Besser Museum hosting local artists Pam O’Neil, Joe Donna

Courtesy Photo Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan will host an artist reception for Pam O’Neil from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
ALPENA — Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan currently has the work of two local artists on display in two galleries, and receptions are coming up to give community members the opportunity to view their artwork and talk with the artists.
A reception for Pam O’Neil will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the museum. Her solo exhibit is titled, “Color Changes Everything.”
A reception for Joe Donna will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1 at the museum. His solo exhibit is called, “Cultura.” The first 100 people attending Donna’s reception will receive an original signed print of his artwork.
About Pam O’Neil
Pamela L. O’Neil describes herself as a self-taught abstract realist — inspired by spiritual guidance. Her forte expresses life from color, shape, experience, love, and pain. With an extensive resume of poetry, awards, gallery shows, professional art fairs, business and commissioned work, she remains humbled by compassion and humanism.

Courtesy Photo Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan will host an artist reception for Joe Donna from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1.
Growing up in Owosso, Michigan, a small town, she always remains grateful for her simple heritage. O’Neil has owned her own interior design business for over 40 years. Having received her degree in Chicago, and traveling throughout the Eastern U.S., she continues to use her creativity while doing professional display, design work, and her art. Her education is always continued through workshops, research, teaching, and experiences.
“I never see things normally,” O’Neil said in an artist’s statement. “I always paint from my soul. The strokes of color that my mind’s eye feels … not sees. The passion runs so deep that I will get lost for hours in ‘the zone.’ It is a catharsis and true gift from my higher spirit.”
She continued, “Feeling confined by small pieces, I reveal my art best in larger canvases. Finally finding my niche over the year, I know acrylic on canvas is my best choice.”
She said she loves using textures and has been working with that medium, plus drywall mud and other products for a very long time.
“I started out with watercolors straight from the tubes,” O’Neil said. “The richness and saturation of the color from acrylic paint expresses best my creations. When possible, I will work with wood and metals and glass to build geometric, unique pieces. These consist of sculptures and mirrors and whatever flows from my soul.”
She also teaches workshops and art therapy to the elderly and dementia patients.
“This brings much satisfaction to me to see the breakthroughs art and color have on my students,” she said.
O’Neil loves the creative process.
“Most of the time, I can’t get enough,” she said. “It is in my blood, and I’m blessed to be called ‘a professional artist.’ I welcome commission work and do this on a very regular basis, working closely with my clients.”
She added, “I feel we are here for love and lessons. We should all be aware of our daily experiences and surroundings. Do not be afraid of expressing that inner profound knowing!”
About Joe Donna
Born in New York, Joe Donna grew up in the Detroit area. In 1985, he received a Master of Fine Arts in Ceramics from Michigan State University. Shortly thereafter, he secured a teaching position at Kirtland Community College where he taught for the next 27 years. Currently, he is an adjunct faculty member at Alpena Community College where he has taught art for the past 36 years.
Donna works in all mediums but favors the photographic image. His subject matter ranges from whimsical portrayals of current culture to the deadly seriousness of religious dogma. His works have been in many national exhibitions with several private collections. He has participated in exhibitions at the Besser Museum and has been a participant in ArtPrize in Grand Rapids multiple times.
- Courtesy Photo Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan will host an artist reception for Pam O’Neil from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
- Courtesy Photo Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan will host an artist reception for Joe Donna from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1.