Over 250 enthusiastic art patrons enjoyed the opening of the exhibit, “Seeing Red” presented by the Petoskey Contemporary Arts group, Saturday,February 7 at the Harbor Ware Gallery, 318, E. Lake St., Petoskey. Suzie Olsen, an art patrons stated, This is a show with a common theme, but with many different threads. It’s provocative!” Others stated the show is “powerful, stark, and diverse.”

Each artist exhibiting works did their “own thing.” Upon entering one’s eyes are immediately drawn to Joel Stoppel's’ three plaster human sculptures in positions depicting “RED.” Eyes were immediately turned to the powerful weavings of Joanne Cromley in red and yellow with a touch of blue and John Steven's neon sculptures of the three R’s, the red fish with stained glass, and the Picasso like eye with noses. Laura Cherven, Peggy Midener, and Len Cowgill did collages and assemblages. Laura’s “ Valentine” was in keeping with the season, Peggy’s three works, were political in nature, while Cowgill's, work led the viewer through life experiences, with an entire room dedicated to the “Red Boy.” Nancy Payne and Jesse Hickman produced photography, Vivi Woodcock produced watercolors with collage, Marty Scott produced wonderful mobiles and Jeremiah Barber designed an air blown drawing. Judith Hitz produced a mixed media work with many, many pieces, entitled, “I tried to speak of Wholeness, but instead I Murdered it into Pieces with my Question.” The viewer was invited to touch. Of special interest, was a triptych by invited guest artist, Liz Kantzer, in oil and acrylic, tilted, “Venus”, vulnerable and complex, Cerbrus, uncertain, but guarding the gates of hell, and “Mars”, God of War.

During the course of the evening, theater buffs, performed a work written by Bob Vance. This group will also be performing Saturday, February 14, Selections from "Vagina Monologues” and February 28, Original Poetry with an open time for guest participation at 7:00 pm each evening.

Refreshments were served by Drew Cherven and committee, in keeping with the “Seeing Red” theme. The show will run through March 6 and be open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday of each week, from 12-5 pm.

Enlarge

Two young art patrons, Hanna Stoppel and Katie Left, students from Concord Academy of Boyne, discussing works of art.

Back to Archives Index | Back to Main Page

Enlarge
Joanne Cromley with her weavings.

Enlarge
"The Valentine," collage by Laura Cherven.

Enlarge
"Red," plaster sculpture by Joel Stoppel.

Enlarge
"The Red Boy's Room," by Len Cowgill.