The Village Theater at Cherry Hill is currently exhibiting artwork from the 24th Annual Canton Fine Arts Exhibition now through October 29, 2016, bringing together works of some of the best artists throughout southeast Michigan. The exhibit contains works in a variety of media, including: paintings, sculptures, mixed media, charcoal drawings, pastels, ceramics, and photography.
This year’s winners include: Best of Show – Janet Kondziela for "Peter #4" (Oil Painting); Second Place - James Tidwell for "The Conversation" (Oil Painting); Third Place - Barbara Gage Rex for " As Time Passes By" (Photo); Honorable Mentions were awarded to Laura Larkins for "Lake View Screen Door" (Acrylic Painting); and to James Lounsbury for "Flowers #678" (Oil Painting). Merit Awards went to: Janus Benda for "Abstract on Black" (Mixed Media); Janice Dumas for "The Docks" (Watercolor); Kevin McCown for "Rome" (Oil Painting); and John Middlestead for "Subtlety in Color" (Photo).
“This year’s Canton Fine Arts Exhibition truly presents art for all ages and interests,” said Jennifer Tobin, Canton Arts Coordinator. “This exhibit has gained a tremendous reputation for featuring leading-edge artists who are creating not only what’s new, but what’s next. We are now seeing some of the best works by someofhe best artist living and working in Michigan.”
Forty pieces were selected by this year’s juror EmmaJean Woodyard, who has been a staunch advocate and nurturer of the arts in Michigan for 30+ years and currently serves as the Executive Director of the Dearborn Community Fund (DCF), whose mission is to provide support for cultural, arts and recreation activities for Dearborn residents. She has launched such programs as: Art in Public Places, a yearlong sculpture exhibit; Youth in Arts Festival; and Pockets of Perception Design Team Project that involves high school students in designing and producing public art. As President and then Executive Director of the Dearborn Community Arts Council (DCAC) she helped develop a community gallery for the visual arts, produced an annual concert series, developed partnerships with community schools, and developed and co-administered the “Art for Young People” program with Henry Ford Community College.
The Canton Fine Arts Exhibition began in 1993 as an activity of Canton Project ARTS, a cultural programming body which provided various arts-related events and activities to the community. In 2004, Canton Project ARTS was absorbed by Canton Leisure Services and is currently guided by the Canton Cultural Commission.
The public is encouraged to view this free exhibit: Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; during public performances at the theater; and by appointment by calling 734/394-5308. The gallery, located at 50400 Cherry Hill Road in Canton, is closed on holidays. For more information about this latest exhibition, please call 734/394-5308 or visit www.cantonvillagetheater.org.