Sleeping Bear Dunes featured at Grand Rapids ArtPrize
From staff reports
Artist and photographer Katelyn Wollet was a finalist for the Design & Drive Art Contest with her painting, “Dune Bears,” showcasing the story of Sleeping Bear on each panel of a 2022 Honda Accord at ArtPrize in Grand Rapids this fall.
The Muskegon-based local was inspired by a love of animals and deep care for the water and ecosystems of Michigan, especially the lakeshore and northern Michigan.
“It’s an artist’s responsibility to bring awareness to the interplay of plants and animals, of people and culture,” said Wollet. “This story is a perfect combination of history, environment, spirit, and of storytelling itself. We are stewards to an incredibly diverse region of Michigan and we honor those who came before us so that generations after us can enjoy their own experiences.”
“I hope that new illustrations on an unconventional canvas could introduce the story to younger generations who may not have heard it, or perhaps remind those of us who’ve forgotten,” says Wollet. “ArtPrize is about making art accessible.”
According to Wollet’s artist statement, “Dune Bears” is “the origin story of our northern Michigan coast. Each panel depicts a piece of the lakeshore legend: The Story of Sleeping Bear. Though a difficult tale of a mother bear who lost her cubs, the narrative glows with her unwavering love and dedication as she waits on the shore and is covered with sand that formed today’s dunes. Whether you’ve seen those unrivaled ‘Up North’ views in-person a hundred times, or are first imagining them today, together we can appreciate and preserve our coastal lands and the waters that connect us all.”
“Whether taking photos or making art, my job is to create work that brings people to the present moment, hopefully finding a little peace and connection in the process,” says Wollet. “At my core, I love encouraging everyone to make art. I believe art is very healing.”
