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NEMAG picks weather for new exhibit theme

Courtesy Photo Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan volunteer Vicki Wright earlier this week installed the Northeast Michigan Artists Guild’s new exhibit, “Whatever the Weather.” The show opens this Saturday, with a public reception set for April 21 from 3-5 p.m.

The title selected for the latest exhibit by members of the Northeast Michigan Artists Guild seems entirely appropriate. Not only does “Whatever the Weather” adequately convey the subject matter of the 30-plus works of art included in this popular exhibit, but also how unexpected weather can play a big part in events.

The opening reception for the 2018 NEMAG exhibit was slated for this Saturday, but because of a potential snowstorm, the reception has been moved to the following Saturday.

“Because of the weather prediction for this weekend, we are changing the reception for “Whatever the Weather” to Saturday, April 21 from 3 to 5 p.m.,” said long-time NEMAG member Karen Cracchiolo. “That’s just another example of how well we adapt to Michigan’s unpredictable weather.”

This year’s theme, she said, was selected based on a poem of the same name written by an anonymous British author.

“‘Whatever the Weather’ was selected because it so accurately depicts Michigan’s four seasons,” Cracchiolo said.

“Whether the weather be fine or whether the weather be not,

Whether the weather be cold, or whether the weather by hot,

We’ll weather the weather, whatever the weather,

Whether we like it or not.”

All four seasons are covered by the 22 NEMAG members who participated this year. So too is all manner of weather conditions from sleet and snow depicted in Anne Sonnenberg’s piece, “Michigan Spring,” to rain covered in an acrylic painting called “October Rain” by Judy St. John. Other paintings represent laundry blowing in high winds (“Windy Day” by Linda Dern), cold winter weather (“Brrrrrr!” by Linda Powe) and lightning (“Flash in Lightning” by Dahris Wilson).

Member Marilyn Bachelor opted to represent all four seasons through a series of four small acrylic paintings of the same tree called “Michigan’s summerfallwinterspring.”

NEMAG has been doing an annual themed exhibit for many years at the museum, a fact Executive Director Christine Witulski appreciates.

“I greatly appreciate the longstanding relationship the Besser Museum has with the Northeast Michigan Artists Guild,” Witulski said. “We look forward to their annual exhibit.”

She said that over the past several years, NEMAG’s themed art exhibit has been incorporated into the museum’s educational programming for school field trips.

“This year’s theme fits perfectly as students will discuss different types of clouds, how clouds are formed and see a science demonstration of the condensation of vapors,” she said. “Students will also discuss how clouds inspire imagination and creativity while viewing NEMAG’s ‘Whatever the Weather’ art exhibit.”

The mission of NEMAG is to promote and support art and artists through inspiration, information and education. The organization also supports local artists through exhibits and shows of quality work as well as encourages novice artists.

The public is invited to attend the free opening reception on April 21. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information about the exhibit, call the museum at 356-2202.

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