Center Gallery welcomes painter Drabik

From staff reports

It all begins with a photograph for Maple City painter Don Drabik. The camera is the tool he uses to record scenes of unexpected, overlooked settings that become his watercolor paintings. An exhibition of new work opens Aug. 24, 6 p.m. at Center Gallery, 6023 S. Lake St., Glen Arbor.

“I choose my subjects based on a first impression,” said Drabik, who is both a commercial artist and restorer of antique and historic automobiles. “I have an interest in cars left out in the woods and behind barns — things that are put out to pasture, which people view as junk, but which I view as art.” Drabik photographs the subject, then converts the image to a black and white picture. This process allows him to work with more freedom. He interprets what he sees rather than try to strive for a strict reproduction.

This exhibition continues through Aug. 30. For more information, please call (231) 334-3179.