Jillian Dickson - WKTV Journal

"Just as Wild" by Jillian Dickson — “Just as Wild” by Jillian Dickson

The Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver Street, welcomes two new artists to its exhibition gallery and corridor series. The exhibition runs through Oct. 7.

Pam Kravetz, born, raised and working in Cincinnati, debuts her engaging gallery of marionette puppets, pulley systems, and narrative quilts in her exhibition Not My Circus, Not My Monkeys. She combines her pieces alongside community student’s sock monkey creations to build an interactive experience for everyone who enters the gallery.

“Pam’s works have a wonderfully optimistic and whimsical quality that are appealing to the eye and relatable to anyone,” said SCA Education & Exhibit Coordinator Whitney Valentine. “We’re so fortunate to be able to exhibit this collection of work. The larger than life puppets, bold color and unique stories truly come to life in our space!”

Jillian Dickson, professor of drawing and painting at Alma College, brings to light the relationship between nature and the human body in her exhibit Just as Wild. After experiencing the transformative process of pregnancy and delivery, she began to understand her body in a different light. Her drawings examine the seemingly forgotten and neglected connection between tactile human bodies and wild nature. Although the two may seem different her drawings attempt to find their connections.

For more information about the exhibitions visit online at sc4a.org or call 269-857-2399.

The exhibition Not My Circus, Not My Monkeys is sponsored by Kathleen Markland. The corridor series is sponsored by the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs.

Work by xxxxx will be on display at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts Aug. 25 - Oct. xx — Work by Jillian Dickson will be on display at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts Aug. 25 – Oct. 7.

The Saugatuck Center for the Arts will feature Just as Wild, a collection of drawings by artist Jillian Dickson, in the Corridor Exhibition from Aug. 25 through Oct. 7. A free opening reception will take place on Aug. 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Just as Wild is a series of colored pencil drawings which attempt to recognize the connections between nature and the human body, and how society shapes this connection. Inspired by her pregnancy, Dickson often explores topics of female empowerment, the naked body, and nature.

“Jillian creates beautiful, complex drawings filled with life,” said Whitney Valentine, Education & Exhibitions Manager at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. “Her pieces encourage the viewer to think about the powerful connection between humans and nature and how that plays out in their own lives.”

Dickson’s intricately drawn works fuse images of human organs with budding flowers, ribbons, and butterflies. The mix of feminine details and claustrophobic detailing demonstrates the complexity of the female body and spirit.

“Her art is both beautiful and thought provoking,” said Saugatuck Center for the Arts Executive Director Kristin Armstrong. “It’s so personal, yet relatable for each of us.”

The installation will be open from Aug. 25 through Oct. 7 in the Saugatuck Center for the Arts Corridor Exhibition. the Saugatuck Center for the Arts is located at 500 Culver St., Saugatuck.

The exhibit is sponsored by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.