Leelanau Women Artists host Art in Empire

By Linda Alice Dewey
Sun contributor

Balloons will adorn the doors of two Empire galleries, one local studio and the Empire Town Hall for “Art in Empire!” — a brand new art event sponsored by Leelanau Women Artists (LWA). Scheduled for the weekend of June 24-26, the occasion kicks off Friday evening with a grand opening at the town hall, where seven local women artists will unveil their Leelanau-inspired work. Wine and appetizers will add a welcome to the Friday night affair. Look for balloons at Sleeping Bear Gallery and The Secret Garden on Front Street, and JoJo and Bucky on M-22 as well (JoJo and Bucky is a new working studio by pencil artist Jim Hilton and jeweler Becky Willis).

Spotlighted artists include Jane Batteiger (painting), Renie Cutler (jewelry), Nancy Deye (jewelry), Marilyn King (painting), Pam Peplinski (jewelry), Catherine Siterlet (wood and fiber art), Amy Radford (painting) and Sally Wille (painting). Also in the organization but who will not be in this show are Celeste Crouch, Jane Ditri, Kay Doyle, Susan Fehrenbach, Victoria Gallup, Harriett Mittelberger and myself.

LWA began in 2010 when the Genuine Leelanau Charitable Fund contacted several artists to brainstorm the possibility of creating an organization to support women artists in Leelanau County. As many as 25 to 30 women got together. To get the ball rolling, they received $2,000 to set up a website over the next two years. In 2013, they opened their first show, which was at the Glen Arbor Art Association (GAAA).

The organization’s stated goal is “to promote Leelanau County women in the arts through education, exhibition, professional development and documentation. Leelanau women artists work together to support the art community, and encourage one another as we appreciate the beauty of this wonderful region in which we are able to live and create.”

Pastelist Jane Ditri, one of the founding members, explains it this way. “To me, the LWA represents a sisterhood of like-minded women who share [a] passion for art.” The goal, she says, is to promote their own—and one another’s work, “and get it out there.”

LWA stages two shows each summer at venues ranging from the GAAA to the Old Art Building in Leland, a winery and The Watershed Center. Now they are bringing their wares — paintings, jewelry, wood and fiber art, giclee prints and note cards — to Empire.

Battieger, one of the painters in this month’s show and LWA’s current treasurer, discloses that, at the beginning, the organization included emerging artists. “Membership at that time was open with original members,” Batteiger says. “If you were a woman in Leelanau County you could be a member. That has changed … Every year, members recommend potential new members. The jury committee takes a look at the work to see if that person would be a good match for the group. Last year, they added Amy Radford, Nancy Deye and [Dewey].” Currently, 15 members compose the group, which is capped at 20. All members are expected to participate in shows and to work on committees.

“Although I have painted all of my life,” says painter Marilyn King, “I am a new member of Leelanau Women Artists. Most of my work tends toward the abstract side. I use watercolors, acrylics and pastels. Looking forward to the Empire show, my first with LWA.”

Jewelry designer Renie Cutler is a relatively new member. “I was invited to join LWA two years ago,” she says, “and was delighted to accept and surround myself with creative, talented women…”

“I joined LWA because I thought it was a wonderful idea to belong to an organization of women who support each other in their art,” says jeweler Pam Meteer. She also believes artists need venues in which they can sell their art, which LWA affords its members.

Painter Amy Radford joined last year after attending a show and meeting the artists, whom she says were “gracious and welcoming.” She hopes LWA membership will help her develop as an artist and further “connect with the community of women artists.” She especially likes LWA’s “professional standards to help further the goals for the Arts of the Leelanau region. I appreciate the opportunity for mentoring and the collaborative sharing of ideas that encourages my growth.”

All of these artists draw creative stimulus from their Leelanau surroundings. “My jewelry design,” explains Cutler, “and stone choices are influenced by the nature around me—the beautiful colors of our water, sky and growth of the forest surrounding my home.

The goal of Radford’s work is “to create a vivid interpretation of nature … inspired by a love of the beauty of the Leelanau area.”

Nancy Deye loves the stones she finds on the beaches of Lake Michigan. “Shaping and polishing a piece of the earth, bringing it to life, is fascinating,” she admits. “To me, the marriage of stone to metal is a perfect representation of a harmonious union of nature and man. It is a privilege to watch the development of a well-crafted piece and give birth to it … and it’s an honor to see it appreciated by others.”

Membership spots are currently open. “We are kindred spirits who enjoy the company of each other, and we welcome other women artists who are interested in sharing their journeys to apply to be a member,” says organizer Ditri. To join LWA, visit LeelanauWomenArtists.org and click “Contact.”

The Friday evening opening at the Empire Town Hall will last from 4-8 p.m. The show continues Saturday from 10-6 and Sunday, noon-3. The two galleries and the studio will be open during normal business hours. Look for the balloons.