February 2010
Stephen James Ballance
sballance@earthlink.net
I have always been fascinated in the changes that occur when the world is transmuted by the photographic process. It is analogous to the ancient practice of alchemy where the wizard attempts to change base metals into gold and other precious metals. AS the various processes record and translate the subject matter, our perception of it is changed: even better, different processes change our perception in very different ways.
Education: MA Applied Photography, Ohio University, 1974
Advanced Study, Cornell University, Paris, 1987
Recent Awards
Artist of the Month, Agora Gallery, NYC, NY, February 2002
Traverse Area Arts Council Annual All-Media Show, May 1999, 1st Place
4th Biennial Photography Exhibition, TAAC, October 1999, 1st Place
3rd Biennial Photography Exhibition-Traverse Area Arts Council, October 1997, 2nd Place
Gallery Representation
Gallery Fifty, Traverse City, MI
More information is available in the Gallery
January 2010
Peter Meyer - D. Fective Turnings: Art from Firewood
First of all, it's difficult to think of myself as an artist. I'm more of a hunter. First I hunt for the log and then hunt for the most interesting grain, defects, or shape. I start with a rough, dirty log and cut away until I reveal a shape, color and grain I find pleasing. It's fun to find out what surprises lie within.
My first exposure to turning was in a Junior High wood shop class. The lathe had a pull on me like no other machine in the place. I also worked in a neighbor's machine shop and could watch the lathe for hours. I took a metal shop class in high school and once again was drawn to the lathe.
After a break of about 20 years, I spotted an old Sears Craftsman lathe at a barn sale for $30. It was really more for spindle turning, (chair parts, candlesticks, bats, etc.) but I was really more interested in turning bowls. I quickly realized the importance of a heavy cast iron base and variable speed. Excessive vibration, and a fairly high lowest speed setting (both leading to firewood projectiles) and a very limited project diameter, started me looking for a bigger better lathe. I kept seeing wonderful logs on the side of the road, but had no way to do much with them. One evening while browsing through the gallery at Old Mission Tavern, I found some turned pieces made from those same logs, and just had to meet their creator.
Lyle Jamieson is a local turner who teaches and demonstrates woodturning all over the country. His home shop near Spider Lake has enough lathes to teach a class of 6 at a time. He is also the president of the Northwest Michigan Woodturners. Having a group to meet with* and share ideas about shape, grain, tools, technique, etc. has been a great help and inspiration.
D. Fective Turnings just seemed like a fitting name for my work. It's not really round because I turn it green (wet) and go straight to the finished product. A more perfect and round bowl is usually turned in 2 steps with a drying process in the middle. I also prefer scavenging wood that was cut because of its poor condition. I get rot, bugs, spalting etc. - defects that all give the wood more character and beauty than straight healthy grain. (It can also increase the difficulty in mounting, sanding and finishing.)
With most of the log in a pile of chips on my floor, the turned piece is free to relax and change shape a bit as it dries. With time the grain of the wood alters the surface like it's flexing its muscles. (Not always visible, but pick them up and feel them.) The colors become richer and deepen, almost taking on an antique appearance. It's very gratifying to watch them mature.
*Learn more: Next meeting is Jan.9, 2010, from 9 to noon. Visitors are welcomed and free. an instant gallery of items, a live demonstration, and much more at the Maritime Heritage Alliance workshop across the parking lot from the Children's Museum on M-22.
December 2009
Ben Riskey 
Ben Riskey worked in Traverse City, Michigan, for many years as a carpenter, then a contractor. Whether working on homes, schools, churches, or commercial buildings, he noticed that his industry always seemed to demand the selection of CLEAR lumber. How curious that a knot, a twisted grain, a streak of sapwood - were somehow considered flaws, or imperfections. Ben developed an intense admiration for the beauty of wood grain, and a frustration that he was continually required to bypass the truly exquisite pieces, in favor of the more plain and boring. His work today reflects a love of the wood, and an ability to display it in a manner that shouts, "These are not flaws!"
The discovery of the species of the Amazon rain forest was his turning point. It's not known how many species grow there (The Amazon basin drains parts of nine nations) but those that estimate such things say 25 to 30 thousand. Ben's work is now all about the wood. He makes functional items, such as coffee cups and cutting boards that are designed and built with the express intent of sharing the beauty of these exotic woods.
The enthusiasm and excitement for colors, grains, and textures of wood can be seen at Art and Soul Gallery, in downtown Traverse City, and at Michigan's Gifts and Treasures, in Interlochen. Ben strives to make each of his pieces "Art that lives with you!"
November 2009
Lisa Wilkins Schulte
About five years ago Lisa "discovered" soft pastels. She took a pastel plein air workshop with Michael Chesley Johnson at the Artcenter in Traverse City, Michigan. She was totally smitten by these wonderful sticks of pure pigment. The striking way in which they bond with a sanded surface intrigued her. The purity of the color is unique in this form, not diluted by oil, acrylic or water. The result is bright, intense, color that is extremely light fast. Pastel painting quickly took root in her passion.
Lisa, having spend the first half of her life in the vibrant caribbean, it is no wonder that the color range of pastels allows her to capture the intense hues of her surroundings. Because of the color infusion received during that part of her life, it seems totally natural that she would gravitate toward this medium.
Lisa moved to Northern Michigan sixteen years ago and was captivated by the beautiful scenery and the quality of light on the landscape. She is excited to have this medium to record the ways she sees it.
In July of this year, Lisa was dragged kicking and screaming to a week long acrylic workshop (Bob Burridge, Loosen up with Aquamedia). By the end of the week, she was exhausted but converted to the medium (it is a close second to pastels). Lisa loved the way she could move the paint around, blending and swirling the colors.
Lisa now has two great mediums to satisfy her passion for painting.
Website: webpages.charter.net/spbubu/
email: spbubu@aol.com
Phone: 231.922.5932
October 2009
Touched by Fire
Why clay?
Pamela Dueweke has a small welding/kiln workshop in a section of her garage that is shared with the family bicycles and camping gear. Sections of a clay-sculpting studio snuggle into corners of her basement in between the laundry and the seasonal decorations. Making art is just as much a part of existence as clean clothes and bike rides.
Mary Endress is a classically trained singer. She has spent a large portion of her life in an evening gown pursuing her love of live performance. The flip side of her creative character relishes the tactile experience and mystery of clay - color, design, and a result to happily hold in her hand when finished.
Mares (Maria) Bustamante Galindo likes to work with her hands in the mud (clay) that thanks to the fire is turned into ceramics. She is always looking for the freedom to create and to the recovery of ancient techniques that have been hidden for 500 years. Even though these techniques have suffered a decline in use and awareness in our culture... our art has not been forgotten!
Karl Schneider discovered that a short clay workshop created a need for clay. He realized that he had the ability to see a shape, research a technique or a glaze and make it happen filling this creative need. The more he played in clay, the more the clay pushed him in new directions... resulting in the pots you see here.
Leif Spörck decided to pursue his desire to design and produce a line of artistic ceramic tiles that would reflect his love of the natural environment. He has created a line of tiles that represent his perceptions of the colorful wildlife, the blue waters, the verdant farms and the various and beautiful locations that surround him.
Todd Springer's work travels a broad spectrum from pitfired sculptures to stoneware vessels; it is this variety that helps to define his sense of place. While continuing the artist livelihood he is also a farmer. Todd is the fifth generation to live and work on his family's ancestral land. He has true tie to the earth.
September 2009
Steven Kaphaem
Our first show of the school year blended the warmth of wood with the themes of sun, summer and riding the waves. Boat building is a very old art. Here we can see the beauty of wood in a variety of models along with a full scale boat.
Not only does Steve make wooden boats but he also makes skin boats. This type of boat dates back to the Neolithic period. They are boats made using a wooden (or metal) frame and a covering. Modern skin boats may be covered with canvas, nylon and polyester.
Steve also uses a much lighter touch on his marquetry. Marquetry is an interesting craft that dates back to the early 1600s. It employs the arrangement of thin layers of contrasting wood to create designs.
May 2009
The Art of the RE DO...
Have your kids out grown a favorite shirt or dress. Did you buy an outfit that needs a little something... Now is the time to do The Children's House RE DO...
The art show for May will be an exhibit of clothing that you... yes, You... have changed, modified, embellished, reconstructed, added to or subtracted from the original piece of clothing. This show is open to the Children's House families and friends. Make it a fun rainy day family project.
First take a before photo.
Second get creative... anyone can do this.
Some simple suggestions:
- Add buttons and beads, rhinestones, sequins, etc.
- Add pockets
- Add knitted or crocheted sleeves, neck band, skirt, etc.
- Add appliqué designs
- Add embroidery
- Make it into a kids hang up laundry hamper 7. Print it with fabric inks, tie dye it, bleach it, paint it.
- Change it from clothing into a quilt, wall hanging, purse, mittens, table runner, place mats, backpack, dolls, puppet, stuffed animal, dinosaur, truck, etc.
- Create reusable cloth boxes, bags - small bags for jewelry or gifts, medium bags for take along toys, larger bags for grocery shopping.
- Create funny slippers and hats.
- Use your imagination and come up with something I missed.
Let's all go green and recycle our unused clothing into unique interesting items.
April 2009
Marie Lamothe
For more than a decade I have been studying the secrets of wildflowers that bloom around Northern Michigan. From the first flush of Bloodroot to the final triumph of asters, I sketch and paint in the forests, fields, and county roads around my Interlochen, Michigan, home. In the winter, when the plants are dormant I, too, gather my resources together and settle in to create larger, more complex paintings.
As a self-taught artist, I elicit from my background as an architect strong drawing and design skills that help me convey the sense of simplicity and tranquility I marvel at in the myriad details of the natural world. Most often, I use transparent watercolours and traditional techniques to express the peacefulness I find in wildness. More recently, I have occasionally turned to soft pastels to convey new ideas.
After years of botanical introspection, other aspects of the natural world have made their way into my work including birds and waterscapes and landscapes. They, too, provide a haven against the complexities of daily living. I make art so that I might step into a vista that is always of the moment. These are the images I invite you to consider.
March 2009
Kristin Hurlin 
I started drawing when I was a toddler, according to my mother. When I was 4, we moved to Italy for 3 years, then Turkey. My parents took my two younger brothers and me to see all the great sites. Florence, Venice, Rome, ruins, museums, cathedrals, Mosques. I was really inspired to create great art.
I spent a great deal of time alone, drawing. The plants and animals around me were my teachers, and I saw that they had the same animating spirit in them - consciousness - that I had. I became a vegetarian when I was 9, but faced a real dilemma at 12 when I realized plants felt discomfort as well.
Most humans don't recognize the plants around them as being aware individuals, serving a great purpose in the scheme of things. This body of work seeks to educate the people about their fellows, the plants. They are not just pretty pictures, but decorative teachings about the plant communities here in Northern Michigan.
I encourage the students at the Children's House to get to know the plants and animals around them, learn how to grow organic vegetables & fruits, learn wild edibles, and seed saving, oh - and compost building, because these skills will be needed in the future.
February 2009
Yvonne Fetig Roehler
Yvonne Fetig Roehler has worked for many years in the print industry, as a graphic designer and communications specialist, providing vision and direction for businesses, both large and small. She has also spent many years studying fine art and design.
Yvonne has explored many paths of learning, but she has always come back to her love of creating and her desire to make a difference. Working from photographs, Yvonne created the art for Good Night, Grandma by drawing upon her experience in traditional art and computer design techniques. She drew sketches using charcoal pencil and then applied colors using various computer paint techniques.
Good Night, Grandma, tells the story of a family grieving the loss of a parent and grandparent. The book opens the door for conversation with children about the difficult topic of death by using the universal language of music to engage them in both the grieving and healing process. It serves as a lasting reminder that while we may lose those we love, their beauty, wisdom and song can forever give us hope and peace.
Copies of Good Night, Grandma may be ordered from www.growingartpress.com. Individual art prints may be ordered directly from Yvonne. Please contact her at yroehler@charter.net
January 2009
Elizabeth Abeel
Elizabeth has a BA in Fine Arts from St. Lawrence University. For her, batik has been a process of experimentation and fascination that seems to just keep growing. "Each piece is a suspense. I'm always on the brink of controlling the process and of the process controlling me." This struggle in process captures the quiet moments in nature, which are her main focus in subject matter, and breathes a unique life into each piece. Elizabeth demonstrates a command of this difficult process that is particularly evident in the amount of detail found in each of her batiks. Her work has not only won many awards, but has been published in Fiber Arts Design Book Two, a book devoted to excellence in fiber design.
Elizabeth teaches drawing through Northwestern Michigan Extended Education program along with private sessions and workshops. Drawing can be taught as it is a process of learning to see in the way that the artist sees. For class information contact her at the listed phone or e-mail.
Elizabeth's work can be found at the Bier Gallery in Charlevoix, Michigan and in numerous art shows throughout the Midwest, including the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair.
ABOUT BATIK:
Batik, meaning "wax writing", originated in Indonesia approximately 1200 years ago. The process begins by applying melted wax to selected areas of fabric. The cloth is then dipped into a dye bath. The wax acts as a resist and prevents the dye from penetrating. After the cloth has been dyed, wax is then painted in the areas that are to remain that color, and the fabric is then dipped in a dye bath of a different color. Thus every color or shade in a completed batik represents an application of wax and an emersion in a dye bath.
When the wax and dye process is completed, the wax is removed by first ironing the cloth between papers and finally dry cleaning, which removes all the wax residue. Most characteristics of batik are the tiny "crackle" lines that run throughout the piece. These lines occur when the wax resist becomes somewhat brittle and cracks, allowing the dye to seep in.
December 2008
Terry Tarnow has a BFA from Wayne State University with a major in weaving and has been a fiber artist for over 40 years. She loves to work in any fiber related media including weaving, silk painting, felting, dyeing, knitting, rochet, and macramé.
Terry has been the buyer/manager of the Dennos Museum Store since the museum opened in 1991. Terry is delighted to be exhibiting at Montessori since both her sons went to the old Montessori pre-school that was in First Congregational Church.
She hopes that with the sales from this exhibit she can show her appreciation for the wonderful education her children received.
November 2008
Emily Gray Koehler - Treescapes 
Born and raised in Grand Traverse County, the arts and the natural world have long been a part of my life. As a child, searching for salamanders and other interesting life forms was a favorite pastime. Crayons and craft paper in hand, I found the forest to be the best place for growing artistic ideas. I took these youthful thoughts to school and found a niche for them in the arts program at Grand Valley State University. The diverse manifestations of the printmaking media absorbed me as I found prints to be the best means of expressing my ideas.
After graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis in printmaking in December of 2006, my work has largely focused on regional environmental and modern land use concerns. From expressive tree forms to moody landscapes, I have sought to develop a dialogue between the viewer and the natural world through colorful woodcuts and monochromatic etchings and monotypes. Using these media and imagery I hope to convey not only my sense of our place in the environment but also a desire to understand and protect the natural world.
http://studioegk.com
October 2008
Ann Spencer
Ann is a local artist in Traverse City, Michigan. She is a member of Northwestern Michigan Orchid Society and Downtown Art Center. Ann has been in many flower shows in and around the Traverse City area, exhibiting her work at art and craft shows. Ann learned how to make these traditional Thai clay flowers in Thailand while visiting her mom in Thailand a couple of years ago. She sculpts, paints and arranges the flowers she makes from this special clay. She makes many varieties of orchids, Ghomphrena, Carnation, Calla Lily, Plumeria, etc.
The artistic process:
These flowers are made from specially formulated Thai clay. She begins by flattening the clay, then cuts and shapes each petal with special hand tools, using wire and adhesive. Before the petals are completely dry, she hand paints the petals and leaves to achieve the correct color of the actual flower. She then assembles and arranges them together to complete the whole flower. The life size flowers must be allowed to dry over night. Ann then arranges them into a vase or pot or on an imported piece of Thai wood.
September 2008
Ann Edens
Ann Edens grew up in the woods of lower Michigan where her mom kept her supplied with watercolor paper, block printing tools, fibers, beads and more. Raw art materials like wood, bones and rocks could be found outside, and, by sneaking into her dad's tool shop, Ann learned to use grinders and drill presses. Later, she enjoyed classes in metalsmithing.
Ann is a sucker for nostalgia and orphaned objects. She resurrects board game pieces, vintage kitchen tools, old books and anything with the scent of her grandma's lake cottage.
Her favorite pastimes are canoeing with her family and poking around in old houses. Ann is inspired by the lack of inhibition in children's art.
May 2008
Krys Lieffers
My rugs are hand woven using point twill weave structure, with color and weave applications. Color is the focus of my work. Weaving is the vehicle that provides for subtle nuances of color change and very interesting optical mixing through the interlacement of warp and weft. In order to create this palette of colors I hand dye the yarn using several methods: vat, space dye, discharge, over dye, and two self-developed processes, a weighted dye bath and a glazing technique.
Using these techniques, I transform industrial mop cotton into hand woven rugs. The hand dyed mop cotton brings forth the possibility of various and unique colors, as well as one of a kind color combinations. I am inspired by these colors. They create relationships that can be harmonious, melodic, and even sometimes dissonant.
I use countermarch looms that provide the greatest versatility in weave structure. The weave structure helps to mold the relationship between the various colors of yarn.
Relationship defines life to me. We are in relationships with ourselves, with others, with objects, and environments. This creates the pattern of our lives. The pattern of life is echoed by the weaving process in that it is an integral relationship between the artist, loom, and yarn which is vital to the creation of woven expression.
April 2008
Reed Zitting
Reed Zitting has been dabbling in photography for the past 35 years, first with a black and white darkroom and a Russian made Zenit SLR camera and more recently with a digital camera and Photoshop. Over the years Zitting has exhibited photography at the Traverse City Arts Council and taught photography to high school students at the Pathfinder School. He purchased his first digital camera about ten years ago and his darkroom and SLR have been in storage since. He recently acquired an Epson Stylus Pro7600 large format printer and a Nikon 8mp Coolpix 8700 camera, which inspired him to do this exhibit.
Zitting has held many positions in the educational and Arts community over the years including Head of the Division of Art, Dance and Drama at the Interlochen Arts Academy, President of the Traverse City Civic Players, Vice President of the Traverse City Arts Council, Director of the Pathfinder School, and Manager of the Traverse City Opera House.
He is presently retired and very active at the Children's House teaching theater to upper school students both in the summer and during the academic year and will be team teaching a photography class for upper elementary students this coming summer at the Children's House.
The photographs in this show will be sold in the silent auction at the annual Gala event and all proceeds will go to benefit the Children's House.
March 2008
Friends and family from The Children's House
Art as well as artists come in many shapes and sizes. Whether the art is drawn, painted, knit, cast, fired, assembled or photographed it all holds meaning for the artist and the viewer. This show covers the fine arts and crafts.
We have gotten to see a hooked rug done in the old style technique that may disappear from our fast paced lives. We want to touch the products of knitting skills handed down from generation to generation. Traditional styles of painting and drawing juxtaposed with contemporary spray paint. Lush photographs bring a richness of texture, color, shape, form and contrast to the eye. We see the products of the artistic eye that searches for the small bits and pieces of every day life and creates a new sculptural form with humor and delight. This show has a special gift for each viewer... I would like to give my great thanks to each and every artist that participated in this exhibit.
February 2008
Paul Leon 
Paul Leon is a Native American of the Cherokee Nation, Turtle Clan, who was given the spirit name of Koma-Doot Mushka-Dah Pezshe-Kah (Walking Buffalo Spirit) in a sweat lodge naming ceremony on the First Nation Reservation in Garden River, Canada.
Paul is an artist who makes traditional Native American regalia, Native crafts including cedar flutes, jewelry, beadwork, pottery, snowshoes, fishing flies, and other sacred ceremonial items passed down to him by elders in the traditional way.
He is a published writer of poetry and a collection of personal journal writings along with several other pieces of spiritual material. Paul currently writes a column for the White Pine Press. He is a self-taught flutist, and avid outdoorsman, who enjoys camping, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, back packing, cliff climbing, and horseback riding. He camps in his full size, eighteen foot Tipi and lived in it year round during 1993 and 1994.
Mr. Leon has served as President, Vice President, and member of the Board of Directors of the Grand Rapids Inter-Tribal Council. He has worked and volunteered in many capacities to help people with substance abuse problems by facilitating or implementing supportive programs. He has the honor of being a ceremonial pipe carrier. More information can be found in his posted bio.
His pursuit of art began with private classes in the 4th grade. He has attended Kent Skills Center, Ferris State University, Calvary Chapel Bible College and NMC. He has owned a chain of Native American Arts and Crafts Stores, and a high end gallery. He has taught Native American Arts at Grand Valley State University, Kent County Correctional Facility. He actively supports Native Culture through Ojibwe/Odawa language classes and radio programs such as Tribal Voices. His current goal is to combine his love of music with graphic arts to increase the awareness of Native American culture, language, spirituality, and traditional ways.
January 2008
Student Art
This is an exhibit of art created by the upper elementary students during the Artist Workshop Series offered this past fall. Each piece is labeled with the name of the student and the name of the artist whose work influenced the creation of this work.
The artists that shared their work with us this fall:
- September Barbara Kent - Acrylic Paintings/Scenes from Italy
- October Paul Welch - Watercolors/Playful Paint
- November Ken and Joan Richmond - Paint plus/Home, Pets and Allegory
- December Leif Spörck - Ceramic Tile/Nature in Clay - Art & Environment
Also art workshops are also offered on Mondays to all elementary students. Some of these pieces came from a watercolor techniques workshop.
Our upcoming shows will be:
February- Paul Leon - Mixed media/Walking in Spirit
March- Group show - The Art of the Children's House Family
April- Reed Zitting/Photography by Reed Zitting
May- Krys Lieffers - Rug Weaving/Rainbows for Walking
Summer- Student Photography from the Conservancy
December 2007
Leif Sporck
Leif was born in Traverse City (Michigan) and raised in Suttons Bay (Michigan). He is a former Montessori student. He graduated from the Suttons Bay Schools.
Leif is the son of accomplished ceramic artists. Leif has had his hands in clay since he was 2 years old learning the properties of clay, helping, watching, and working alongside his dad, Karl Spörck. Karl Spörck is the owner of Brisling Pottery and a ceramic instructor at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City.
Leif learned how to turn clay into mugs, bowls, and animal figures. He also learned how to paint and glaze. To glaze means to coat or cover the objects he made to give the clay permanent color and a protective coating. Leif watched his dad heat the glazed clay in a kiln, or oven, to temperatures over 2000° F. After a kiln cools, colorful, useful, and durable objects remain. This is what Leif knew at age twelve. Leif did not work with clay for nearly ten years. This was during his years of high school and college.
After receiving his pre-law degree from Hope College in Holland, Michigan, Leif decided to pursue his desire to design and produce a line of artistic ceramic tiles that would reflect his love of the natural environment. He decided to design a line of tiles that represent his perceptions of the colorful wildlife, the blue waters, the verdant farms and the various and beautiful locations that surround him. Not only has he designed these tiles but he has also dug local clays and used them as glazes. This makes his tiles a unique part of northern Michigan. He is the founder and owner of Spörck Tileart.
Spörck Tileart is located in Suttons Bay, Michigan, on the beautiful Leelanau Peninsula, long known as one of the state's significant fruit and wine producing regions. The Leelanau peninsula is a land of trees, hills, water, beaches and all the things that make for picturesque country settings and provide much of the inspiration for the designs you see on these walls.
The creation and use of ceramic tile has a history dating back some 4,000 years. Ceramic tile was extensively utilized by the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. And while it is a common material today, ceramic tile was once relegated to royalty, aristocracy, and the wealthy. It's interesting to note that ceramic tile, thousands of years old, still adorns architectural wonders throughout the world.
November 2007
Joan Richmond
My images are a way of expressing my inner joys and fears. The compositions
reveal fleeting moments, fragments of dreams and traces of memories. Animals pose as characters to tell stories; symbols are used to convey emotions.
Color and pattern play an important role in exposing emotions. Bright colors help the characters jump and create movement. More somber tones bring a quite hush to the more inner-reflective images. The illuminated manuscripts of Medieval bestiaries, Greek vase paintings, and Early Christian mosaics are visual references that have influenced the way I create these narratives.
Many of the images dance joyously or swirl capriciously within the whimsical landscapes. Others are more stoic and convey a moment of introspection. None of the pictures tell a complete story-the same way a dream or memory is hard to fully remember.
October 2007
Paul Welch: Always Discovering Watercolors
Throughout his twenty-seven years as
Chairman of the Art department at Northwestern Michigan College, Paul Welch was well-known for his commitment and dedication to fostering the arts. He taught painting, drawing, design, sculpture, printmaking and art history before retiring in 1987. During his time he was a source of inspiration for hundreds of students involved in the arts.
Welch's vision of an arts community led him to become one of the founding members of the Traverse Area Arts Council in 1969. His most recent endeavors have been put toward the development of the Dennos Museum Center.
Graduating from Michigan State University with a Master of Arts degree, Welch was influenced by the bold coloring of the German Expressionists and the facetting form characteristic of Picasso's analytical cubism.
His artistic career included partnership in the Welch-Holdeman Studios, which created stained glass windows and mosaics for churches throughout the midwest including St. Francis Church in Traverse City. He has participated in various group shows and is listed in the American Artists of Renown. He has won a number of awards, been appointed Assistant Chairman, Michigan Academy of Science, Arts and Letters, and his works are held in both public and private collections.
"A painting can be endless created, and I'm always discovering things while I paint," says the artist, "The act of watercolor painting suggests new possibilities that I will never exhaust. I allow myself to fall into my inner visions and to see the light springing up from everywhere."
Paul Welch may be reached at PO Box 219, Rapid City, MI 49676 or by calling (231) 322-6139.
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