Stuff to Do: Michigan Fine Arts Competition @ BBAC

Posted by Brandon | Filed under art, events

The 27th Annual Michigan Fine Arts Competition opens to the public this Friday evening, March 20, at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center.  The exhibit runs from March 20 - April 17.  Featured works include a mixed media project (an altered book) by local artist and fellow Royal Oak blogger Cindy La Ferle.  Cindy reports that “This is a great local arts event - and many other Michigan artists from this area will be included.”

 

This mixed media project by Royal Oak writer and artist Cindy La Ferle is one of the works accepted for the competition.

"Nature" by Royal Oak writer and artist Cindy La Ferle.

An opening reception — PARTY ARTY — will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 pm (March 20th).  The Juror, Tony DeBasi will give a lecture the following day (March 21st) at 11:00 am.

The BBAC is located at 1516 S. Cranbrook in Birmingham.  They’re open M-Th 9-7, Fri-Sat 9-5 and “most” Sundays, 1-4.  The Center features exhibitions, art camps, and classes and workshop.

Take a look at a couple more photos of the piece by Royal Oak’s own Cindy La Ferle, after the jump . . .

The piece is an altered children’s board book, and employs mixed media techniques. It is crafted entirely from found objects. The interior of the book is collaged with nature quotes, art prints, and bits and pieces I collected on walks around Royal Oak — yes, Royal Oak!  The cover of the book was made from an old insurance ledger I found at a local flea market.  –Cindy

Cindy tells us that many of her art pieces are inspired by her favorite works of literature or poetry.  “Nature” was inspired by Thoreau’s “Walden,” which is, according to Cindy, “one of my favorite books of all time.” 

I borrowed the idea of keeping a “field journal” on nature walks. Inside the book, in a pocket, there is a copy I made of the first three pages of “Walden,” in Thoreau’s handwriting.  –Cindy

Check out more of Cindy La Ferle’s work on facebook.  Cindy is the author of Writing home, essays on home and family life.  Her “Home Office” is located at www.laferle.com.  More on the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center at www.bbartcenter.org. 

Let us know about other local artists that are featured in the show in the comments below!

Related posts:

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  3. Artisans play with fire during Michigan Glass Month
  4. Is Royal Oak ready to take on Arts Beats & Eats?
  5. Stuff to Do: the Monet to Dali Exhibit @ the Detroit Institute of Arts (Part I)

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Permalink | March 18th, 2009

11 Responses to “Stuff to Do: Michigan Fine Arts Competition @ BBAC”

  1. Connie J. Says:
    March 18th, 2009 at 2:12 pm

    This looks like a very interesting show. I’m glad to see that a local art center is featuring local artists — pretty rare outside of the area of arts and crafts.

  2. AIG Bonus Baby Says:
    March 18th, 2009 at 5:35 pm

    Is there any fee to get in to see this exhibit? I can afford it, of course, but wanted to ask on behalf of the taxpayers without government funded bonuses.

  3. Cindy La Ferle Says:
    March 18th, 2009 at 7:47 pm

    The exhibit is free to the public. More info on the BBAC Web site.

  4. Brandon Says:
    March 18th, 2009 at 9:17 pm

    Thanks for the comments everyone!

    Connie — It’s our aim to highlight local artists/ events/ themes — feel free to write in with ideas for coverage.

    Bonus Baby — congrats on the bonus!

    Cindy — thanks for answering his question.

    Looking forward to seeing this show!!

  5. Melissa Says:
    March 19th, 2009 at 9:09 am

    All exhbits and opening receptions at the BBAC are free.
    Always.

  6. Brandon Says:
    March 19th, 2009 at 9:25 am

    Thanks for that information, Melissa. That’s just the right price in this economy! Though if you do have some extra cash — consider buying a gift in the Gallery Shop:
    http://galleryshop.bbartcenter.org/

  7. Babs Says:
    March 19th, 2009 at 1:15 pm

    What a beautiful, interesting piece. Cool to hear about the connection of the artwork to Royal Oak. I hope Cindy wins the competition!!!

  8. Brandon Says:
    March 19th, 2009 at 8:15 pm

    Hey Babs — thanks for all of your comments. I agree — the work is beautiful. I can’t wait to see it in person @ the show! We and UrbaneBlog are all rooting for Cindy too!

  9. Cindy La Ferle’s Home Office » Blog Archive » Junk or treasure? Says:
    March 22nd, 2009 at 5:16 pm

    [...] pastimes. But I don’t stop there. Neighbors often spot me gathering found objects for my artwork — everything from feathers to bottle caps — along the curbs and sidewalks. Undoubtedly, [...]

  10. Buy Local: Ten Last Minute Gifts for Mom | the urbane life Says:
    May 8th, 2009 at 8:55 am

    [...] County, Mich.

  11. Stuff to Do: Rochester Writers’ Conference | the urbane life Says:
    September 9th, 2009 at 7:56 am

    [...] lectures, and panel discussions. (Royal Oak writer, blogger, and artist Cindy LaFerle, whose artwork and book we’ve featured in these pages, will give a lecture entitled “Re-work, Re-sell, and [...]

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