This dispatch was added by one of our Nonprofit Neighbors. It does not represent the editorial voice of The Rapidian or Community Media Center.
/Madi Schmit
Come support a season’s worth of artwork created by the Apprentice class at The Lions and Rabbits gallery on April 27th from 5-7pm. The showcase features the work of Artist Creating Together’s Apprentice Cohort. It is open to the public during those hours and people are encouraged to come view and purchase Apprentice artwork.
I met ACT Apprentice Michael while he worked meticulously on the painting he was considering to be his entry in the ACTion Art Exhibit, which took place at the Grand Rapids Art Museum in March. I sat down to talk about this particularly special piece. Michael’s painting was of a sports player, dedicated to a friend and his friend’s favorite team, the Cowboys. He was very excited to be able to create an art piece with his friend in mind.
This is one place Michael takes his inspiration; from his friends and from his sports teams. Michael tells me he is a Lakers fan and that he sometimes makes art for them too. When I asked him his favorite way to create, he said, “Drawing and painting.” He loves finding ways to incorporate his many interests—including landscapes, nature, and sports, with basketball being the most prominent. He also has an interest in drawing characters of his own creation and creating universes for them to live in.
Michael likes to experiment with designs and patterns in his work, taking things that we might see one way and portray them differently. Back around Easter, I watched him create an Easter bunny with dinosaur like spikes and bright colors. Another piece was an elephant, but decorated in the brightest rainbow assortment of colors which hopped off the page even more than the bunny. These abstract pieces like the bunny and elephant are a sharp contrast to his beautiful landscape paintings. Standing side by side, it is easy to see his varied interests and versatility.
What is fascinating about Michael, beyond his talent, is how fast he works. One minute there is a large blank white piece of paper, and the next it is a beautiful beach scene with aquamarine water and sandy dunes. I asked him what he wanted others to take from his assortment of art, and he told me nothing in particular. He just wants people to enjoy what his art as much as he does. With all the different pieces to choose from, Michael’s art can appeal to anyone.
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