Meet the Artists

Photography by Dan Stuart

My approach is simple. I believe that 90% of the photographic experience is seeing; the mechanical act of capturing the image, though vitally important, is the lesser part of the process. Fancy, high-tech cameras don’t “take good pictures,” and excellent art is seldom a picture that “turned out good.”

 A very “traditional” photographer, most of my creative and compositional work is done

in-camera, rather than in the darkroom or computer like so many others today. I actually shoot very few pictures of any given subject, often examining many different perspectives for the “right” composition, and waiting for the “right” lighting.

Acrylics by Michelle Hinz

My dimensional acrylic texture painting, often mistaken for pottery or clay, is 5-7 layers of paint that often exceeds ¼” in depth on canvas. I draw inspiration from textures found in nature and capture both organic and mechanical patterns which distinguishes my unique style. Each painting expresses the drama that arises when texture, shape and color meet and interact with one another. The composition is placed within a loose grid format, which originates from my 17 year career as a graphic designer. My work can be found in upscale corporate collections such as Freddie Mac’s executive offices in New York, as well as technology firms and professional offices in Michigan and beyond. 

Wood Turning by Kenneth Reidel

Kenneth is a member of the “BlueWater Area Woodturners” chapter. He is also a member of the American Association of Woodturners; his art is displayed at the Saint Clair Art Gallery, Studio 1219 in Port Huron and in private collections. He has been perfecting his craft of woodworking for 30 years. Kenneth now specializes in woodturning, making both utility items such as bowls large and small, and decorative and art pieces. Each piece formed by Mr. Riedel’s art of woodturning is a unique creation. The manner in which he fashions the finished design in harmony with the characteristics of the wood ensures that there will never be another piece exactly like it. Kenneth has received numerous honors and awards at community art shows for his outstanding creations.

Kenneth accepts consignment work, and regularly make wooden urns for the remains of a loved one or pet, vases, hollow forms, salad bowls large and small, wood pens, spindles and art pieces. Do you have wood from that old tree that you or your children used to play in? The old crib or rocking chair you used for your babies? I can use THAT wood to make pieces for you and your loved ones so that your memories will live on.

Mosaics by Linda Ross

I am basically a self-taught, self-motivated artist. I started with embroidery in the 70s to painting in the 80s. Eventually I learned stained glass, and then I moved to mosaics.

 I graduated from Baker College of Flint with an associate degree in Interior Design in 1999.My work experience began as a designer’s assistant at Michael  Foran  Interiors. In 2005 I left work to follow my dream of creating art. My first projects were stepping stones. I have added gazing balls, patio furniture, picture frames, word art and wall art. Inspired by Klimt, I tend to lean toward subjects in nature, geometrics and the colors of autumn. 

Watercolor by Marilynn Thomas

 I have had a strong interest in drawing and painting since early childhood, which continued through high school and college.  Since 2000 I have specialized in photography and watercolor and work professionally.

I believe my purpose as an artist is to pay attention to the natural world, find beautiful, unusual or incongruous facets of everyday experience, isolate them and present them as paintings.

I feel that one way of acknowledging and becoming comfortable with our spirituality is to notice and pay attention to the depth and complexity of the physical world.

Weaving by Mary Rios

Mary Rios, Village Weaver, has been weaving since 2000. Her goal is to make a piece of fabric that feels good and has usefulness such as a towel or a wearable. She works primarily in natural fibers either plant or animal such as cotton, linen, hemp or wool. Hand woven items are a rare luxury. Each piece she makes, whether it's a humble cotton dishtowel or silk fabric, is planned with careful consideration and woven with skill for a product that can be enjoyed for many years. Along with treasured dishtowels made of hemp or linen, she will have many hand woven chenille and mohair scarves and shawls to choose from at this sale.

Pottery by Dan Saultman

My career as an artist began in 1969 after receiving my bachelors degree in Industrial Design from Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York. My major was Automotive Design with a minor in Graphic Design. I was recruited by General Motors as an designer/stylist but after only one year of employment I was drafted into the US Army. After serving a year at the West Point Military Academy, I was transferred to a military base in Manheim, Germany, where my introduction to pottery began.

The 90's found me in Greeley Colorado teaching pottery and graphics design
at Aims Community College and exhibiting large plaques featuring old men's faces in a Sun face theme at a local art gallery. I also learned how to work wrought iron which would later draw me towards integrating clay and iron into my pottery pieces.  Still working with an electric kiln, I yearned to have a gas kiln and fire my work at a higher temperature (cone 10 reduction, 2800F) like I had so many years before. 
     
Now I live in the Detroit area. I have that gas kiln and am happily making the kind of work that I have always loved. It's hard to sum up your clay art life in a page. Needless to say, you have to leave out a few details. The bottom line is that I care passionately about this art form, about clay, glazes and sculptural esthetics. I strive to make my customers happy
and care about the details.

 Glass by Dave Hilty