Now through Sunday, December 18, submit your art work for the upcoming exhibit entitled and themed “Love Lansing.” Submissions can be of any type of art related to something you love about Lansing, see as positive about our fair city, or even your ideas for how to make it better.

Please email photos of your submission(s) or a link to your portfolio website to Kristie.Henry@RivChurch.com by Sunday, December 18.

“The Yellow Chair”

Altered Objects by Elise Weiler

Mixed Media*
-noun
1. Multimedia.
2. Artistic media, as pen and ink, chalk, and graphite; used in combination.

Assemblage*
-noun
1. A sculptural technique of organizing or composing into a unified whole a group of unrelated and often fragmentary or discarded objects.

“Altered Objects” is a compilation of the mixed media and assemblage work that I’ve created within the past four years. Each piece is created with found objects and recyclable materials. I use various mixed media techniques to alter these objects by manipulating their meaning and appearance.

Working with assemblage and mixed media allows me to experiment with various techniques and to express myself using a somewhat nontraditional art-form. Although, Assemblage art is not a radically new form of art, it is modernistic because it is not largely known by the general public. Unlike other art-forms such as painting and ceramics, the history of assemblage and mixed media art is relatively new in terms of art history. Its roots can be accredited to many artists and movements. Picasso used elements of collage, while Duchamp had his readymades, and Dadaism and Surrealism produced artists who used “found objects” to create highly metaphorical works with a combination of familiar and unfamiliar items. My work is influenced by these artists and movements as well as assemblage artists Joseph Cornell and Betye Saar.

Symbolism plays a large role in my work. I often use it to create a narrative or to convey messages that elicit the viewer’s own experiences. I encourage viewers to interpret the symbolism and develop their own ideas about the possible meaning; whether or not my intended ideas are recognized is solely up to the viewer.

Many of my pieces have to do with comparisons. I often try to find one commonality between two different entities focusing on what they have in common, in order to accentuate hidden meaning or connections, whether atypical or traditional.

*Definitions from Dictionary.com

Click here to go to Elise Weiler’s website.

Opening Reception:
There will be an Opening Reception on Friday, November 18 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm in The Corridor Gallery at Riverview.
There will be free coffee and hors d’oeuvres.
All ages are welcome.

Click here to view the Facebook event.

Hours for The Corridor Gallery at Riverview:
(3585 Willoughby Road, Holt, MI 48842)
Mondays - Fridays: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturdays: 6:00 - 9:00 pm (during weekend services)
Sundays: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm (during weekend services)

Call the Riverview office at 517-694-3400 or email Kristie@RivVenue.com for more info.

About “Explorations” by the Mid-Michigan Photography Club
When we hear mention of exploration, images may spring to mind of exotic locations and wild
adventure, or characters like Lewis and Clark or even Indiana Jones. The truth is, whenever we stop and
take the time to find and appreciate the overlooked details of the world around us, we are exploring!
Our world is a magnificent place, filled with wondrous and amazing things, both great and small . . . truly
incredible sights, images that make us think and reflect, scenes that can touch our hearts and evoke
emotion, simple beauty in objects that normally are missed in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
These things are ever present, all around us, awaiting discovery.

In this exhibition of photographs, the members of the Mid Michigan Photography Club (MMPC) invite you
to come along as we explore our world through the lenses of our cameras!

MMPC is a gathering of like-minded individuals, who share a passion and interest in
photography. The members represent a vast cross-section of photographers, from people just
newly discovering a camera to the professional full-time shooter, and everything in between.
The subjects, styles, and techniques represented are as diverse as the members. MMPC
encourages its members to share their images with others, to show how they see the world
through their eyes, and lenses. We conduct regular in-club friendly competitions and also
organize displays in galleries or other public venues.

The prints in this collection follow no set theme or criteria. They are individually selected by
the artist and represent their explorations of the world. It may be that photographer’s “best”
recent image, or their favorite, or just an image that they would like to share and let others see
what they saw. We hope that you will enjoy the adventure. Some of the photographs in the
collection are available for purchase. If you are interested in purchasing a photograph, please
contact the artist whose name is displayed with the print.

Click here to visit the MMPC website.

Click here to download the price list for this exhibit.

Opening Reception:
There will be an Opening Reception on Friday, June 17 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm in
The Corridor Gallery at Riverview. There will be free coffee and hors d’oeuvres.
All ages are welcome.

Click here to view the Facebook event.

Hours for The Corridor Gallery at Riverview:
(The Corridor Gallery is located at 3585 Willoughby, Holt, MI 48842)
Mondays - Fridays: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturdays: 6:00 - 9:00 pm (during weekend services)
Sundays: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm (during weekend services)

Call the Riverview office at 517-694-3400 or email Kristie@RivVenue.com for more info.

Artist’s Statement:

The landscapes of Michigan are the most common subjects of my work. Since 2003 I
have been painting scenes from Lake Superior’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Other common inspirations for my work are the forests, fields, and marshes of the
Houghton Lake area that I was surrounded by growing up. I approach my subject
loosely, giving myself freedom to enjoy the spontaneous nature of the painting process.

I have discovered that the versatility of acrylic paint is a perfect compliment to my style
of painting. I appreciate being able to utilize both thick and thin applications of paint,
building up multiple layers of texture and color with a painting knife and liquid glazes.

As much as my work is rooted in nature, I find that painting the landscape also allows
me to dig deeper into the internal, expressive process of painting. I am constantly
learning and experimenting with the physical and emotional effects of color, value, and
design relationships. The finished paintings are a result of both concentrated effort and a
willingness to allow the painting to develop on its own.

I started the group RivArt to provide an opportunity for other artists to join with me in
focusing the creative process on serving God.

About the RivArt Collages:

This collection of mosaic images has been put together using a palette of painted papers.
These papers were created by many different members of the Riverview community over
the past several years during RivArt meetings. Each collage is assembled by a single artist,
but contains the collaborative effort of all those involved in the process.

RivArt provides an avenue for combining our shared love of making art with our desire
to love God and love people. Finished collages are donated to silent auctions and
organizations that help people in need. All money collected through the sale of RivArt
collages will be donated to Lansing Area AIDS Network’s food pantry and RivMexico.

Opening Reception:
There will be an Opening Reception on Friday, April 15 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm in
The Corridor Gallery at Riverview. There will be free coffee and hors d’oeuvres.
All ages are welcome.

Click here to view the Facebook event.

Hours for The Corridor Gallery at Riverview:
(The Corridor Gallery is located at 3585 Willoughby, Holt, MI 48842)
Mondays - Fridays: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturdays: 6:00 - 9:00 pm (during weekend services)
Sundays: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm (during weekend services)

Call the Riverview office at 517-694-3400 or email Kristie@RivVenue.com for more info.

With the Lights Turned Down and a Contemplative Eye
Art by Curtis Conwell
Opens Friday, March 4, 2011 at 7:00 pm

Artist’s Statement:

Creative, essential, crucial, inspiring, a life-long journey, everything, beauty, a blessing . . . This is some of what art is to me. I see it as a chance to express different thoughts, feelings, and emotions. A chance to travel to a point never before seen, never before created.

In preparation for this showing I felt a need to accentuate the literalness of my work. The process made me question the figurative aspect of my work by wondering about the literal side of it. I questioned the motives and ideas behind the images I create.

I found some answers. And I also found that answers to meaningful questions, brings more means to find meaningful answers. An ever expanding spiral. But, I figure, if I wanted to be literal, I’d write a factual novel about my creative thoughts. I’m not that good with words. I’ll stick to painting.

In the last four years my main implement of creative expression has been the airbrush. Some paint brush as well. But mostly airbrush. I like the airbrush for it’s speed and softness. Yet with the right techniques and tricks, a cutting crispness that can’t be matched when paired with the achievable softness. It has a grace that I love.

My art started in childhood. Pencils, pens, and markers were my main tools. Paintbrushes started to mix in at the end of high school. Which was a struggle. And still is. But it is a process that I enjoy struggling with. Shortly after high school I purchased my airbrush. Which I did play with quite a bit, but it didn’t take a firm hold on my life.

Not till early ‘07 when my life was happily intertwined with two very creative gentlemen. Larry Albert and SpizOne Szymanski. Since then I have been able to produce more creative works than ever before. I dare say more than the rest of my life combined. Excluding tattoos. Which is what brought Larry, Spiz, and myself together. I’ve been doing that for fifteen years. The number of paintings will probably never surpass the number of tattoos I’ve done . . . probably.

There might seem to be a little “darkness” to some of my pieces. I assure you, it’s a playful darkness. It comes from looking at life with the lights turned down, a contemplative eye. A little squint on reality . . . or at least my perception of it.

Thank you,
Curtis Conwell

P.S.
I blame my family . . . for all the fun and love that I have. I blame myself for not letting them know everyday. Marge, John, Paul, Barb, JD, Camden, Gabe, Barb, Allison, Amy, Dad, Chris, Larry, Spiz, and more . . . I have a true love for the people you are and the person you help me be. Thank you.

Opening Reception
There will be an Opening Reception on Friday, March 4 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm  in The Corridor Gallery at Riverview, with free coffee and snacks.
Click here to view the Facebook event.

Hours for The Corridor Gallery at Riverview (3585 Willoughby, Holt, MI 48842)
Mondays - Fridays:  9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturdays:  6:00 - 9:00 pm (during weekend services)
Sundays:  9:00 am - 1:00 pm (during weekend services)

Call the Riverview office at 517-694-3400 or email Kristie@RivVenue.com for more info.

Through Our Eyes {Photographs from the Mid-Michigan Photography Club}
Opens Sunday, June 6, 2010

We live in a truly fascinating world, filled with beauty, inspiration, awe, wonder and interest. It is no surprise that throughout history we have been compelled to express what we see and imagine from the world around us. From primitive man drawing on cave walls, to the endless possibilities of our modern and technical world, creativity is and has been very strong in our nature. Photography has become a powerful medium for that expression. Since its inception, photography has drawn to it both the artistic and technical-minded people. It is an amazing tool that can be used to document things or events, to hold on to cherished memories, to inform and raise awareness of issues, to share how one sees the world through their eyes, to create art, or even just as something to do to pass time, entertain and amuse. It really is a many-faceted beast.

The Mid Michigan Photography Club (MMPC) is a gathering of like-minded individuals, who share a passion and interest in this medium. The members represent a vast cross-section of photographers, from people just newly discovering a camera, to the professional full-time shooter, and everything in between. The subjects, styles, and techniques represented are as diverse as the members. MMPC encourages its members to share their images with others, to show how they see the world through their eyes and lenses! We conduct periodic in-club friendly competitions and also occasionally organize displays in galleries or other public venues.

The prints in this collection follow no set theme or criteria. They are individually selected by the artist and represent a celebration of our love for photography. It may be that photographer’s “best” recent image or their favorite, or just an image that they would like to share to let others see what they saw.

Opening Reception
There will be an Opening Reception on Sunday, June 6, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm in The Corridor Gallery at Riverview, with free coffee and hors d’oeuvres. People of all ages are welcome to attend.

Click here to view the Facebook event for the opening reception.

Hours for The Corridor Gallery at Riverview (3585 Willoughby, Holt, MI 48842)
Mondays:  9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Tuesdays - Fridays:  9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturdays:  6:00 - 9:00 pm (during weekend services)
Sundays:  9:00 am - 1:00 pm (during weekend services)

This exhibition will remain on display until September 7, 2010. Call the Riverview office at 517-694-3400 or email Kristie@RivVenue.com for more info.

“Captured Moments:  Artwork by Nicolette Rose & Anita Brett”
Opening Reception
Friday, April 9, 2010
7:00ish - 9:00ish pm
The Corridor Gallery at Riverview

Free of charge
All ages are welcome
Free coffee and hors d’oeuvres

Facebook event

Artist’s Statement by Nicolette Rose:
“Often, I am struck by an emotional moment in nature, realizing that not only this moment, but all things connected with it, combine to inform my translation. Forming that moment into a creative channel, requires me to detach myself from the organic or inorganic place, while remembering the honored feeling of being a witness to the extravant moods of nature. I work toward fusing my perceived reality with an imaginary alternative reality; presenting an image that is descriptive with abstracted elements. This allows me to participate in the natural encounter, while being drawn inexplicably into the mysterious workings of instinct. These paintings represent a body of work that span the last eighteen years. The desire to paint comes from a graphic arts background and today has expanded to the use of textiles. Wool fibers convey a feeling of earthy qualities and a constant reminder of what life has generously given us. Both mediums have allowed me to delve in all the possiblities of the creative self.”

Artist’s Statement by Anita Brett:
“My husband’s family stressed the importance of reading books to children. As I read to our five children, I found that I often returned to picture books that were thoughtfully worded and beautifully illustrated. I made it my goal to add to these illustrated publications with my own childrens’ books. On my journey to publish, I have been side-tracked by the beauty and individual personality that can be captured in portraits. A shy smile, a reserved look, a playful gesture and a confident grin are each fascinating to capture and repeat on a canvas. Watercolor is the only medium I use. I am fascinated by the interplay of watercolors; the ‘mistakes’ are what give movement, life, and joy to the medium. I have studied with various artists in the Greater Lansing area. I also studied in New York City at the National Academy School of Fine Arts. I also learned much from my recent visit with Tracy Reid.”

We The Kings is doing a benefit concert for Haiti on Monday, March 22 at 7:30ish pm!

Students at participating “Mid-Michigan High Schools for Haiti” will be able to get pre-sale vouchers from their school which will guarantee them a seat. Students with vouchers should arrive between 6:00 and 6:30 pm on Monday. Seats will go on sale to the general public at 6:30 pm. Students with an ID from a participating HS4H school will be able to purchase tickets for $5. Tickets for the general public are $10.

100% of proceeds will benefit Haiti through the Michigan Nurses’ Association, helping 12,000 Registered Nurses who are ready and willing to go to Haiti get there. We also request that everyone bring a can of non-perishable food (beans, peanut butter, etc.) if possible. Goods will be shipped to Haiti via South Lansing Christian Church and their established distribution pipeline.