Tag Archives: St. Joseph

Krasl Art Center reopens with a new sculpture exhibition outdoors

Entertainment,
Krasl Art Center has reopened its galleries and The Shop as of June 26. (Krasl Art Center)

By Julia Gourley Donohue
Krasl Art Center

Krasl Art Center (KAC) has reopened its galleries and The Shop as of June 26. Policies for staff and guests are in place for the safety of all. KAC will operate under reduced hours and will announce opening of studios at a later date.

In the effort to contain the spread of COVID-19, KAC has adopted a Preparedness & Response Plan. KAC has adjusted office, gallery and shop hours of: Friday through Mondays: 11 AM – 5 PM; and open early at 9 AM on Saturdays. Krasl Art Center will be closed on July 4 in observance of Independence day.

In addition to a regimented cleaning schedule, all staff and persons who enter KAC must observe the following guidelines:

  • Use of face covering indoors is strictly required (Accommodations available for those who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons).
  • Wash or disinfect your hands upon entering the building, after using items touched by others, and when exiting the building.Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If unable to wash hands, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • A distance of no less than 6 feet must be maintained between people (both indoors and outdoors) who do not reside in the same household.
  • Guests will be required to sign in providing name, number in group and contact information.
  • No person-to-person contact such as shaking hands.
  • When sneezing or coughing, use the crook of your elbow or sneeze into a tissue, then dispose of the tissue.
  • Food and beverage consumption by guests is presently prohibited inside KAC buildings.
  • Do not touch your face, nose, and mouth, especially with unwashed hands.



Visit krasl.org/visit/hours-admission for continually up to date information.

KAC is thrilled to welcome the work of Charlie Brouwer whose sculptures have been installed at the corner of Pearl St. and along Lake Blvd. as part of a new outdoor exhibition: Human Interest: Four Figurative Sculptures, on view through Fall 2021.

Pieces by Charlie Brouwer have been installed for an outdoor exhibition.

Artist Charlie Brouwer brings to life poetry, whimsy and human emotion amidst the contemporary landscape through his figurative sculptures. He is an artist in search of the beautiful, true and good. These elements are evident in the four sculptures selected for this intimate outdoor exhibition, Human Interest: Four Figurative Sculptures, which draw upon childhood memories, rites of passage, and spirituality.

Brouwer and his wife Glenda live in Floyd County, Virginia. Living on 30 acres of land, they offer a mile-long sculpture trail to any who wish to make an appointment. It is his goal, especially in the current moment, that all enjoy the restorative qualities of art, the outdoors and contemplation. You can learn more about Brouwer’s work at krasl.org/art/exhibitions/

The indoor exhibitions, originally scheduled for March 13 through May 31 have been extended to August 31. Current exhibitions include Dex R. Jones: Storied Portraits in the main gallery and Barbara Cooper’s solo exhibition the artlab.

Influenced by the cultural richness of his Caribbean heritage and Pan-African studies, Dexter R. Jones unwaveringly removes the veil of self-conscious inhibition by eliminating preconceived notions of beauty. Instead, he masterfully reveals true splendor and regality, even amidst vulnerability. Jones relentlessly pushes the characterization of beauty not often seen.

Encompassing a mixture of texture, hues, flesh and heavy contrast in his editorial photography, his expertise in justly capturing women of vast shades is indicative of his strong matriarchal upbringing. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Jones works on artistic projects, editorial assignments, and creative collaborations in both photography and film. Storied Portraits is Jones’ first solo show outside of New York and features 20 images produced in large-scale, further enhancing the vibrancy, strength and appeal of his artwork.

Artworks on view during Dex R. Jones: Storied Portraits are available for purchase through The Shop at Krasl Art Center. View a complete list of artworks for sale with pricing by visiting krasl.org. To make a purchase or for additional information, please email giftshop@krasl.org.

In the artlab, Chicago-based sculptor Barbara Cooper uses wood, books and glue to create elegantly structured artworks. Using nature as her starting point, the artist is inspired by the stresses and obstacles nature confronts. These evolutions in growth and form provide the foundation to her stunning sculptures.

Both exhibitions are available virtually at krasl.org.

Large-scale photograph, gravity-defying wooden sculptures at Krasl Art Center

Entertainment,
A piece by sculptor Barbara Cooper. (Krasl Art Center)

If the winter blues have you down, Krasl Art Center is ready to inject vibrancy into to your routine! “Dex R. Jones: Storied Portraits” features 20 colorful, large-scale photographs filled with vibrant and stylish models highlighting his passion for showcasing strong subjects. In the artlab gallery, sculptor Barbara Cooper displays wooden forms inspired by the ability of nature. These exhibitions will be on view March 13 – May 31 and offer several unique opportunities for the public to interact with the artists and learn about the work on view.

Influenced by the cultural richness of his Caribbean heritage and Pan-African studies, Jones unwaveringly removes the veil of self-conscious inhibition by eliminating preconceived notions of beauty. Instead, he masterfully reveals true splendor and regality, even amidst vulnerability. Jones relentlessly pushes the characterization of beauty not often seen. Encompassing a mixture of texture, hues, flesh and heavy contrast in his editorial photography, his expertise in justly capturing women of vast shades is indicative of his strong matriarchal upbringing. Jones is driven by an infectious passion that is distinctly exposed in the strong subjects he portrays.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Jones works on artistic projects, editorial assignments and creative collaborations in both photography and film. Storied Portraits is Jones’ first solo show outside of New York and features 20 images produced in large-scale, further enhancing the vibrancy, strength and appeal of his artwork.

Chicago-based sculptor Barbara Cooper uses wood, books and glue to create elegantly structured artworks. Using nature as her starting point, the artist is inspired by the stresses and obstacles nature confronts. These evolutions in growth and form provide the foundation to her stunning sculptures.

Interested in viewing these exhibitions with your group or organization? Docent-led tours are available for schools and special interest groups. School groups can sign up for KAC’s Understand Art tours, which include a 45-minute gallery tour and a 45-minute hands-on art lesson with a trained docent. Contact the Education Department at 269-983-0271 or email education@krasl.org to book your tour today!

Downtown St. Joseph comes alive with March mannequins

Entertainment

On Friday, March 13, visitors can stroll downtown St. Joseph and enjoy March Mannequins, sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, Edgewater Bank, and the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council. Dozens of community volunteers will pose perfectly still in participating store windows from 7 to 8:30 p.m. This year’s theme features Night at the Museum. Over 20 windows will depict scenes from any of the three Night at the Museum movies or the participants favorite museum exhibits.

Amy Zapal, executive director at St. Joseph Today, says, “St. Joseph is a destination for year-round fun. In addition to many summer and fall events, winter and spring are also jam packed with fun for all ages. During your visit, explore our beautiful downtown! Grab a bite to eat at one of the mouthwatering restaurants, shop for one-of-a-kind merchandise featured in downtown shops, go wine and beer tasting at the local wineries, breweries and distilleries, or visit one of our stunning beaches or walking trails—there is something for everyone, at every time of the year.”

St. Joseph Today, a membership-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to developing and promoting events and businesses in St. Joseph, Mich. and its surrounding communities. For more information about upcoming events, visit stjoetoday.com or facebook.com/stjoetoday.

22nd annual Chalk the Block brings midsummer family fun to St. Joseph

Entertainment,

By Amy Zapal

St. Joseph Today

 

Need a summer boredom buster for your family before the back-to-school crunch begins? St. Joseph is hosting its 22nd Annual Chalk the Block Aug. 3 – Aug. 5.

 

Sponsored by North Pier Brewing Co. and Fit 4 Fall 5K Underwritten by LECO Corporation, this free event brings in regional artists who create chalk masterpieces downtown on Broad St., between Lake Blvd. and State St. Various other professional chalk artists are coming in from across the country to participate in this event. Event goers can also vote for their favorite artist renderings in the People’s Choice vote. Tickets will be sold at the People’s Choice Tent on Broad St. for one dollar each from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. One dollar equals one vote towards the favored artist; the artist with the most tickets by the end of the weekend wins the People’s Choice Award.

 

Chalk art isn’t the only entertainment planned. Additional weekend activities include lighthouse and heritage walking tours, a farmers market, antiques on the bluff, Friday and Sunday concerts, and free horse-drawn trolley rides around this Victorian-era downtown.

 

New this year, St. Joseph Today and North Pier Brewing have collaborated for a special beer release. “Chalk the Beer can be found on tap at North Pier Brewing starting July 19,” said Amy Zapal, executive director, St. Joseph Today. “It’s a peach and pineapple beer that tastes like summer! There is a limited supply so make sure you get a pint while supplies last.”

 

Zapal said in addition to North Pier Brewing and Fit 4 Fall 5K Underwritten by LECO Corporation, event sponsors include Cook Nuclear Indiana Michigan Power and the Paul and Rose Suchovsky Charitable Trust.

 

Event attendees are encouraged to celebrate the beauty of St. Joseph throughout Chalk the Block weekend. “Not only can you see awesome chalk art around town, folks can shop at beautiful boutiques and stores, walk to Whirlpool Compass Fountain and downtown beaches, jam to live music or catch a movie outdoors by Lake Michigan.” Zapal said this long weekend also offers a good opportunity to view the city’s outdoor art exhibit, “The Magical Kingdom of St. Joseph” that showcases knights, dragons and castles along downtown streets.

 

Chalk the Block activities include:

 

Aug. 3

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.          St. Joe Lighthouse Open Hours

5 p.m. to 8 p.m.            Horse-Drawn Trolley Rides: board at Elm and State St.

7:30 p.m.                      Friday Night Concert: Jack Adams: John E.N. Howard Bandshell

 

Aug. 4

All day                           Chalk the Block: Broad St.

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.             St. Joe Farmers Market: Lake Bluff Park

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.           St. Joe Lighthouse Open Hours

11 a.m. to 8 p.m.           People’s Choice Voting Open

4 p.m.                            Summer Jam 2018: Shadowland Pavilion

10 p.m. (dusk)               Summer Movies: Hugo

 

Aug. 5

All day                  Chalk the Block Viewing: Blocks completed by mid-afternoon, judging follows

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.             Antiques on the Bluff: Lake Bluff Park

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.               People’s Choice Voting Open

3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.  St. Joseph Municipal Band: John E.N. Howard Bandshell