Old School Art in Glen Arbor

Susan Jacoby will hold an Aug. 8 reception at the Old School Art building. Photo courtesy of Dancing Frog Press

By Brooks Vanderbush
Sun contributor

Glen Arbor’s Old School Gallery is again bursting to life with art. Over the next few weeks, numerous different artists will showcase their craft within the much loved and lauded Glen Arbor space.

“Many longtime residents know the history of the Old School,” said organizer and artist Paul Czamanske. “It ceased being a school in 1968. Then it became the venerable Old School Hardware for several decades and, for some time, a fitness club, which folded about two years ago. I learned of the availability of the Old School building space last year. I was able to lease it for four months a season. I have a gallery space on my property in Burdickville and was doing four art shows a year and decided to give the art shows a break and see what would happen if I partnered with Carol Spaulding and we combined our gallery spaces in Glen Arbor, which we did last year. This year, I have brought in nine different artists to create a very unique and memorable gallery offering in Leelanau County.”

Czamanske’s furniture art will be on display throughout the coming weeks as various artists come and go.

“I suppose my art is a bit of arts and crafts goes to Denmark with a lay over in Asia,” said Czamanske with a smile.

“I create furniture that is not ‘self destruct’ furniture or planned obsolesce that will endure and be usable long after my life is over and will live on when I am gone,” he explained.

Joining Czamanske will be artists Ted Peterson, David Westerfield, Bob Simmerman, Jane Ditri (with a reception on July 18 from 5-8 p.m.), Lynn Uhlmann (with a reception on July 25 from 5-8 p.m.), Susan Jacoby and Sally Wille (both with a reception on August 8 from 5-8 p.m.), and Carol Spaulding (with a reception on August 15 from 5-8 p.m.).

“Last summer I noted Carol’s work was in The Old School Gallery so I stopped in,” said Wille. “I was very impressed with the physical space, it really lends itself to be used as a gallery. I expressed interest to Paul, who also was showing his lovely furniture. He contacted me this past winter and asked if I would like to rent a wall for my work. I jumped at the chance.”

“My paintings depict Michigan landscapes I am drawn to, during any season,” she continued. “I also enjoy painting what I call ‘landmark art’. Those paintings, usually small, are of favorite sights and landmarks around the Glen Arbor region. Last fall, one of my paintings was selected for The Art of Sleeping Bear, a book I am very proud to be showcased in along side so many talented artists.”

“Another style direction my work is taking me in is still life,” said Wille. “Flowers and reflecting patterns against reflections and colors. I collect blue and white transfer ware china from the 1800s and many of those paintings include some of my collection.”

The art on display at the Old School Gallery is certain to find a fan within any generation.

“I had enjoyed art as a hobby all of my life, but it was after I had retired and I took my first class in soft pastel that I took art up in earnest,” said Ditri. “I fell in love with the medium of pastel and have not looked back. I like to call myself an artistic ‘late bloomer.’”

“I was invited to join the group by one of the artists there,” she continued. “I was impressed by the quality of art being shown at the Old School Gallery. And I believe that Glen Arbor attracts art lovers as well as artists.”

While some of the artists on display have held art near and dear as a hobby for some time, others dove in completely from day one.

“There was never a conscious decision to be an artist, it was what I always did and knew I wanted to do,” said Jacoby. “I took extracurricular art classes my whole life and majored in painting in college. After working in a gallery in New York City, I knew I wanted to pursue it further by going to graduate school. I got my MFA in painting at Northwestern University. I continue to paint most days at a studio I share with three other artists in Chicago.”

“My paintings are usually inspired by a specific site that I’ve photographed, be it a large panoramic vista or a close-up play of patterns,” Susan continued. “I strive to capture the mood rather than the details by focusing on any atmospheric conditions that deflect or mask the light, blur the details, and make you wonder what’s beyond.”

While their art may be from completely different ends of the artistic spectrum, each artist can agree that Glen Arbor and its surrounding region offers some outstanding inspiration.

“Without question, the world around me is my inspiration,” said Simmerman. “As a landscape photographer my goal is to capture the briefest of moments. A sliver of light, a splash of water, a subtle reflection, shapes, forms and patterns. I try to turn the fleeting moments of our world into memories that last a lifetime. Of course, I don’t feel that such a thing is completely possible, but as I pursue the craft I get closer and closer. This alone drives me forward.”

“I love the subjects in and around Glen Arbor and the Sleeping Bear Dunes,” said Westerfield. “I paint here regularly, have been involved with the Glen Arbor Art Association, and have exhibited locally in other venues. I believe my work fits the area and especially in this classic building.”

All the artists are very excited about the possibilities that the Old School Gallery offers. Placed, as it is, in such an inspirational locale, this is the quintessential artistic immersion that so many art lovers seek.

When asked about what she hopes her art conveys to her audience, Ditri’s response seemed to perfectly convey the hopes of all of the gathered artists and of the Old School Gallery itself; that the feelings of each scene and moment are perfectly captured and that the emotions within that scene are perfectly conveyed. Each piece is a “visual poem.” Something one must see to experience.

The Old School Gallery is located at 6363 Western Avenue in Glen Arbor and is open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. most days and anytime to prearranged appointments. More information can be found by calling 231-633-2057.