By Adrienne Reasner-Brown
West Michigan Tourist Association
Oliver Art Center is excited to announce its newest community program, Little Free Galleries.
“The idea came from an article in the Seattle Times about an artist who established a gallery much like the well-known Little Free Libraries. We put out a call for a volunteer to make us one to put out in front of the art center and we received three offers! We then adjusted our thinking and decided it would be fun and could reach more of the community to have three located in Frankfort,” said Mercedes Michalowski, Executive Director of Oliver Art Center. Both Benzie Shores District Library and Century 21 Northland have agreed to host their own gallery in partnership with Oliver Art Center.
The Galleries have been made by Brad Sprouse, Lou Cenname, and Bob Crissman, all of Frankfort. The volunteers have vast carpentry experience and even experience in building Little Free Libraries and Pantries. The artwork will be provided by volunteers as well. Anyone is welcome to participate!
“The program will function much like the Little Free Libraries with the idea of: need art, take art; have art, leave art. We hope folks will enjoy the free exchange of art objects that will include paintings, fiber work, ceramic sculptures, and much more. While there is no requirement to leave art if you take it, we hope that people will just enjoy the art and idea itself. And if folks don’t have art to give, but want to give back, OAC is accepting donations in order to maintain the galleries,” said Michalowski.
Benzie Shores District Library is hoping to also expand their gallery’s offerings to books and art supplies. “We are so excited to share this project with the Art Center. Who knows, I may even create my own little piece of art for the gallery!” said Stacy Pasche, Library Director.“Art can stir memories or evoke strong feelings… just as selling or purchasing a home can do the same. The agents and brokers at CENTURY 21 Northland are humbled and honored to be able to give back to our communities by hosting a Little Free Art Gallery. Being located in one of the busiest two blocks on Main Street is key to showcasing Oliver Art Center’s presence and will bring smiles and good conversations to those walking by,” said Judi Tousley, Century 21 Northland.
Frankfort’s Little Free Art Galleries will be installed and ready for art and visitors May 1. Oliver Art Center is currently accepting art for the galleries. They are looking for smaller size works of art (less than 12 inches) and even have 4×4 blank canvases kits available to purchase for $10 – all proceeds go to maintenance and upkeep of the galleries. If you have any questions, please contact Mercedes or Brian at the Oliver Art Center, info@oliverart.org or 231-352-4151.
