ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Two new exhibits are now on display at the Bonifas Arts Center.
In the lower gallery, Fabrications VII showcases pieces made with mediums like wool, yarn, felt, and other fabrics. The artwork includes wall hangings, three-dimensional pieces, and wearable art like jackets and scarves.
“We have a lot of our reoccurring artists in this exhibit, but we also have a few new ones,” said Gallery Director Kate Oman. “It was really neat to watch different types of techniques come in with their art, and we’re really excited to display everyone in the exhibit. We have about 28 artists, so a lot to see.”
Fabrications VII pieces were judged by Fay Runkel. Artist Tersa Ross won first place for her work titled “New Beginnings,” shown below. For the duration of the exhibit, gallery visitors can vote for their favorite pieces, and the winner will receive a Bonifas membership.
In the lower gallery, visitors will find the Bonifas Invitational Award Show. The featured artists, John French of Ishpeming and Margo Berke of Big Rapids, won the opportunity to display their work at the Sault Area Art Center’s annual juried show last April.
French is an oil painter who specializes in nature. His work includes familiar bodies of water and landscapes in Marquette County. Berke is a pastel artist who depicts scenes of rural American life. Her pieces feature manmade subjects, like grain elevators, in the foreground.
“You’ll notice the juxtaposition between the nature of John French’s works and Margo’s very industrial feel,” Oman says. “The way that [Berke] does her pastels really makes it soft and welcomes you into the pieces, and John, you just always want to go walk through his paintings. We’re really excited to have both of these artists on hand.”
Both exhibits will remain on display through February 19. For more information on these and other shows and activities, visit bonifasarts.org.
