One of our favorite places within Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is the art exhibition space. In an enormous complex completely devoted to art and nature, there’s so much to see here. But as you excitedly venture through the front doors and traverse the gorgeous new entryway, plan time to peruse a landmark art exhibition before heading to the Butterflies are Blooming exhibit in the conservatory (running now) or exploring the vast sculpture gardens (perhaps once we stay above freezing temps here in Michigan). 

It was a water photo that drew me in, of course. A snow-covered rock up on Minnesota’s North Shore, sun peeking through icicles, wave movement, sea smoke, the gorgeous clouds of sunrise…Minneapolis photographer Scott Youmans captured magic in that moment, and shared it with us all. 

I first discovered an extraordinary artist, Erica Bradshaw, in a local coffeeshop (you can't be surprised!), Great Grounds Coffee. Her use of colors was not only beautiful, but made me want to stop and look more closely. Little did I know that when I explored her socials (especially her gorgeous instagram!), I would fall into an Alice-like rabbit hole of delight. 

When death leads to life, art is inevitable. And art, as creation, is a reflection of its creator. Brinston and his work consistently grapple with the revolution of death and life and death again. The cacophonous symphony of color and shape, rhythm and structure that compose his work is all at once chaotic and calm. Just as the artist himself is an amalgam of mania and peace. The composition of art and artist is indistinguishable... just as his art is an extension of himself, the artist has become an extension of his art. For the artist, art is valuable in its making life worth living.

In her new work, Masha Ermeeva, a Miami-based artist, explores themes in the realm of intimacy, duality, transformation, and balance through sensual figurative abstractions. Conveying human connection and the bond between figures, each painting serves as an invitation to look deep within and feel thoroughly.

Trust