By Colleen Cullison
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
A new exhibit titled, “Innovative Artistry,” by local artist Patti Sevensma, ISEA-NF, NCS, opens at the Leep Art Gallery on March27. The mixed media exhibit is at the Postma Center on the Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services campus in Grand Rapids.
Having grown up on the shores of Lake Michigan, Sevensma compares her love of creating art to her life-long fascination with the serene, but often turbulent lake. “It’s beautiful, awesome, and terrifying all at the same time. Making art is the same way. Every project is an adventure in and of itself.” As the lake is ever changing, Sevensma, too, continues to change as a multimedia artist. She is learning not only to enhance her creative process but also to make her life more exciting and fulfilling.
Early on, Sevensma developed a love of drawing, designing, and even sewing her own clothes. As her sons entered high school, Sevensma focused on becoming a professional photographer and also began taking art classes at Grand Rapids Community College along with local instructor Loretta Sailors, who has been a significant influence on her work. Sevensma also took workshops led by nationally known artists in drawing, watercolor, collage, and mixed media. Her goal has always been to try as many mediums as possible before she dies.
Sevensma shares her passion for learning by teaching classes and workshops to inspire others to discover the joy of making art. She teaches photography, with an emphasis on how to capture and design a great photo; critique class for artists seeking to improve their design and composition skills; and watercolor for beginning artists.
Sevensma’s artwork is on display at The Flat River Gallery and Framing in Lowell; Mullaly’s 128 Studio and Gallery in Elk Rapids; Museum Contempo in Shelton, Washington; Frames Unlimited Galleries in Grand Rapids, and other locations in the Midwest. She is a member of the National Collage Society and President of the International Society of Experimental Artists.
The exhibit will be on display at Pine Rest Postma Center located at 300 68th Street, SE, Grand Rapids, Mich., from March 27 until June 30, 2017. The Leep Art Gallery is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 616.222.4530 or go to www.pinerest.org/events.
