Art can help us become more conscious of our true relationship with nature. JRAC’s Drawn to Nature exhibition is an opportunity for artists to express their personal connection to nature. How does the natural world inspire and influence an artist?

The Member Show is a long-standing annual tradition of the Jordan River Arts Council. It’s an exhibit we look forward to every year as we showcase the talents of our members. You will see over seventy 2-D and 3-D works in a variety of media from over thirty of our current JRAC members.

This exhibit will be showing works of all fiber artists, whether working in weaving, quilting, tapestry, crochet/knitting, embroidery or mixed fiber arts. Fiber arts are rooted in utility but also personal expression and storytelling. This exhibit celebrates the creativity and ingenuity of fiber artists working with both natural and synthetic fibers and materials. Artists have been encouraged to push the boundaries in the areas of installations, sculpture, vessels, wall/floor works, and wearable art. 

Fish and Fowl Exhibit opened Sunday, June 30th, with the presenting of awards.
From fins to feathers, this exhibit showcases our delight and fascination with fish and birds. Participating artists have considered the unique traits, beauty and symbolism associated with these species in ways that are realistic, whimsical and abstract.

We are grateful to the businesses below for their support and sponsorship and also extend our appreciation to artist, teacher and musician Glenn Wolff for serving as guest juror.

First Place: “Loose Rooster” by Brian Goff; Sponsored by EJ

Second Place: “Skinny Dippin’” by Margie Guyot; Sponsored by Beck’s Bai & Tackle, Billie’s Floral and Design, Inner Structure Interior Design

Third Place: “Irwin Swordfish” by Stephen Palmer; Sponsored by Grey Gables Inn Restaurant & Catering

Juror’s Award: “Crow #1” by Meredith Krell; Sponsored by EJ

Honorable Mentions:

“Brook Trout” by Kirk and Beth Weaver

“Fowl Play” by Steve Toornman

The $100 People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Ellsworth Farmers Exchange, will be announced at the end of the exhibit.   Be sure to stop by the gallery before the end of the month to view all the great work and cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award.

Fish & Fowl will be open daily 12:30 to 4:30 pm through July 27th.

Award winning art work is shown in the photos below.

Capturing the North: Nature Photography

from Walloon Writers Review

June 2 - June 22; Open every day!

Summer is coming and what better way to begin celebrating than with a unique and outstanding display of nature photography from the Walloon Writers Review!

Iconic images from Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula are seen through the lens of the fifteen featured photographers.

You  are invited to the opening on June 2nd from 12:30-4:30. Jennifer Huder, founder and editor of the magazine, will introduce the exhibit and there will be accompanying readings.

Community Collaborations

Working with community partners to bring art into living is an important (and fun!) aspect of the JRAC mission. Here are some collaborations we’ve recently been involved with.

East Jordan Public Schools STEM Program

Learning how to improve water quality in East Jordan’s natural systems was the focus for several fifth-grade students participating in a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) program. An important outcome was completion of public projects representing the knowledge and understanding gained from their studies.

This rain barrel built by the STEM program students was gifted to JRAC. It was visually transformed through the artistry of students from the high school art class. Rain runoff will be collected and used for irrigation in the gardens.

A second group of students created two sidewalk murals adjacent to stormwater drains in East Jordan. JRAC artist members Babs Young, Ginny Hawkins, and Pat Tinney provided support for this project.

Jordan Art Walk

In June, the Art Walk Committee held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for six new sculptures placed in Sportsman Park. JRAC board members Nancy Carey and Babs Young serve on the ArtWalk Committee. Be sure to get out and take the walk to see the fabulous new works. Jordan River Arts Council is proud to help sponsor this great addition to our community! For a map and more info, visit jordanartwalk.org.

Among the artists at Ribbon Cutting: Ann Gildner and Gary Schils, and Sam Soet,

Freedom Fest

JRAC volunteers led a children’s painting activity during Freedom Fest. The activity was moved indoors this year due to rain.

Scholarship winners, back row L to R: Jasmine Brooks, Leah Marquardt, Emma Ingalls, Joselin Marin, Kaydence McPherson. Front row L to R: Chloe Curtis, Kadance Miller, Kylee Rice

JRAC thanks all the students that participated in the 2024 Scholarship Show. We congratulate the following winners:

Chloe Curtis- Charlevoix High School; Betty Osborne Scholarship – $2,000

Kadance Miller- Charlevoix High School; Betty Beeby Scholarship - $1,000

Kylee Rice- Charlevoix High School; Pat and Gary Schleif Scholarship - $1,000

Jasmine Brooks- Charlevoix High School; John R. & Raechel Alberts Scholarship $1,000

Leah Marquardt- East Jordan High School; JRAC Award - $750

Emma Ingalls- East Jordan High School; Honorable Mention Award - $100

Joselin Marin- Charlevoix High School; Honorable Mention Award - $100

Kaydence McPherson- Charlevoix High School; Honorable Mention Award - $100