Dee Overly Online

White Oak: Gone But Not Forgotten

This exhibit is down right majestic.  As soon as you step into the gallery you are in awe.  It’s Mary’s Retrospective, containing art that represents her life’s work.

If you have any appreciation for visual arts, you do not want to let this month pass you by without taking a few moments to step into Mary’s art world.  There are 121 pieces in this exhibit which includes oil, casein, watercolor, pastel, colored pencil, graphite, pottery, weaving, photography and sculpture.

Mary has always been an explorer and has never ever quit learning or growing, always seeking mastery in her life’s work.  As we walked around the gallery looking at various pieces, she shared her favorites, such as “White Oak: Gone But Not Forgotten,” which is very representative of her subtle oil painting style.

Poppies in a Glass

Then there is the bold, red and blue pallet knife painting, “Poppies in a Glass” that is totally different from most of her work.  But when I’m standing on the other side of the room, I can’t stop looking at it.

Mary is a  true Michigander.  She went to Michigan State University and Eastern Michigan University back in the 40s.  She’s been a teacher, ran art workshops, mentored many artists and has been a leader in several of the area art organizations.

Stoneware Vase

She has participated in group exhibits, juried exhibits and has had at least six solo shows.  Her artwork has won many awards over the years.  Some of those award winning pieces are in this Retrospective exhibit.

Barbara Melnick Carson, local artist, calls this exhibit “a joy to the eyes.”  Another artist, Angie Miller said, “I’ve been to many many exhibits throughout this area and this is the best one I’ve ever seen.”

Lady at the Beach

During my time with the Riverside Arts Center I have hung well over 100 exhibits.  Plus, I attend up to three exhibits in the area almost every month.  Some of those exhibits were so powerful that I will never forget them.  This exhibit is among those that will stay seared  in my mind.  My eyes will fill with tears the day this show ends and it’s time for us to take it down.

Want to see the artwork of a living legend?  Come join us.  This exhibit is a must see!

Riverside Arts Center
76 N Huron Street             Exhibit dates:  May 30 – June 29, 2013
Ypsilanti, MI  48197        Gallery Hours:  Thur-Sat. 3-8pm and Sun. 1:30-4pm

I’ve finally decided to pull it all together into one location.  This is now my home base.  I’ve had a separate website for art with my blog over on Blogger.

Then I had another website for Art Web Presence with it’s own blog.  I’m going to hang onto that one and use it for a future membership site.  But for now….

Everything I do will start through this website and move outward.   My entire art and business world begins at this location.  Fun things ahead!!  Stay tuned….

Our 40th Annual Art Fair

June 1 & 2, 2013
Silver Maples Courtyard
Silver Maple Drive (off Old US 12)
Chelsea, MI

No, I have not been part of the Chelsea Painters for 40 years.  I’ve only been with the group for about five years now.  We are a small group, never more than 25 active members.  We meet weekly except for a couple months in the summer.

My fellow artists this year at the art fair are:  Barb Anderson, Janice Stevens Botsford, Ilona Brustad, Jim Clark, John Copley, Mary Beth Day, Nancy Feldkamp, Teresa Freed, Barb Gilbert, Michael Hahn, Sandy Knapp, Lois Lovejoy, Barbara MacKellar, Keith McGuire, Gwyn McKay, Toni Stevenson, Corinne Vivian and Carolyn Weins.