewer those moments for they may never come again, and to spark an awareness that nature is both beautiful and fragile. When I did the Artist-in-Residence programs at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Indiana Dunes National Shoreline I found it to be the best experiences I’ve had for myart and for my appreciation of the landscape. Almost all the paintings done (some 40 paintings) during my stay were plein air (painted and completed in the field).

To learn more about Jerry Power visit his website: www.jerrypowerart.com

Studio and Gallery Space for Lease

2008-01-23T20:06:00.000-05:00

Attention all Artists. Cycling Salamander Art Gallery in Charlevoix, Michigan will be leasing studio/gallery space in summer 2009. Don't miss this great opportunity to create and sell work in one of the Midwest's premier vacation destinations. This would be the ideal situation for the Florida, "downstate" artist or "snow bird" who would love the opportunity to live and work in Northern Michigan during the summer and still maintain their residence in the south. In addition to the 20x40 studio/gallery space, you will have the opportunity to reside on the property. Cycling Salamander Gallery is located within an hour from many popular resort towns including Harbor Springs, Charlevoix, Petoskey, Traverse City, Elk Rapids and Bellaire - all hosting their own art fairs. The gallery is located on US31 - the main road between Traverse City and Charlevoix which is a popular tourist route. Can it get better? Yes! We are but a short 5 minute drive or 3 mile walk to Norwood Beach and Fisherman's Island State Park - with 5 miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan Shoreline to discover. Send me an email if any of this sounds interesting. We are looking for another unique addition to the Cycling Salamander family. Terms are negotiable. Willing to "Make a Deal" with the right person(s).

Studio Space includes:
Running Water
220 current (can run electric kiln)
Furnace

Kelly Wesner - My World

2007-08-11T12:47:00.000-04:00

Artist Statement.

It is the quiet nature of Northern Michigan that inspires so many to leave their fast pace blues behind and head "up North" to find that sate of calm in which brings them back to their center. It is that state of calm that I'm continually challenged to capture. I observe seagulls examining their reflections and playfully soaring in the wind, horses grazing in their pastures, outdoor enthusiasts canoeing down the Jordan River early in the morning, and architectural landmarks that take me to another place in time.

My World - Photographs by Rebecca Glotfelty

2007-08-10T15:17:00.000-04:00

Artist Statement

After nearly a ten-year hiatus from actively taking still photographs, I set out to capture the world around me. A world that I had almost refused to observe as I did not want to record the moments of my life.

The 22 photographs in the exhibit, My World, were taken in Charlevoix County and almost all are views of Mt. McSauba Park just north of the city of Charlevoix. For nearly two months in the summer of 2007, I visited this area of shifting sand dunes, woods and water. My dogs Ollie and Harry would often join me. They became accustomed to my habitual rest at the crest of the dunes each morning. They, like me, would soak in the magnificent view of sand and water. Every day brought a new surprise - a beach thistle, a previously unexposed fossil, or weasel tracks left embedded in sand. Most days, Ollie and Harry would sit and wait as I attempted to capture these sights, however sometimes anxious to take a morning swim, they would run full steam down the dunes to Lake Michigan. A few photographs capture this exuberance.

I shot mostly in black and white.

Color often confuses me. Black and white photography forces me to pay attention to shapes and composition. Light and dark, textures, etc. seem to pop out when I observe the world this way. Focusing my attention on just this one area forced me to be more aware of my surroundings and to appreciate the wonders that are right beneath my feet.

I hope you’ll enjoy visiting My World

Rebecca

August 9, 2008

Old Work.

Hand printed in the darkroom.

Betty Bea Washburn

2007-05-01T20:16:00.000-04:00

Betty Bea Washburn taught me the paint strokes that create the wispy branches of a gnarly white pine. She taught me perseverance while working with clay, and she taught me about vanishing points and proportions. She was my Middle School Art teacher. Betty Bea still is everyone's favorite teacher. After taking a class with her, students exclaim," Did I do that?" She was known around town as the hip art teacher and loved by everyone. After 33 years of teaching Betty Bea retired from the public school system.

She now devotes herself to painting in watercolors which she began professionally in 1979. As a resident of northern lower Michigan she finds inspiration in area landscapes, gardens, and historical sites. Betty Bea is intrigued by watercolor relationships: the harmony between the physical properties of the medium, the effect of atmosphere on the subject matter, and the use of color as a means of creating an internal glow. Betty Bea states, "My goal is to infuse the paintings with energy that remains within the work long after the brush has been lifted from the paper."Betty Bea continues to teach the art of painting with watercolors. This summer she is teaching a one-week intuitive watercolor class for Exploration Sailing Charters.

Read about this fantastic trip here.

Collections

Oaklawn Hospital, Marshall, MI

Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Shanty Creek Resort, Bellaire, MI

Michigan Education Association, Lansing, MI

Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Kalamazoo, MI

Breakers Hotel, Palm Beach, Florida (team muralist)

Numerous Private Collections

Southwest Michigan Rehabilitation Hospital, Battle Creek, MI

Teaching Experience

Art Instructor, United Arts Council, Calhoun County, MI 1996-1999

Art Instructor, Marshall Public Schools, Marshall, MI 1965-1996 (retired)

Community Education Art Instructor, Marshall, MI 1976-1996

Education

Master of Arts in Education, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 1976

Bachelor of Arts in Art Education, College of Wooster, Wooster Ohio 1962

Watercolor Workshops with nationally known artists 1979 to present.

Karla Wyss Tye

2007-04-30T21:11:00.000-04:00

Karla Wyss-Tye is a professional sculptor who’s work often involves bird/human images. These images are a curious combination of animal and human spirit, gestures and emotion. The bird is an ancient symbol for the soul, that part of ourselves that knows no boundaries is a part of something larger which allows us to dream, create and explore the mysteries.

Karla received her graduate and undergraduate degrees from Western Michigan University and has done post degree work at Wayne State University and the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. Karla has been a faculty member of the Kalamazoo Valley Community College and the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. Karla has been a guest lecturer at Western Michigan University regarding "Women In The Arts" and has conducted a Patina Workshop for the Sculpture Department.

Karla has been included in the Michigan Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition sponsored by the Business Consortium for the Arts, Southfield, Ml ., the All State Competition in Battle Creek, Ml., and the Krasl Biannual Sculpture Invitational, Krasl Art Center, St. Joseph, Ml. Karla was a founding member of the Kalamazoo Bronze Casting Company, a touring group which exhibited in and around Ml for several years.

For over 20 years Karla and her husband William Tye owned and operated the Alchemist -Tye Studio Inc. The Alchemist is a fine art foundry located in Kalamazoo Ml, which specializes in mold making and casting using the lost wax method. During this time, the Tye's cast their own work and that of many professional artists including: Kirk Newman, Stephen Hansen, Carole Harrison, Frank Gallo and Virginio Ferrari.

Karla’s work is included in public collections of: The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Western Michigan University, The Saugatuck-Douglas “art round town”, Sturgis Ml. Arts Council and the Douglas Community Center.

In 2003 Karla was honored by the School of Art at Western Michigan University for distinguished actions and accomplishments in the Visual Arts.

Artist Statement
Birds are an important mythological symbol that has persisted since ancient times to the present day. Because of their wings birds are not bound to the earth but are free to explore the heavens. Freedom to fly is the reason why birds have been chosen to represent our spiritual self, our soul, that part of ourselves that knows no boundaries and is a part of something larger, which allows us to dream, to create and explore the mysteries.

Chip Denison and Pat Custer Denison

2007-04-29T12:16:00.000-04:00

The husband and wife team of Chip Denison and Pat Custer Denison collaborate in their Up North, MI ceramic tile studio. Pat is the creative energy responsible for the designs and Chip is the all around facilitation expert doing many of the more tedious production tasks. 2008 marks the Denison's 38th wedding anniversary which coincides with the 38 years Pat has been a professional artist.

The Denisons produce an annual tiles series which is made up of small editions (100-300) of silk screened designs, glazed and kiln fired, on 6" x 8" ceramic tiles. Pat hand cuts the stencils (one stencil/screen per color, 5-6 colors per design) and prints each design herself. Pat and Chirp hand paint a number of the details on each tile in addition to the screened portions. The number of times each tile is picked up and handled before finally being fired is impressive there is a second firing for the metallic accents.

Besides the small tile series, the Denison's create large-scale, one of a kind wall pieces. They design unique, sometimes free shaped, wooden frames for each of these tile paintings. The frames are often carved, elaborately painted and embellished. The finished art may include found objects and three dimensional elements. You can learn more about the Denisons by visiting their website: www.denisonartstudio.com

William Tye

2007-04-24T22:04:00.000-04:00

William Tye is a sculptor with over thirty-five years of experience in making bronze sculpture. Tye holds advanced degrees in sculpture from both Wayne State University, MA, 1967 and Western Michigan University, MFA, 1977.

Tye has retired after 20 years from the Alchemist-Tye Studio, Inc., a bronze sculpture casting foundry located in Kalamazoo, MI.

Tye's exhibition background includes over forty juried competitions: national, regional and local in scope since 1965.

His sculpture won an award in the All State Competition in Battle Creek, MI and his first public commission "Cyclists" is on display in Battle Creek.

Exhibitions of note: Art "Round Town, Saugatuck, MI, 2001-2006. Krasl Sculpture Invitational and All Michigan 1998, and Regional 2000, St. Joseph, MI., the Michigan Consortium for the Arts, Southfield, MI. and a one man exhibition at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. Tye continues to exhibit at the Park Gallery-Tye Studio, Kalamazoo, MI, the Water Street Gallery in Saugatuck, MI, and the TRA Gallery in Troy, MI, The Cycling Salamander, Charlevoix, MI. Tye has won the Art "round Town People's Choice Award twice for three life sized figures "Steps of the Dance" and "Cyclists."

Tye completed two life size portraits of Walter P. Reuther in 1998, for the Walter P. Reuther Library at Wayne State University, Detroit, MI., and the UAW Retreat, Black Lake, MI.

Tye's sculpture is in the collections of: Art "Round Town, Saugatuck., MI., Krasl Art Center, St. Joseph, MI., Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI., the University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC., the Sturgis Council for the ARts and numberous private collections.

Tye is listed in Who's Who in American Art, 17th edition.