(Chelsea Update would like to thank Doris Galvin, D&B Strategic Marketing for the information in this story.)
SculptureWalk Chelsea celebrated the opening of its 10th year with an Artist Reception on June 6.
Several of the sculpture artists attended the reception, strolled through the SculptureWalk and enjoyed the kick-off of Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights.
“We are so fortunate to have 13 beautiful sculptures grace our City.” said Chelsea Area Festivals & Events Visual Arts Coordinator Crystal Scott, in her welcoming comments at the reception hosted by The Ugly Dog Distillery on Main Street. “This is a very special program that helps bring out the artistic expression and value of art to our community, exemplifying placemaking,” said Scott.
The artists chosen for the juried outdoor exhibition this year are: Barry Parker, Russell Thayer, Mark Beltchenko, Calvin Babich, Laurie Tennent, Rick DeTroyer, Justin La Doux, Mary Angers, Brian Ferriby, John Merigian, David Petrakovitz, and Ray Katz (2 entries).
Two sculptors were reunited, Ray Katz of Pontiac and Barry Parker of Dexter. They both attended Eastern Michigan University 55 years ago and are exhibiting together in SculptureWalk Chelsea.
Chelsea Sculptor De Troyer said that his piece “Metal Totem Pole has had just the right amount of ‘patina aging’ time to be ready for this exhibition.”
Laurie Tennent, Bloomfield Hills sculptor shared that she currently has two pieces on display at the Detroit River Walk and is excited to have her sculpture “Echeveria” in Chelsea. Tennent will also be participating in Sounds & Sights Summer Festivals Art Market, July 26-27.
Sculpture sponsors participated in the celebration and were enthusiastic about the opportunity to support ScultpureWalk and meet the artists. The generous 2019 SculptureWalk sponsors are: Chelsea District Library (2 sculptures), D&B Strategic Marketing, Rick Eder Agency – Farm Bureau Insurance, Secret Crisis Comics, Silver Maples of Chelsea, La Maison, Live in Balance Consulting, Surelutions, LAFCU – Your Credit Union for Life, O&W/Atwater Brewing, Rumpus Room, and Stieper & Brust Orthodontics.
Community partners were in attendance and recognized for their efforts in supporting the sculpture installations.
Partners include the City of Chelsea, Chelsea Downtown Development Authority, Chelsea District Library, Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs Minigrant Program administered by the Arts Alliance. Representatives in attendance –
Melissa Johnson, mayor of Chelsea, Tim Merkel, DDA president and Patty Roberts and Keegan Sulecki, Chelsea District Library.
Chelsea Farmer’s Market vendors La Baguette Bakery, Para Para Creamery and the Lake House Bakery provided amazingly delicious food for the event.
The SculptureWalk exhibition runs from June 2019 to May 2020 and is free to everyone.
Brochures and information about organizing docent led tours are available at the Chelsea District Library.
All sculptures are for sale, please contact [email protected] for inquiries. Artist statements and more information can be found @ChelseaFestivals.com/SculptureWalk.
Chelsea Area Festivals and Events is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that enriches Chelsea, and the surrounding communities, by promoting the presentation of and participation in quality performing and visual arts throughout the year.
Visit the website www.chelseafestivals.com.
