State of the Art: 16 Art Exhibits to See Now through September

Head to TC, Glen Arbor, Cross Village, Petoskey, Frankfort, and Charlevoix to see them all

By Brighid Driscoll | July 27, 2024

Pictured: "Moon Rise" by Edward Duff, cropped for web.

Let us momentarily lure you away from the trail or beach into the air-conditioned quiet of a gallery, museum, or arts hub.

Our local art scene is bursting with vibrant exhibits that promise to dazzle your senses and ignite your imagination. From avant-garde installations to landscapes that make you think of home, there’s something for every art lover, whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newbie. And with the bulk of these exhibits hosting Michigan artists, it’s a great way to support the creators in your community. Join us as we take you on a tour of some must-see works of art.

Higher Art Gallery (Traverse City)

Northern Views by Edward Duff is “a love letter to Michigan,” according to artist and gallery owner Shanny Brooke. Brooke and Duff have worked together since she opened the gallery and was looking for a landscape artist to round out offerings. “I wanted someone exceptional,” she says. “When I met Ed, I knew.”

The collection encapsulates everything dreamy and magical about northern Michigan beaches. At first glance, Duff’s oil paintings almost look like photographs. Hazy lavender, blue moonrises over water, and forests lacing the shoreline are just some of the visions from Duff’s work. “This is all northern Michigan,” Brooke says. “There’s [one] of Sturgeon Bay that I really like. That part of the water always feels a little more wild and untamed. … He does a lot of gorgeous open water.”

Indeed, a painting of the view from the Empire Bluff trail perfectly captures the Caribbean blue hue the summertime lake is known for. Only one scene stands unique to the rest of the collection: a driver’s view of an unnamed highway at sunset. The view is undoubtedly a Michigan road and will bring a familiar sense of home to anyone who grew up somewhere in the Mitten. Visit soon—the show ends on Aug. 3.

Glen Arbor Arts Center (Glen Arbor)

When you find yourself in Leelanau County, head to the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s Members Create exhibition. The varied work is a perfect way to immerse yourself in a world of local talent. Running through Aug. 8, this unique showcase features the diverse and captivating works of 41 current members. Explore an array of 2D and 3D media, including clay sculptures, intricate collages, fiber art, mixed media pieces, expressive paintings, detailed printmaking, evocative photography, and striking sculptures. Each piece tells a story, reflecting the rich artistic heritage and creativity of the Leelanau community and the greater northern Michigan region beyond.

Three Pines Studio (Cross Village)

Experience three captivating exhibitions in the coming month. From Aug. 3 to 13, enjoy Along the Way by Doug Barron and Brian Goff, stunning oil paintings that blend Impressionism and Realism. Meet the artists at the reception on Aug. 3, 2-5pm, and learn about the vibrant landscapes and architectural scenes that evoke cherished moments.

Next, from Aug. 17 to 27, discover Light on the Land by Louise Pond. Her delicate paintings masterfully capture texture and light, creating depth and emotion in every piece. Join the artist reception on Aug. 17, 2-5pm.

Finally, see Beaches on the Mitt by Ron Theisen from Aug. 31 to Sept. 10. This exhibition offers a serene journey through Michigan’s beautiful beaches, bottling the essence of Midwest coastal summers.

Crooked Tree Arts Center (Petoskey)

Two exhibits from Michigan-based artists are at CTAC through Aug. 31. Husband and wife duo Robert and Susan Perrish are behind Horizons: Landscapes and Figures, which features their distinctly different works united by a romanticist approach to contemporary subjects. The Perrishes’ paintings depict the idyllic Michigan countryside and studies of the human figure. Meanwhile, Michigan: An American Portrait is a collaborative exhibit featuring work from 13 artists. The project delves into Michigan’s history, people, and natural world while exploring the relationships between place, identity, and the human experience. (It was inspired by the PBS documentary of the same name!)

Oliver Art Center (Frankfort)

Experience Contemporary Conversations at the Oliver Art Center from Aug. 2 through Sept. 6. Four artists are featured in this immersive exhibit. Christopher Fellows presents powerful sculptures with rich colors and textures, blending futuristic vibes with ancient otherworldliness. James Kipp’s luminous oil paintings showcase jewel tones and the mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow. Glenn Wolff’s mixed-media pieces highlight the unique juxtaposition of vibrant colors against muted natural metal and wood surfaces. And Brad Sprouse’s earthy ceramics and sculptural forms use intriguing found objects and natural materials.

Charlevoix Circle of Arts (Charlevoix)

Regionally inspired work from northern Michigan locals is for sale throughout August at Charlevoix Circle of Arts. The Summer Salon, now in its fifth year, gives residents a place to showcase and sell their art every summer. The work is ever-changing as pieces sell, and it’s the perfect way to purchase work that depicts local beauty by artists who know it best.

Dennos Museum Center (Traverse City)

In addition to their Inuit art collection and several other permanent exhibits, the Dennos Museum has four showcases running through Sept. 1.

Solo E Tutti: A Celebration of Community is a project from the Interlochen Arts Academy Visual Arts students that explores the concept of community. Louise Jones: 10,000 Flowers has new works on canvas by the well-known floral muralist. The Michigan Watercolor Society has shared its 77th Annual Exhibition works, with 55 pieces on display, 30 of which will go on to be shown at different locations across the state. And last but not least, Hard Edges, Vibrant Colors highlights more than a dozen works from the permanent collection at Dennos of Optical “Op” Art that plays with viewer’s perceptions.

But wait—there’s more! Mark your calendars for September and the arrival of three new exhibits.

A Beautiful Mess: Weavers & Knotters of the Vanguard showcases the extraordinary talents of 11 women artists who transform everyday materials into fiber art. From intricate hand-sized pieces to expansive room-sized installations, these artworks feature traditional weaving, knotting, and macramé. Addressing themes such as racism, sexism, and climate change, these artists create powerful, personal works that challenge the status quo and inspire reflection.

“Historically, textile work has been considered craft and not necessarily fine art,” says Audience Engagement and Communication Manager Chelsie Niemi. “So, a kind of movement is happening, especially more recently, to recognize traditional female craftwork as fine art. These women are pushing the boundaries of what this medium can look like.”

Next, experience Sky Into Stone, a collection by Katrina Bello where charcoal and soft pastel drawings capture the essence of northern Michigan’s coastline. “She did a residency at Tusen Takk Foundation in Leland. Part of their goal is to connect artists to public exhibition spaces. We host those shows as part of our Spotlight Series,” Niemi tells us. Bello’s work, influenced by her residency, delves into themes of history, Earth sciences, and the human connection to the natural world. Her powerful pieces reflect on time, landscape, and the divine.

Finally, explore a contemporary Japanese ceramic art collection featuring diverse styles, forms, and glazes. Drawn from Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz’s extensive collection, these pieces highlight functional and sculptural ceramics.

“The Horvitzes [likely] have the largest collection of contemporary Japanese ceramics outside of Japan,” says Niemi. “This will be an extended loan. Normally, our exhibitions only run for a month, but we'll have these for a year.” This exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of Japanese ceramic art, appealing to visitors of all ages and backgrounds.