MANISTIQUE, Mich. (WZMQ) – A new exhibition opens Wednesday at the Lake Effect Community Arts Center in Manistique.
“Her Hands, Her Art” features the work of two Escanaba creatives—fiber artist Carol Irving and WZMQ 19’s own Lily Simmons.
“It’s such a cozy show,” said Lake Effect Operations Manager Katie Birdsley. “It feels like you went to the lake with your girlfriends, you rented a cabin, and you’re just catching up. It’s the cutest thing. As we wind down from summer, things are slowing down, and this is a nice way to ease into that.”
Both artists use a mix of traditional and digital tools to create their art. Irving’s pieces start with digital photographs or patterns. She then uses yarn to weave those designs into intricate tapestries. Simmons starts her drawings with paper and pencil. She then photographs her drawings and paints them digitally.
“That’s really important to have a way to play with digital that isn’t generated,” Birdsley said. “I know there’s a big conversation about AI and art. When you want to feel the soul and to have the human in it, that’s where it really hits. It’s really fun to see how that can happen without crossing that line.”
Lake Effect Community Arts will host a public reception for “Her Hands, Her Art” on Friday, September 4, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet the artists, view their work, and enjoy light refreshments.
“Her Hands, Her Art” will remain on display through October 6. It is free to view Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Lake Effect Community Arts Center is located at 244 South Cedar Street.
