By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
Saturday, Sept. 24, was a big day for the arts community in Otsego.
In addition to announcing the winners of the annual Art Thing competition, the Art Panel Murals project along the riverfront walking path was unveiled.
Otsego Arts co-chair Paulette Carr couldn’t have been happier with how things went.
“The art scene of Otsego is so exciting and growing,” she said. “We have a dedicated group of volunteers who are the most empowered volunteers I have worked with. They step up and step in.”
Entries in Art Thing were on display at Mezzo Coffee House in downtown Otsego, with voting taking place until 2 p.m. on Saturday in conjunction with the Creative Arts Festival. Artist participation was up more than 25 percent—with ages ranging from nine to 95—and voting nearly doubled compared to last year.
Represented mediums ranged from soft and hard sculptures, carvings, Lego, construction paper, torn paper, watercolor and acrylic oils.
“Visitors and voters commented regularly on the quality of the art work that was represented as well as the variety,” Carr said. “It was a stunning exhibition. A huge thank you to Mezzo Coffee House for hosting us this year.”
When all the votes were counted, Kaylee Perry’s pencil drawing titled “Life is a Beautiful Thing” took top honors. Illene Oetman’s oil painting of a farm/barnyard scene was the second-place winner, while Shelly LaFountain’s watercolor piece “Unconditional” was the third-prize winner.
Perry’s drawing, sponsored by Deanna Phillips, Five Star Realty Leaders, was a tribute to her younger sister who was lost to Lake Michigan. The artist statement on this piece was: “A memorial piece done for my younger sister. I made this piece to portray her beauty. I made this artwork for her birthday to honor her and she means to me.”
Following the announcement of the Art Thing results, Carr and other Otsego Arts members unveiled the Art Panel Murals along the riverfront.
“The mural project turned out incredible,” Carr said. “The artists in the community and surrounding areas stepped up and offered their time and talents with no charge. The supplies will be reimbursed, but many artists opted to pay for the supplies themselves.”
The muralists who donated their time and talents were: Rosemary Parker, Kurt Boutler, Mary Claire Johnson, Frankie Heynig, Lori Lapekes, Vince Ofeno, Carmen Moore and Carr.
Each mural is 4-feet wide by 8-feet tall, and the only instruction given was that the final product had to be family friendly.
“The results were the gorgeous murals of fields of flowers, waterfalls, mermaids, river scenes, giraffe, whimsical trees in the wind, and deer,” Carr said.
The project was funded by the Main Street Grant, with sealer provided by Brave Art Studios & Gallery.
Carr also thanked the Otsego Department of Public Works for their efforts.
“The DPW worked tirelessly the week before the unveiling to get so much done in the city,” she said. “With four weeks of storm clean-up, I don’t think we ever fully understand all that they do.”
Also along the riverfront, the Art Garden has been updated with new seating and a disk golf course and cornhole courts have been installed.
“This past year has been a year of tremendous growth,” Carr said. “We did an art walk about and envisioned the changes we could make. Now, they have become reality.”
Earlier this year, Otsego Arts hosted the the first Artisan Market at the new TOP pavilion.
“There is such fresh energy behind this panel of volunteers,” Carr said. “They reach out to the City and beyond. They represent what is good and positive in the City of Otsego. Stay tuned because we plan to keep growing and creating.”
Otsego Arts meets the third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 and all are invited to attend. Location varies as the meetings are hosted by downtown business, artists, studios and galleries.
The next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 18 at Nanna Roos (134 W. Allegan St.).
