Photo by Evelyn Cairns
Brandon Ursing (left) of Brownstown and Nancy Knapp of Woodhaven are shown with their winning works at a reception kicking off the 27th Art Ambience Fine Art Show and Sale and Miniature Non-Juried Show and Sale April 25 in Woodhaven. Ursing received second place and $200 for his oil “Tension,” and Knapp $100 and third place for a pastel, “Autumn Ensemble.” The first-place winner, Leslie O’Connor, of Carleton, was unable to attend the event.
By EVELYN CAIRNS
“Art is alive and well Downriver,” said Maureen Keast, spokeswoman for the 27th annual Art Ambience Fine Art Show and Sale and Non-Juried Miniature Art Show and Sale held the weekend of April 25 at the Woodhaven Community Center.
“It was our best-attended show in the last 10 years,” Keast said, adding that what’s unique about the exhibit is that it’s open only to Downriver artists.
A highlight of an opening reception was the presentation of awards for outstanding works.
Leslie O’Connor of Carleton won first place and $300 for her pencil drawing titled “Sheets.”
Second place and $200 went to Brandon Ursing of Brownstown for his oil “Tension,” and third and $100 to Nancy Knapp of Woodhaven for her pastel “Autumn Ensemble.”
The coveted Artists’ Choice Award was captured by Camille O’Connell, for “Violinist,” an acrylic and oil painting. O’Connell’s mother was the first-place winner.
Receiving honorable mentions for their works were Margaret Arnott, Ken Barbb, Shirley Ciungan and Louis Terry.
Judy Nelms of Grosse Ile Township, a prize-winning artist who won her first blue ribbon in art at the age of 8, was presented with the Sharon Sims Award.
Throughout the days following the opening, Downriver artists conducted demonstrations of their specialties.
State Rep. Douglas Geiss (D-Taylor) was honorary chairman of the event.
MVS slates DCA benefit
Michigan Vehicle Solutions of Southgate will host a benefit for the Downriver Council for the Arts titled “Art in Action” from 6 to 8:30 p.m. May 8 at the former Saturn dealership, 16600 Fort. St., in Southgate.
The event will offer an opportunity to meet graduating student modelers and the three-dimensional creations they will be presenting to automotive manufacturers.
Customized vehicles, including Autorama entries, as well as classic vehicle restorations, will be on display. Tickets, $25, include wine, food samples from area restaurants and music.
MVS was named the 2014 Southgate New Business of the Year. For tickets or more information, call the DCA at 734-720-0671.
Mother’s Day tea scheduled
The Downriver Council for the Arts has scheduled a “Mother’s Day Whimsical Tea Party” for 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the James R. DeSana Center for Arts & Culture, 81 Chestnut, Wyandotte.
DCA members and friends have donated nearly 100 bone china teacups and saucers for the event. A photo booth with special props will be available for those with cameras.
Tickets are $15, adults, and $10, children. For reservations or additional information, call the DCA at 734-720-0671.
Concert set by Seaway
The Seaway Chorale will present a spring concert with the theme “Love and Marriage” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Flat Rock High School Community Auditorium, 28100 Aspen Drive.
Tickets, $17, adult; $13, seniors; and $6, children 6 through 17 will be available at the door.
Musical will end season
The Wyandotte Community Theatre production of “Bingo! The Winning Musical” will end the organization’s current season at 7:30 p.m. May 9, 10, 16 and 17 at the James R. DeSana Center for Arts & Culture, 81 Chestnut, Wyandotte.
Directed by Tammy Trudelle and Jazmyn Bencik, the play stars Gretchen Davis, Jennifer Emery, Chelsea Gerring, Edward Johnson, Elizabeth Stone-Hall, Bencik and Trudelle.
Tickets are $15, adults, and $14, students and seniors.
For tickets, call 734-775-9635 or email
[email protected].