By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org
Two separate exhibits one in Saugatuck and the other in Muskegon, explore relationships in two different forms, human connection and materialistic.
Saugatuck [Has Heart]
The Grand Rapids-based [Has Heart] was born over a cup of coffee between U.S. Veteran Michael Yacinthe and artist and designer Tyler Way in 2010. The two realized the disconnect between their two worlds and in the process created [Has Heart], a non-profit organization that brings veterans and civilian designers together for coffee and to create art. Through the process the duo design a logo that helps shares the veteran’s story.
[Has Heart] has since traveled around the United States with the goal of visit every state in the country and working with veterans to create a badge which visually showcases his or her story. Twelve of these personal and inspiring stories will be on display at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts until Dec. 22. There also will be a free all ages exhibition celebration on Friday, Nov. 12, in honor or Veterans Day (which is the day before). That event starts at 6 p.m. and features Michigan bluegrass performance Mark Lavengood.
Also at the SCA is the mixed media works of Mariah Meawasige in “How 2 cCean Fish.”Measwasige is an Anishinaabe/settler creative, dedicated to sharing the traditions that have built, morphed, and supported her community.
The SCA is located at 400 Culver St., Saugtuck. For more information visit sc4a.org.
Muskegon gets adorned
This Thursday the Muskegon Museum of Art opens the 1980s hip-hop fashion-inspired exhibiting “Jewelry Box,” which will run through Feb. 20. The exhibit features the work of Detroit artist Tiff Massey, who will use large-scale jewelry pieces, gold, and mirrors to transform the MMA’s Olthoff Gallery into a flashy display of dynamic exploration, self-identity, and fashion. Massey uses the concept of adornment as an examination of African diaspora and issues of race, class, and popular culture.
Massey was the first black woman to earn a master’s degree in metalsmithing from Cranbrook Academy of Art and maintains her studio space practice in Detroit.
The opening reception will be Thursday form 5 – 6 p.m. followed by an Artist Talk at 7 p.m.
The Muskegon Museum of Art is located at 296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon For more information, visit muskegonartmuseum.org.
