Collaborations Begin the JRAC 2006-07 Season

"Barn and Folk Art Exhibit: A Rural Thing" opens the 2006-07, September 17, at the Jordan River Art Center, followed by the "Flora and Fauna Exhibit" opening October 20. Both exhibits are in collaboration with other non-profit groups in the Jordan Valley.

The Barn and Folk Art Exhibit is the culmination of activities. Included in the exhibit will be: (1) The "Artists Gathering" artists have met weekly at different Barn sites in Charlevoix and Antrim Co. and rendering the site in any media. Their works will be included in the exhibit as well as some invited member artists. (2) The Wagbo Peace Center held several session for children to experience a farm and art camp program. JRAC provided three dimensional barns to paint as well as supplies. Their finished products will be seen in the lower gallery exhibit. (3) Folk Art objects have been carefully selected and will be exhibited as a part of the "rural thing." (4) A Photo essay of Barns from the Michigan Historical Society will also be included.

This project has been partially funded by the Charlevoix County Community Foundation.

Floral and Fauna Exhibit finds JRAC working with the Friends of the Jordan and the Great Lakes Pastel Society. Friends of the Jordan Watershed, Inc. is once again sponsoring a photo contest of "Visions of the Valley" for their 2007 calendar and will announce the winners September 16 during the open house at the Watershed Center, 3:30 pm. Over 90 stunning entries have been submitted. The winners will be included in the Flora and Fauna Exhibit.

An invitation has been extended to the Great Lakes Pastel Society to exhibit works produced during their Northern Michigan weekend paint-out, October 6,7,8, hosted by Sherry Kay Marshall. It is a group of pastel artists, from professionals to hobbyists, teachers, and students which meets four times yearly for educational programs and "plein air" painting sessions. Sherry Kay also led a two day workshop in August and participants were encouraged to exhibit their work in two exhibits that begin the 2006-07 year.