michigan fine arts competition at the birmingham bloomfield art center
The Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center presents the 43rd annual Michigan Fine Arts Competition. Participation is open to all artists 18 and older, living and working in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. This year’s entries were juried by Danette Dufilho who is the Project Room curator at Conduit Gallery in the Dallas Design District. She works with emerging and unrepresented artists, some of whom are exhibiting for the first time.
Local painter Mike Ross delivers his signature graphics in a somewhat quieter than usual palette. Online images of his work appear almost printed while in-person viewing reveals the wood’s grain is allowed to participate creating a textural surface. Lines and patterns are hand-painted with impressive precision.
A reprieve from bolder entries but is no less intriguing, Ship combines the directness of drawing with expert compositional execution. The paper pulls from the watered charcoal schmear while drips and drabs are permitted to remain.
Beauty of Two Sides looks like a miniature archeological site waiting inside the block of limestone to be discovered. Mindful planning is required to actualize this scene with very little room for mistakes.
There’s nothing like the delightful surprise of a tiny gem in an exhibition of this size. Rudely and heavily painted, subjects tell a disjointed story of space and religion. Subtle reds and greens add an uneasy element.
This annual exhibition commandeers all four of the BBAC’s galleries welcoming artists from five states while showcasing some of Detroit’s notable talent. Despite 81 works selected, installation is at relaxed intervals, comfortably offering a diverse range of work from fiber and ceramics to large-scale paintings. The BBAC continues to generously host one of the largest calls for art in the region.
On view through August 15th at Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center 1516 Cranbrook, Birmingham, MI. See the website for full list of participating artists
*images are mine
As we’re into the 4th of July holiday weekend, Michiganders have vacated the area in such numbers most of the galleries are closed, therefore I’m not including a link list as I don’t know who’s open and who’s not.
This also affords me the opportunity to take a mini break. Over the course of a year I publish somewhere between 46-48 written reviews plus the occasional supplemental video interview. In order to maintain my enthusiasm for delivering these reports, I’m taking a holiday along with everyone else. Rest assured I’ll be back the following week with something for you to consider. I appreciate your generosity and support! Thank you and have a great holiday weekend!