Harbor Country Living

Art Attack

A Grand Weekend Celebrates Art

It's time to wash that gray out of our eyes. Spring has sprung. The crust of dirt that was left on our lawns is beginning to wash away. Yet, it's too early to plant flowers. It's too early to do many of the things you're itching to do. What's a person to do?

One way to resolve that itch for color might be to immerse yourself in a tub of bright red latex paint. A more civilized approach would be to divert your attention to an equally colorful event: the 11th Annual Attack, April 23 - 24.

It is now a Harbor Country tradition to begin the new "season" with Art Attack. These eight communities located in the most southwesterly part of Michigan have formed a synergistic bond that not only supports and promotes the local economy; it unifies a broad spectrum of artistic endeavors. Art Attack is an exhibition of that creativity in the traditional sense of painting, drawing, film and photography, performance, jewelry, clay, sculpture and fiber. It is also an opportunity for the Harbor Country business community to express their creativity in the things they do every day-- cake decorating, flower arranging, cooking, interior design, and more.

This symbiosis, this melding of business and the business of art, is the key to a decade of success for Art Attack. Rita Cochran, co-owner of Local Color Gallery in Union Pier, still reigns supreme as the dynamic leader of Art Attack. Every year she seems a bit more excited than the previous year. This year she is practically ecstatic.
"We have always been strong on business participation, but this year is one of the best we've ever had," she said. "It's also going to be great year for art with three new galleries opening on Art Attack weekend. We have a lot of demonstrations. We even had to turn some away."

Cochran feels the diverse offerings during Art Attack are what bring hundreds of people back year after year. "It's not like we just put the art up on the wall and hope somebody comes along and looks at it," she explains. "Art Attack strives to be interactive. It's a chance to see art created, to meet and talk to the artist."

Some of the most popular events during Harbor Country are the artist demonstrations. Even more popular are the "make it and take it" classes. City Flowers and Gifts, New Buffalo, is offering two-hour classes on making spring cookie blossoms. They'll also offer a class on flower arranging. Lori Thordarson will be on hand at Whittaker House, New Buffalo, to assist you in choosing beads and stones to designs your own wearable art. At the Scarlet Macaw, Sawyer, youngsters will use simple shapes to create cartoon characters; the even younger set can learn about paint and mixing colors.
Art Attack will open your eyes to new ways of doing things. Even if you don't create the art yourself, the process used by the artisans is fascinating. You can learn a lot by attending a demonstration.

There will be a lecture on lithographs at Vivian's, New Buffalo. Back by popular demand will be Ralph Berhrendt demonstrating his hot-formed sculptural glass techniques at WOW Art Gallery, New Buffalo. Also at WOW, Frank Garvelink will show how he uses hardwoods to create vases and ornamental boxes. Catherine Doll will explain how she uses Shibori dyes to create her one-of-a-kind garments at her studio and shop in Sawyer. Jewelry artist Nanette Dombkowski will be at Catherine and Company, New Buffalo, demonstrating how she strings and knots pearls and beads. Owner and artist "basia" will present the fine art of bead making from glass rods at Amethyst, New Buffalo.

Patty Prino of Patty's Picks, Union Pier will show you how easy it is to display your memorabilia on marble fresco tiles. Later on, Debbi Gobdel will explain through acrylics why she believes that life should be spent with a "beach" frame of mind. Dixie Schrader will be on hand at the Center of the World Woodshop, Harbert, to demonstrate traditional spinning techniques. Also at the woodshop, master woodworker and owner Terry Hanover will take you step by step from concept to design when considering custom furniture.

Artist Steve Rubinkam, New Buffalo, will show how he uses great expanses of color to create his paintings. Watercolor artist James McComb will demonstrate proven techniques at his studio in Union Pier. Just down the road at River's Edge Bed and Breakfast you can watch the Lakeshore Rug Hooking Group create their work. Jewelry designer Helen Welsh will present her techniques for making gemstone pendants at Michigan Thyme, New Buffalo. On Sunday, Tracy Todd will show you simple ideas for summer events.

Jace L. Heimbach will explain his use of drawing to create furniture in his own form of "artiture' at St. Julian Wine Company, Union Pier. Also at St. Julian, Bill and Jenny Molnar will present their handcrafted wine racks.

At the Dunes Art Center, Sawyer, decorator Linda Jo Clough of Chicago will talk about creative ways to display different types of collections. Patty Panozzo, Panozzo's Pantry, New Buffalo, will give a cooking demonstration featuring foods from her trip to Tuscany and from her grandparent's village north of Florence.

You can meet and greet the artists at many show receptions and gallery openings. Three premier openings will take place this weekend at the Roger Harvey Gallery, New Buffalo; Catherine Doll Clothing, Sawyer; and "dawning, art the gift," Three Oaks. Alex Fatouros and Elaine Tomopoulos will present their pop art at 105 East Internet Café and Gallery. Internationally recognized sculptor Fritz Olsen presents his work at his studio in Sawyer. His ever popular "Name That Sculpture" contest will be held as well. There will be a Lithuanian artist group show at Gintaras Resort, Union Pier. You can visit Susan M. Henshaw at her studio along with artists Susan Vissing, Dave Demske, Kelly Moore, Dawn Boughner, Tina Ullrich and Joe Ruck.

Courtyard Gallery, New Buffalo, is celebrating its 15th anniversary. They'll host a reception and a chance to meet jewelry designer Sharon Sims, glass blower Harry Boyer and acrylic artist Jerry Smith. These artists will also demonstrate their techniques throughout the weekend.

Local Color Gallery, Union Pier, will feature several openings during the weekend including the Stuff's Group Container and Vessel show. They create everything but pots and vases. Jay and Elizabeth King will be exhibiting their pastoral and scenic photographs. Liz Thomas makes her debut with a watercolor exhibit entitled "Fabulous Places I Have Never Been." On Sunday, Roger Harvey will sign his Town Art posters.
Artist Tim Tomc will present his paintings at Sandpiper Inn. British American artist Michael Rothenstein will be displaying his prints at Lakeside Gallery, Lakeside. The Scarlet Macaw, Sawyer, will host a reception and exhibit featuring the work of local art educators.

British artist Catherine Arnold will exhibit her recent paintings at the Harbor Grand, New Buffalo. Women's Wellness Center and Spa, New Buffalo, will present 'Women in Art." You can tour their six-room inn as well. Continuing the celebration of women, Acorn Theatre, Three Oaks, is offering the "Big Goddess Pow-Wow," that features spoken word, poetry and performance.

Once again, internationally recognized sculptor Fritz Olsen will present his recent work at his Sawyer studio. You can also join in the fun of the "Name That Sculpture" contest. Winners will receive a work created by Olsen. The weekend culminates on Sunday evening with a Mystery Dinner at Hannah's Restaurant, New Buffalo.

This listing certainly is not all-inclusive. A brochure will be available at select locations throughout Harbor Country and through the chamber office. You can call toll-free at 800-362-7251 or visit online at www.harborcountry.org. Art Attack is sponsored in part by the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce and the Harbor Country Lodging Association. The Art Attack committee is comprised of Rita and Jennifer Cochran, Liz Thomas, Chuck Garasic, Gene Halun and Melissa Stranard.

For a complete itinerary of events and participants, Click Here

Previous editions of Harbor Country Living are in the Archives.

March 2004 -By Michael Hojnacki
Copyright © 2004 Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce – may not be copied or reproduced without expressed written permission.