Artists and Writers Awarded at 14^th Annual Artfest Opening

June 29, 2023, Midland, MI. – The 14^th Annual Artfest 55, featuring the work of regional writers and artists aged 55 and older, opened Friday, June 23^rd at Creative 360.  The exhibit features the work of more than 70 visual artists and writers from across the state. 

“Artfest 55 is a very popular exhibition and features remarkable work,” said Colleen Reed, Creative 360’s program director and curator. “We had nearly 150 art and writing submissions from all over Michigan. Entries were strong in all categories and that makes for a truly compelling show.”

Jurist for the Visual Arts was Kat Goffnett from the Cranbrook Museum. Jurists for the written work in the exhibit were writers Sarah Yoder and Luana Russell, both Midland Public School teachers who are now retired.

“Jurying this exhibition was no easy task,” said jurist Kat Goffnett. “There was something to admire about every work submitted, whether it be masterful craftsmanship, touching subject matter, or unique composition. Thank you for sharing these pieces, and a bit of yourselves with the Michigan community.”

Winners were announced in the following categories:

Writing: 

Best Poetry – “Garden Sestina” by Anita Hunt from Cadillac.

Best Memoir – “Riding Slow Handed” by Jeanne Lesinski from Saginaw.

Best Short Story – “A Gift of Goldenrod” by Chris Ann French from Sanford.

Visual Arts: 

Best Photography – “Eastbound” by Marilyn Soules from Midland.

Best Two-Dimensional Art – “Triangles + Stripes, But Not a Triad”, by C. Joanne Grabinski from Mt Pleasant.

Best Three-Dimensional Art – “Gaia (Goddess of Earth)”, by Pamela Hart from Midland.

Best in Show – “Always Welcome at My Table”, by Beth Bynum from Kingsley.

Honorable mentions included Ragnar Avery (Kalkaska) for “Mormon Barn Sunrise” –photography, Charles Bonham (Midland) for “Pere Marquette 1225 at Carland, MI” – photography, James Malone Beach (Mt Pleasant) for “Seeing red: Gun Violence in America” – mixed media, Denver Wilson (Midland) for “Pyramid #1”- mixed media, Steve Barber (Mt Pleasant) for “The Price of Silver” -  encaustic, Don Bennett (Freeland) for “#1692 Among Us” – acrylic, Barbara Day (Saginaw) for “Momentum + At Rest” – ink, and Laura Vosejpka (Midland) for “Voor Eenwig (Forever)” – mixed media.

The work will be on display through July 23^rd and, like all of Creative 360’s gallery shows, is free and open to the public.  The artwork can also be viewed on Creative 360’s online gallery on our website at becreative360.org

Many of the works on display are available for purchase. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 am until 5 pm.  Call for weekend hours – 989-837-1885.

About Creative 360
Creative 360 is a not-for-profit community arts and wellness organization founded in 1994. Its mission is to create environments that allow people of all ages and abilities to experience the creative process, and to enhance physical, mental and spiritual wellness through the arts and humanities. The organization’s core values of inclusiveness, creativity, respect and community drive the culture at Creative 360. Activities at Creative 360 are supported in part by the Michigan Arts and Cultural Council, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, Midland Area Community Foundation and The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation. Visit www.becreative360.org for information about the offerings at Creative 360, or call (989) 837-1885 to request a mailed copy of the current schedule.

Creative 360       1517 Bayliss Street, Midland, MI  48640       (989) 837-1885      www.becreative360.org