Martin Fuss stands next to a collection of his work on display at the Mackinaw City Arts Exhibit Friday, January 20. A special section of the exhibit was reserved for student artists to display their work. Gathering the watercolor and oil paintings, photography, woodcarvings, handmade rifles, jewelry, and other pieces created by Mackinaw City artists into one exhibit during Winterfest last weekend pointed out to the new arts council, and to the exhibit crowd, just how much artistic talent there is in Mackinaw City. On the day of the opening reception Friday, January 20, the small exhibit was overwhelmed with patrons. At times, it was hard to maneuver through the displays.

As part of this year’s Winterfest, the new arts council, formed in May 2011 and formally known as the Arts Vision committee, decided a new exhibit would give local artists a chance to gather and display their creations.

Kathy Jury shows one of her painted leather flowers to Jack and Nan Keck of Mackinaw City. Mrs. Jury displayed a number of leather pins, decorations, necklaces, and earrings at the show. “The whole reason for the show was to give local artists some exposure,” arts council representative Joann Liehl said, “and allow them the opportunity to show some of their work.”

The exhibit took place at Mackinaw Clothing on Central Avenue. A wide variety of artistic media was on display.

“I’m overwhelmed. This is fabulous,” said Cindy Roth, who chairs the arts council. “The number of people who came to the exhibit is astounding. And there were people here displaying art who we didn’t know were artists.”

John Riemer, creating a cozy mood for those viewing the works, provided live music.

Lorie Axtell, a local photographer, was surprised to learn that there are so many artists already in the Mackinaw City area.

Maille Frohoff (left) displays a watercolor painting, and Ariel Durant shows off her sand candle at the Mackinaw City Arts Exhibit at Mackinaw Clothing Friday, January 20. A special section was reserved for young artists, where eight students displayed works of figurines, photography, and paintings. “When I moved here, my goal was to bring art to the community,”

Mrs. Axtell said. “Then I found out about this organization and wanted to see what it offered.

“It’s nice to connect to other artists.”

She also works at a local bed and breakfast and has had many visitors ask about what Mackinaw City offers.

“People kept asking about what else is available besides fudge and T-shirts,” she added. “This would be a great way to draw more people into the arts and to Mackinaw City.”

Sarah Morse of Mackinaw City displays three paintings that feature pieces of sea glass, or broken glass worn down by water and sand. Her paintings are based on the colors of glass she found. A small display also featured young artists, with works ranging from watercolors to sand candles. One artist, Sarah Morse, displayed three paintings that also featured sea glass, or pieces of glass that have their sharp sides naturally worn down by sand and water.

Another student artist, Martin Fuss, displayed a collection of sketches and photographs. He said he has been interested in various art projects for about five years.

“I really like getting to know the artists community,” Martin said. “The section for younger people is great because I get to show my stuff, too.”

Artists featured include Lorie Axtell, Dennis Beach, Robert Fisher, Jack Keck, Kathy Jury, Wendy Leino, Ruth Morse, Mary Lou Peters, Jerry Prior, Jim Tamlyn,

Greg Teysen, Bo Whipkey, Jane Young, and Larry Young.

Student artists included Mya Curth, Ariel Durant, Maille Frohof,

Martin Fuss, Sarah Morse, Kelsey Peppler, Logan Smith, and Brooke Whipkey.

The art exhibit will take place again next year, and Mrs. Roth hopes organizers can find a larger venue to allow more local artists to display their work.