ARTSCENE

ARTSCENE Alison Corlett

Autumn Art Scene
By Alison Corlett

Fall is the perfect season to view the Lansing area gallery scene, so get out there and stroll the city’s art districts. Take home one-of-a-kind works of art from a variety of local artists. The following are highlights from some current exhibits.

Old Town, Lansing
By now no one is allowed to say they haven’t been to Old Town. Every first Sunday people mill about the streets supporting the artists at a number of galleries in a two-block stretch.

Newcomer, David Korte, recently renovated a lower level "back alley" space (behind the Grand Café Sir Pizza) into a beautiful, urban inspired studio gallery. He showcases his own black-and-white photography that depicts themes such as European cityscapes and gracefully lit nude figures. This hip and inviting atmosphere is exactly what the art community has been waiting for. As a professional artist, Korte takes his work on the road, so open studio hours will vary. Call ahead for details: 214-7218.

Todd Mack, known for his unique matting and framing style, has an exhibit of his own fine art for the world to see. "Conglomerates" is an exciting show of tiny collages cleverly designed with items such as antique photographs, scrabble letters, and watch faces resting on painted canvas squares. Not only is the work fun and affordable, the framing is clean and flawless. Don’t miss this show at
Todd Mack Custom Framing Gallery 207 E. Grand River Ave., Lansing. Gallery hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Phone is 482-8845

Creole Gallery has brought to Old Town an exhibition with cultural flare featuring paintings, prints, photography, and digital images by Hispanic artists. Nora Mendoza, named Michigan Artist of the Year in November 1999, exhibits work alongside Jesse Gonzales, Robert de los Santos, Rosaura, and Theresa Rosado. Check out Rosado’s acrylic on wood titled "Salsa en la Calla.." Glowing colors and beautifully stylized images capture the feeling of New Orleans. This piece is truly eye catching. The exhibit honoring Hispanic Heritage Month will run through Oct. 28th at the gallery, 1218 Turner St. in Lansing. Gallery hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Call 487-9549

East Lansing
Trillium Gallery is currently exhibiting a group show titled "Home." Four artists present their work and their individual interpretation of the theme. Guest artist, Gordon Meinhard from Townshend, Vt., produced a beautiful collection of paintings he calls "Other People’s Houses." Trillium Gallery owner and artist Kalli Halpern displays intricately rendered colored pencil drawings. Martha Brownscome exhibits weavings that incorporate chenille, felt, sticks, and wool into colorfully woven wall hangings. Coincidentally, I am the forth artist in the show. My work is a three part series of watercolor, tempera paint, and collage depicting rooms, possessions, and light.
The gallersy is at 207 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing. Hours: Mon-Sat11-6, Sun 12-5, 517-333-3130.

Other area galleries
The Art Apartment, Conifer Gallery of Okemos, Innovations by Thomas J, Lansing Art Gallery, Mackerel Sky, Otherwise Gallery, Saper Galleries and Spider House Gallery and Antiques.

If you have any information you would like to contribute regarding the Lansing art scene, contact Alison Corlett at alisoncorlett@hotmail.com.