Five exceptional Northwest Michigan artists, whose talents reflect the vibrant and diverse spirit of the arts, are participating in “Harbor of Creativity ”the Northport Arts Association’s invitational art exhibit.
They are:
• Scott Cain, Photography — a Chicago native and “permafudge” resident of Northport, believes that the spirit that lives in the heart is made present through art.
Who is Scott Cain? At the helm of a sailboat on Northport Bay, a handsome skipper in a Cheese Shanty T-shirt and Mount Gay Rum cap declared: “You fool—everyone knows Scott Cain runs his own kangaroo court.”
(Translation, the real one): He prefers you not label him a photographer. Instead, imagine him as an industrial designer or licensed residential builder. Some know him for decorating Christmas trees. And when he’s not dreaming of sailing to Australia, he snaps photos to share.
• Mark Mehaffey, Painting “My interests in art and life are broad. I see and feel the beauty we call home in Northwest Michigan and that flows into my paintings,” he said. “ I see and feel our connections to life so social commentary, political commentary and explorations in the world of design also occur as compartments within my life with a brush.”
Mark has won major awards in juried exhibitions internationally. His paintings are included in corporate, public and private collections.
• Laura Miller, Painting - “I see the world in full color. So much color, metaphorically. I can’t remember a time that art wasn’t a part of me,” she said. “I grew up drawing, doodling, coloring, painting and creating things any chance I got. I would watch Bob Ross and buy every step by step painting book I could find in our little town in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I was teaching myself at every opportunity.”
•Barbara Waddell, Multi-Media - “Working with clay was my first love and still is today,” Waddell said. “I became interested in weaving so bought fleece from farmers and learned to card and spin yarn. I worked at a library and there were books to tell you how to do handmade art. Making paper and books was the next adventure. After that it was making fabric wall quilts. Life is a fun adventure and I guess that is why I am a multi-media artist.”
• Betsy Winters, Painting – A Northport native who has explored different mediums over the years. At present she is working in oils and cold wax. Her current works are a distillation of the natural world outside her back door.
Each artist will submit 10 pieces of their art for exhibit.
“Harbor of Creativity” is designed to celebrate not only the power of individual expression but also the collective impact of creative vision. It is a celebration of the arts in the community.
Harbor of Creativity’s opening reception takes place August 15, from 5 to 7 p.m.
The exhibit runs through September 12, noon to 4 p.m., Tuesday – Sunday.
