Oliver Art Center - WKTV Journal

Oliver Center for the Arts is looking for the most creative masks in its Make a Mask, make a Difference contest. (Public Domain)

By Elizabeth Lane
Oliver Center for the Arts

Oliver Art Center is helping give back to our frontline workers and healthcare professionals. They have created a ‘Make a Mask, Make a Difference’ contest for handmade masks. Now through July 6, they are accepting donations of handmade masks from crafters, designers, seamstresses, and artists of all ages. The masks need to be latex free, made of breathable fabric, and washable. Both elastic and tie versions are accepted. Submissions will be judged on overall creativity and originality. There will be both a youth and adult bracket with cash prizes! Adults first place receives $250 and Youth first place receives $75. Prizewinners will be announced July 13 and then the masks will be donated to local organizations that need them for employees or volunteers.

“COVID-19 has impacted so many people and we would like to support all of the health professionals and essential workers going to work for us while risking not only their health but that of their family as well,” said Kelly Winter, OAC board member and project coordinator.

“We are hoping to gather 200 masks during this contest. Cash prizes have been donated by an anonymous donor to help encourage folks to create masks as well as provide financial assistance to local creators in a small way. We are always saying how art is beneficial to your health, and this contest is bringing that to light,” says Mercedes Michalowski, Executive Director of Oliver Art Center. Once the masks are collected, they will be photographed and featured in an online exhibition via the art center.

By Adrienne Brown-Reasner, West Michigan Tourist Association

Oliver Art Center (OAC) has established a permanent community creative space for young artists and their families to explore art in its various forms. OAC already hosts a lending library space on the top floor of the renovated Coast Guard Station.

The addition of the new creative space will allow visitors to peruse books on art, artists, and museums in addition to allowing exploration of artistic mediums through perpetual, self-guided art projects. The community space will be open all year during regular business hours and features comfortable seating for both adults and kids; books, puzzles, games geared to all ages; curated, self-guided art projects; and display space for budding young artists.

“This space will assist in helping an underserved part of the local population: parents with young, preschool age kids, as well as older kids,” said Mercedes Michalowski, OAC’s Executive Director. “The need for this space was born out of two free, art drop in days that OAC hosted earlier this year.”

Michalowski said that the first day hosted just over 20 kids and adults; the second day, about a month later hosted over 45. The parents of the younger children asked OAC to keep programs like the drop-in days going in the fall and winter when there are less opportunities to occupy younger children.

“We are very excited about this opportunity,” said Michalowski.

Oliver Art Center received a grant from the Grand Traverse Community Foundation Charlie and Linda Kehr Fund that is providing the funds to purchase furniture and other major initial needs for the room. Cash donations as well as material donations will be welcome as the space and program continues.

Oliver Art Center is located at 132 Coast Guard Rd., Frankfort, MI 49635.