Art for sale at MONROE showcase
Written by Brigitta Burks | News Editor | BBurks@toledofreepress.comThe work of about 15 prominent community artists will be for sale at MONROE magazine’s second annual Artist Showcase on Feb. 4.
“This is not a crafts show; these are pretty respected artists,” said Jim Dombrowski, creative director for Monroe Publishing Company. “When you think of culture in this community, you don’t think of art, but there is a pretty active art scene.”
The event will be hosted at the Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Motherhouse, a home for sisters that won an award for its use of green choices in its renovation.
The Motherhouse alone is worth coming to the event for, Dombrowski said.
“This building was built in the turn of the last century and it’s got a really European look to it. It really hearkens back to the 1920s,” Dombrowski said.
Artists who will be featured include Gary Wilson, a well-known ceramist, David Larkins, a painter whose work has been in American Artist magazine, Sylvia Pixley, an award-winning printmaker and Jiro J. Masuda, who creates industrial-style jewelry.
“[Masuda’s pieces] are interesting, they’re fun. He’ll do some unusual pairings; there’s like a gun and he’ll put a fork with it,” Dombrowski said.
Other artists set to showcase their work include: Blue Turtle Studios, Mary Gaynier, Patti Kerr, Christy LaRoy, Laura Lemke, Catherine Rehbein, Kim Rhoney, Laurie Sharkus, Nancy Lee Smith and Richard Sowa.
Many of the artists have appeared in MONROE magazine, which aims to promote the “good life” and culture in Monroe. The publication decided to host a showcase when it learned of the need for one from local artists.
“This type of culture hasn’t been really promoted in the community in the past,” Dombrowski said. “There are lots of people in this community who are talented.”
Twenty-five percent of what the artists make at the showcase will be donated to the River Raisin Centre for the Arts. Last year, the magazine and artists raised about $3,000 for the centre.
A preview of the showcase is slated for 8 p.m. Feb. 3 and will feature music, drinks, a silent auction and hors d’oeuvres. The formal-attire event also gives patrons a chance to talk to the artists. Tickets are $35. Call (734) 242-1100 for reservations. The showcase is free and runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 4. Both events are at the IHM Motherhouse, 610 W. Elm Ave., Monroe.
