By WKTV Staff
The Muskegon Museum of Art’s 92nd Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition this fall continues the museum’s “well-established legacy of showcasing the work of Michigan artists, from talented beginners to accomplished professionals in the longest running juried show of its kind in Michigan.”
The exhibit opened Sep. 23, with a public reception and awards program, and the show will be on display until Nov. 10. Also coming up at the museum is its annual Appraisal Fair fundraiser on Oct. 16. (See more information later in this story.)
“The (contemporary art) exhibition presents a look at the issues, themes, and materials inspiring today’s Michigan artists,” Art Martin, MMA Director of Collections and Exhibitions/Senior Curator, said in supplied material. “The artwork is meant to engage, challenge, and inspire conversation.”
Several west Michigan artists are among the artists honored and having their works on display.
The Best of Show winner, “Kellie Looks Left”, is by Bryan Hoffman of Saugatuck; Honorable Mentions of the exhibition include, “silenceINsojourn” by Ralph “Nunzi” Annunziata of Grand Rapids, and “Ebb and Flow” by Henry Droski of Grand Rapids.
The Curator’s Choice, “The Waters Began at Home,” is by Lee Ann Frame of Fruitport. The Friends of Art Award, “Rain After Dark”, is by Carolyn Sowa of Caledonia. The West Michigan Potters Guild Eleanore Smith Memorial Ceramics Award went to Jamey Limbers of Lowell (for Untitled #2), and the Docent’s Choice Award, “Desperate Times”, is by Nathan Margoni of Benton Harbor.
Juror (and artist) of exhibition
Juror Karen Hampton selected the works in the exhibition. Hampton is an internationally recognized conceptual artist whose work “addresses issues of colorism and kinship within the African American community,” according to the announcement.
Hampton is a weaver, dyer, painter, embroiderer, storyteller, and teacher whose work exhibits nationally and internationally. She taught at Howard University in Washington, D.C. from 2007-2011, and in 2017 was an assistant professor and Critical Race Issues Resident Artist at Michigan State University.
The Muskegon Museum of Art is located in downtown Muskegon at 296 W. Webster Ave. For more information visit muskegonartmuseum.org or by calling 231-720-2570. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays and closed Mondays.
MMA Appraisal Fair returns October 16
The Muskegon Museum of Art will host its returning (usually annual) Appraisal Fair on Saturday, Oct.16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appraisers from DuMouchelles Art Galleries in Detroit will be at the event to evaluate collectibles, jewelry, art, and antiques. DuMouchelles appraisers combine decades of professional experience in many areas and have regularly appeared on PBS’s Antiques Roadshow.
The event provides an opportunity to help participants decide if a formal appraisal (apart from this event) should be sought for high-value items.
All proceeds benefit the Muskegon Museum of Art.
Appraisals will be available by advance-ticket reservations only as the system should decrease wait times and crowding. The cost is $30 per item for non-MMA member ($20 per item for members) and tickets are available at the Museum Store counter or by calling 231-720-2580.
Each ticket includes a 10-minute verbal evaluation for one item, one museum admission, and free coffee and cookies. Ticket holders must check in at Museum Store upon arrival. Customers will receive notification of their turn with a text message from museum staff.
