ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – On March 30, the Bonifas Arts Center debuted its 2023 Membership Show.
Pieces from more than 40 Bonifas members are on display, featuring a wide range of mediums.
Gallery director Kate Oman says she is surprised each year by what members submit.
“One of my favorite parts of the show is while everything’s still wrapped up and I get to open it,” she said. “It’s like Christmas!”
Oman says while you may think you know what to expect from returning artists, many develop their styles over time.
“Watching them grow throughout the years has been a lot of fun,” said Oman. “It’s neat to watch that evolution happen within our artists.”
The membership show is also an opportunity for new artists to establish themselves in the community, regardless of skill level or years of experience.
“It’s a great show for artists that are just starting out and don’t feel comfortable entering into a juried show where they may be told no,” Oman said. “To give the artists a place to do that–a safe space–is a positive for everybody.”
Awards will be given to several artists. The member named Featured Artist will receive a solo show in the fall. Pieces will be chosen for display at the Escanaba and Gladstone city halls. A few pieces will be replicated and displayed permanently in the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority courtyard.
Oman encourages the public to visit the Bonifas Gallery to experience the art being created in their community.
“It’s important that those artists get those feelings out into a piece to the public,” she said. “And it shows how much the Bonifas has helped foster a lot of those feelings as well to represent how important art is to the community.”
The Membership Show is free to view. It will be on display through May 18.
To learn about becoming a Bonifas member, click here.
