By Gari Voss
On Friday, February 20, 2026, from 7pm to 9pm, the Allegan Area Arts Council (AAAC) will host the In Memoriam Opening Reception in the Marilla Room at the Griswold Auditorium. From February 20 to May 2, 2026, Art Reach will spotlight the art of Judi Miller-Morris and David Thompson, two lifelong local artists whose art has graced art shows and homes for many years.
The Allegan Area Arts Council (AAAC) stated that Allegan lost two wonderful talents in 2025. The passing of Judi Miller-Morris and David Thompson is described as a huge loss for their families, friends, and for West Michigan residents and beyond. Over the decades, each of them contributed to the Arts in countless ways. Thus, AAAC desired to honor them with some photos and thoughts.
AAAC leaders stated, “We all celebrate Dave and Judi’s contributions and feel deep gratitude for having known them. To keep their memory relevant, we hope to eventually establish scholarships in their names.”
David Thompson
Dave was a remarkable friend and partner to many, especially in work that strengthened our local community. At a critical time, he helped launch the Lake Allegan Association, worked tirelessly to preserve the legacy of our one-room schools, and devoted countless hours to protecting the Historical Society’s photo collection. If something needed doing, Dave gave it his full effort every time. He earned an award from the Michigan One-Room Schoolhouse Association for his and Bette’s work managing the Jewett School on the Allegan County Fairgrounds.
A local artist and historian, Dave blended those passions by creating paintings of local historic buildings we all cherish. He also penned several books about Allegan and one-room schoolhouses. Those who knew him will also remember his great sense of humor – proof that even serious work could be done with a smile. Most important of all was the love, support, and inspiration he shared so generously with his family.
Judi Miller Morris
As one close friend beautifully wrote, “Judi had an incredible eye for beauty—and an equally incredible gift for capturing it in her paintings.” She shared that gift generously with the Allegan community, bringing fine art into everyday life through her work and through her professional matting and framing business in downtown Allegan, The Wooden Indian.
Judi was especially celebrated for her watercolors, which reflected both her technical skill and her deep appreciation for the natural world. She exhibited her work in numerous art shows across West Michigan and in far-flung locations beyond. Her adventurous spirit even led her to spend many summers as a Fire Watcher in the mountains of Wyoming for the National Forest Service.
Courageous, yet gentle, Judi was known for her quiet kindness, inner strength, and unwaveringly positive outlook. She inspired everyone who knew her. While she always put her family first, she never stopped nurturing her passion for art – a passion that continues to speak through the beauty she left behind.
