The Glen Arbor Art Association is pleased to announce the 2012 roster of Artists-in-Residence. The residency program provides visiting artists with a respite from daily responsibilities, which enables them to concentrate on their work in a unique locale. Residencies are considered in writing, visual arts, photography, sculpture, fiber arts, ceramics, music, philosophy and creative research.
This year, the program begins in May and continues into February 2013. The Artist-in Residence selection committee received 32 applications for the twelve residencies available. Residencies are generally two weeks in length.
As part of the program, artists are asked to make a public presentation at the end of their residency. These talks are open to the public at no charge. The first artist, Linda Walker of Mattawan, MI, will give a talk on Thursday, May 3, 7:30 p.m. at the Art Association.
Linda Walker is a visual artist specializing in painting and digital media. Originally from Chicago, she received her BA in studio art from Northern Illinois University, Dekalb. She also studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Oxbow Campus. Early in her career she had a business in computer graphics and mural painting, primarily working on children’s rooms.
Walker relocated to SW Michigan and established her mural business there. She became an active member of the Plein Air Artists of West Michigan and participated in group art exhibits with the Kalamazoo Artist’s Alliance Center, a nonprofit organization which she helped to establish “to bring together local artists to promote their work and community awareness.” In 2010 she participated in ArtPrize in Grand Rapids exhibiting a digital transfer on aluminum.
While in residency in Glen Arbor she anticipates engaging with nature as her subject and gaining further accomplishment in her painting ability. She looks forward to her time as a “very important experience both artistically and personally.”
Walker’s presentation to the public will take place on Thursday, May 3, at 7:30pm at the Glen Arbor Art Association located on Studio Lane, across from Cherry Republic on Lake Street in Glen Arbor. The program is free and refreshments will be served.
2012 GAAA artist-residents are:
•Painter Linda Walker of Mattawan, Michigan/presentation Thursday, May 3, 7:30 p.m.
•Printmaker Rachel Drelles of Muskegon, Michigan/presentation Thursday, May17, 7:30 p.m.
•Painter Robert Raack of Cleveland Heights, Ohio/presentation Thursday, May 31, 7:30 p.m.
•Painter Laura Gajewski of Westphalia, Michigan/no presentation
•Painter David Westerfield of Glenview, Illinois/ presentation Thursday, June 28, 7:30 p.m.
•Painter Marianne Miller of Columbus, Ohio/ presentation Thursday, August 30, 7:30 p.m.
•Painter Steven Walker of Westerfield, Ohio/ presentation Thursday, September 13, 7:30 p.m.
•Writer Dorothy Brooks of East Lansing, Michigan/ presentation Thursday, September 27, 7:30 p.m.
•Painter L C Lim of Gulph Mills, Pennsylvania/ presentation Thursday, October 11, 7:30 p.m.
•Writer Elizabeth Buzzelli of Mancelona, Michigan/ presentation Thursday, October 25, 7:30 p.m.
•Photographer Susan Tusa of Detroit, Michigan/presentation Thursday, November 8, 7:30 p.m.
•Photographer Aubrieta Hope of DeKalb, Illinois/presentation TBD
140 books to be distributed to underserved readers in Leelanau County — part of International Initiative for World Book Night on April 23
From staff reports
The Cottage Book Shop in Glen Arbor will be hosting a book giveaway party on Sunday, April 22, from 3-5 p.m., in preparation for the upcoming World Book Night. Book lovers in the community, who were selected by the international nonprofit organization, will pick up 20 free copies of their chosen book, which they will distribute on Monday, April 23 to underserved readers in the Leelanau and Grand Traverse areas. Selected givers will share ideas on how to connect books with those who may be “reluctant readers,” or have difficulty in accessing books.
Some of the titles in this year’s WBN include the novel Little Bee by Chris Cleave, children’s fiction Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate diCamillo, memoir Just Kids by Patti Smith, and young adult fantasy The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Should you wish to join this effort and love Peace Like a River by Eric Leif, one extra box was delivered to the Cottage Book Shop. Call (231) 334-4223 to be the first to claim this title for give away.
The Cottage Book Shop in Glen Arbor, owned by Barbara Siepker, is Leelanau County’s sole drop-off site.
The second annual World Book Night, April 23, is an initiative started in the UK in 2011, to celebrate a love of reading and the printed book. April 23 is the UNESCO International Day of the Book. Major publishing houses donate 20 copies each of a book, from the selected list of 30 titles in a variety of primarily adult genres. Local book enthusiasts, such as book shops and libraries, act as drop-off sites for community volunteers, who distribute these books to those who may have difficulties in getting books, or who read less. This year the United States joins the international drive, with over 5,800 locations participating across the country. Writer Anna Quindlen is this year’s honorary chairperson.
This GlenArbor.com story was sponsored by the Sylvan Inn.
National Park Week will run from Saturday, April 21 through Sunday, April 29 across the country. Visitors can enjoy the beauty and wonder of 84 million acres of the world’s most spectacular scenery, historic places, and cultural treasures for FREE. Superintendent Dusty Shultz is inviting everyone to participate in National Park Week at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Explore the National Lakeshore on your own or join Park Rangers for special events, including Park Ranger-led hikes, volunteer opportunities, National Junior Ranger Day, and a Star Party.
“America’s national parks have something for everyone,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “Take a break and experience something new, enjoy some fresh air, get some exercise, and see where history happened. And, since admission is free to all 397 parks, all week long, National Park Week is a great time to get up, get out, and explore a park.”
Schedule of Events for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
April 21 – National Park Week Kick-off
9 a.m. – National Volunteer Day – Trail Cleanup
Meet Park Rangers and Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes staff to help clean up the trails. From 9 a.m. – noon, hike your favorite trail and clear out some of the debris from the winter storms. Meet at the Visitor Center in Empire for details.
1 p.m. – Saturdays at the Lakeshore – Picture Yourself at Sleeping Bear Dunes
For the official start of National Park Week, join a Park Ranger for a hike with some magnificent views. Bring your camera to capture the scenery. On Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m., a Park Ranger awaits you at the Visitor Center in Empire to introduce the topic and then lead a car caravan a short distance to where the walk will begin. Hikes last 1 to 1½ hours and are no longer than 1½ miles.
2 p.m. – National Volunteer Day Beach Cleanup Meet Park Rangers and Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes staff to help clean up the beaches. Spend the afternoon, 2-4 p.m., along the shores of Lake Michigan to help beautify them. Meet at the Visitor Center in Empire for details.
April 27 – Star Party Join Park Rangers and the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society to enjoy Sleeping Bear Dunes under the stars. Enjoy the sunset at 8:44 p.m. over Lake Michigan and view the night sky through telescopes. The program begins at 8:30 p.m. and lasts until 11 p.m. Meet at Platte Point Beach at the end of Lake Michigan Road. Bring a flashlight for the walk back to your car.
April 28 – National Junior Ranger Day Children of all ages are invited to participate in any or all events of the day. There is something for everyone. Dress for outdoor weather: rain or shine! Come and explore, and learn about and protect Sleeping Bear Dunes while earning your Junior Ranger badge.
10 a.m. – Junior Ranger Day Scavenger Hunt! Meet at the Dune Climb where Park Rangers will provide instructions for this challenging and fun-filled event. Be prepared for some interesting clues to help you find what you need as you search high and low across the landscape.
1 p.m. – Changes of Sleeping Bear Meet the Park Rangers at Esch Beach to discover what changes have occurred at Sleeping Bear Dunes and what changes are yet to come! EXPLORE how the landscape, creatures, and uses of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are constantly morphing. LEARN what changes you can make to help PROTECT your National Parks and special places!
2:30 p.m. – Junior Ranger Games Meet in the Visitor Center for some pre-ceremony games and activities.
3 p.m. – Official Junior Ranger Ceremony Meet at the Visitor Center. Raise your hand and repeat the Junior Ranger oath. Receive your certificate, badge, and awards for participating in the day. Light refreshments will be provided.
All of the programs are free. Please call (231) 326-5135, ext. 328, to make reservations (if you plan to bring a group) and for details, or visit www.nps.gov/slbe. Also, “Like” our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sbdnl.
The Bay Film Series will present Academy Award nominee for Best Foreign Language Film, “Monsieur Lazhar”, on April 15-17.
“Monsieur Lazhar” is the last of eight films in this season’s series, which runs September thru April each year at The Bay Theatre in Suttons Bay. This Canadian (French language) film tells the poignant story of a Montreal middle school class shaken by the sudden death of their well-liked teacher.
Bachir Lazhar, a 55-year-old Algerian immigrant is quickly hired as substitute and finds himself in the midst of an establishment in crisis while working through his own personal tragedy. As he helps the children heal, he also learns to accept his own painful past.
Exquisite performances by the lead actor and a stunning ensemble of child actors won this film numerous awards at festivals including Best Canadian Feature Film at Toronto International Film Festival.
Showtimes are Sunday, April 15 at 2 and 5 p.m.; Monday, April 16 at 6 p.m.; and Tuesday, April 17 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $8.50. For more information, visit The Bay Theatre’s website at www.thebaytheatre.com or email denise@thebaytheatre.com.
The paintings of Harvey Gordon are the focus of a solo exhibition at Traverse City’s Dennos Museum Center in April. On April 5, Gordon gives a preview of these new works — as well as a short tour of his long painting life, at the next “Talk About Art” interview, 7:30 p.m., at the Glen Arbor Art Association (GAAA).
Gordon, a Glen Arbor resident and GAAA member, paints what moves him, in what he sees around him. His technique is painterly — the brush stroke on the surface of the canvas is as important as the image, which often begins as a photograph. He builds his realistic paintings in an orderly, systematic way, employing a technique that marries elements of Post-Impressionism with contemporary materials. Gordon’s paintings have been exhibited widely, and have been the subject of eight one-person shows. He received a BFA from Cranbrook Art Academy and an MFA from the University of North Carolina. He served for 27 years in a variety of professional roles at Glen Oaks (Michigan) Community College art department, including chairperson of the Art Department. Gordon has taught art at institutions throughout the United States.
“Talk About Art” is open to the public at no charge. The Glen Arbor Art Association is located on Studio Lane, off Lake Street in Glen Arbor. For more information, please call (231) 334-6112 or email info@glenarborart.org.
Runners and walkers will take the starting line in Glen Arbor on Saturday, June 16, for the inaugural Glen Arbor Solstice Half Marathon & 5k. With something to offer both hardcore endurance junkies and recreational athletes, the 13.1-mile race and 3.1-mile run/walk is expected to draw 400 participants.
“Glen Arbor is the perfect setting for an event like this,” said race director Eric Houghton. “The combination of Northern Michigan charm and stunning scenery should make this a memorable race for locals and visitors alike.”
The half-marathon course will take athletes around Big Glen Lake in a clockwise loop. Runners ascend Inspiration Point on the south side of Big Glen Lake where they will experience one of the most spectacular views of Leelanau County before returning to downtown Glen Arbor for the finish. The 5k course is flat and fast, and will take runners and walkers through tree-lined roads on the edge of downtown Glen Arbor.
Registration is $55 for the half marathon and $30 for the 5k before April 1. A portion of the proceeds from this event will go to the Glen Arbor Park Commission.
The Glen Arbor Fire Department will offer a pasta dinner for athletes the night before the race for $10 a plate or $30 for a group of four when purchased in advance. After the race, participants and their families are invited to relax at the Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce’s BBQ & Brew Festival — which returns after a one-year hiatus.
More information and registration details can be found at enduranceevolution.com or by calling (231) 342-3570.
Endurance Evolution is a Traverse City-based event management company specializing in triathlons and run- ning races. The company has put on the Traverse City Triathlon on Old Mission Peninsula every August since 2009. In 2012, Endurance Evolution will host five races: Runaway Hen Snowshoe Scamper; Traverse City, MI; February 25, 2012 Glen Arbor Solstice Half Marathon & 5K; Glen Arbor, MI; June 16, 2012 Spartan Sprint Triathlon; Haslett, MI; August 5, 2012; Traverse City Triathlon; Traverse City, MI; August 19, 2012; Marathon & Half Marathon; Leelanau County, MI; October 7, 2012
U.S. Senator Carl Levin and National Lakeshore Superintendent Dusty Shultz break ground on the trail last summer.
From staff reports
Glen Arbor residents Bill and Vicki Anderson, who were among the first supporters of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail (SBHT), have issued a challenge pledge with a 2:1 match for all donations to the new trail through the end of March. The campaign still needs to raise $30,000 in order to secure the full Anderson Challenge match of $50,000. Bill Anderson shared with Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) Trails his family’s motivation for posing the challenge match.
“This summer, 10 years of planning and effort will become a reality for the first five-mile link of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail,” he said. “To help sustain the momentum and encourage additional financial support we are offering a match of $50,000 if the $100,000 goal is reached by March 31st.”
The first section of trail connecting Glen Arbor to the Dune Climb will be completed this July. The trail will provide easy, car-free access to amenities and attractions including the DH Day Campground, Glen Haven, Glen Arbor and the Dune Climb.
The SBHT campaign must raise $400,000 for design and engineering to extend the trail south from the Dune Climb to Empire. Donors of $1,000 or more will be recognized at a permanent donor plaza located at the Dune Climb. Well-known local artist Glenn Wolff created an illustrated map of the trail and donors of $5,000 or more will receive a limited edition signed print.
To donate or learn more about the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail please visit www.sleepingbeartrail.org or contact Pam Darling, Development Director for TART Trails (pam@traversetrails.org or (231) 941-4300).
The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is a project of the Leelanau Scenic Heritage Route Committee (LSHR). Trail development is a partnership between the LSHR Committee, the Michigan Department of Transportation, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, and TART Trails. Funding for trail development comes from federal and state grants, foundations, and individual donations.
An Empire group is attempting to revive the “community center” in the old schoolhouse across the street from the Township Hall. The group will hold its fourth gathering on Sunday, March 18 at 1 p.m. at the Town Hall. In the past, the group has hosted a Halloween party, a Christmas potluck with Santa and a Teen Night. The group aspires to renovate the old Empire School.
Middle-Eastern lunch, dessert & concert March 18 by Angela Josephine to benefit “The People and The Olive” documentary
From staff reports
Ladies, it’s time to channel your inner road warrior and come together to impact your community and the world. Come join us Sunday, March 18 for “The People & The Olive” Women’s Progressive. The fun begins at 1 p.m. at Charlie’s Natural Food Market in Frankfort with a middle-eastern luncheon and a presentation by filmmaker Aaron Dennis.
Attendees will enjoy artisan chocolates by Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate and music by northern Michigan singer/songwriter Angela Josephine. Tickets are $20. All proceeds go to benefit the upcoming documentary “The People and the Olive” by filmmaker Aaron Dennis and journalist (and Glen Arbor Sun editor) Jacob Wheeler, which documents their recent trip to Palestine where they followed several northern Michigan runners on a five day-129 mile Run Across Palestine to raise awareness and funds for fair trade olive farmers in the West Bank. Other members of the RAP team, including runners Meryl Marsh and Randi Stoltz will be available to answer questions. Check out Dennis and Wheeler’s web video series from Palestine.
To reserve a spot contact: wendy@charliesnaturalfoods.com (231) 399-0034 or
mimi@grocersdaughter.com (231) 326-3030.
Longtime northern Michigan musical favorite Claudia Schmidt will play a house concert at the Shiffman home in Empire on Thursday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m. Schmidt now lives in Minneapolis, so this is a special homecoming for “the creative noisemaker”. For many years she played nearly annual concerts at the Glen Arbor Art Association’s Manitou Music Festival, but Schmidt’s appearances in Leelanau County these days are rare. To reserve a spot at tomorrow night’s concert, please call (231) 334-3666.
From staff reports
