By EVELYN CAIRNS
The Downriver Council for the Arts has scheduled a series art lectures by Michael Farrell titled “By the Seaside, by the Beautiful Sea” for September, October and November at the DCA headquarters in the James R. DeSana Center for Arts & Culture, 81 Chestnut, Wyandotte.
Farrell, a professor of art history and founder of the Honors Art History Program at the University of Windsor, will show and discuss the works of Anders Zorn on Sept. 17; Joaquin Sorolla, Oct. 15; and Mathias Alten, Nov. 12.
Well known as landscape and portrait artists, the painters are also recognized for the ability to portray and transmit the beauty of the sea.
Although Zorn, a Swedish artist, is considered one of the leading portrait painters of the beginning of the 20th century, his lesser-known watercolors of the sea may be the greater examples of his artistic genius, Farrell said.
Sorolla, was Spain’s most famous artist before the emergence of Picasso. Sorolla’s, portraits included images of royalty and American presidents, but his most enchanting works, Farrell said, were those focused on times spent with his family by the sea.
Alten began his career as a painter of western Michigan landscapes. He lived in Grand Rapids, but traveled frequently to Europe. His fascination with the paintings of Sorolla led to the production of Alten’s most eloquent works — images of the sea — Farrell said.
The speaker has taught for Central Michigan University and the College of Creative Studies and was adjunct curator at the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Detroit Historical Museum. His entertaining and informative lecture style make him a favorite of audiences.
Tickets for individual lectures are $15 ($10, DCA members; $5 full-time students). The programs begin at 7 p.m.
To register, call 734-720-0671 or e-mail [email protected].
Farmers offer their bounties
With vegetables and fruits at their peaks, now is the time to visit local or nearby farm markets and take advantage of the bounty of fresh produce at excellent prices. Some markets also sell baked goods, jams and non-food items, including crafts and jewelry made in Michigan.
Allen Park Farmers Market —Park Avenue between Harrison and McLain; 1 to 6 p.m. Fridays through Oct. 31 (313-928-0940).
Dearborn Farmers and Artisan Market — Parking lot behind Bryant Library, 22100 Michigan Ave.; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays through Oct 17.
Lincoln Park Farmers Market — Parking lot next to Painters Supply, 2040 Fort St.; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 26; many specialty items, including jams, honey, maple syrup, crafts and jewelry (313-427-0443).
Wyandotte Farmers Market — Elm at First Street; noon to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 2; herbs, lamb baked goods and plants (734-324-7298) or www.wyandotefarmersmarket.com.)
Brownstown Farmers Market, Event Center parking lot, 23345 King Road; Tuesdays through Sept. 30 (734-785-5911) or www.brownstown-Mi.org).
Romulus Farmers Market — City Hall parking lot, 11111 Wayne Road; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sept. 24; local food and craft vendors (734-955-4531 or [email protected].
Coming up . . .
Sept. 11 — Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber Annual Steak Roast; 5 to 9 p.m. at the Brownstown Event Center 23345 King Road; tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door; for tickets or more information, call 734-284-6000.
Sept. 13 — Casting call for fourth annual C. Creations fall fashion show, to be staged 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at the James R. DeSana Center for Arts & Culture, 81 Chestnut, Wyandotte; to apply, email [email protected].
Sept. 26 — “Sip and Support” fundraiser for the Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center; 7 p.m. at Salute Special Events, 26123 Huron River Drive; tickets, $35; for more information, call 734-771-7945 or go to www.dypac.com.