BIRMINGHAM, Michigan, June 4, 2008…Experience the winding wonder of the Clinton River without getting wet and artists from of out state without a freeway ride at two new exhibits opening June 13 at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center. “River” is a mural of photographs by artist Robert Bartley that explores the entire length of the Clinton River. "View of Toledo" features a collection of artists from Toledo. The exhibits both open June 13 and run through July 11.
These exhibits, and all exhibits at the BBAC, are free and open to the public. BBAC exhibits are sponsored by Chase. Party arty at the opening night reception for both on Friday June 13, featuring refreshments and an opportunity to meet the artists. Many exhibited works are available for purchase. The BBAC is located at 1516 S. Cranbrook, Birmingham, MI 48009 between 14 and 15 Mile Roads. More information is available at www.BBArtCenter.org and by calling (248) 644-0866.
River is multi-media mural exhibit by Robert Bartley who encourages patrons to “travel” the river through his exhibit. He says of his mural, “It has an architectural style and a sculptural feel: the length of the panels, hung consecutively in such a long row… begins to feel like a river, or a film of a river…where the film streaks through the gate of the projector.”
Bartley has experimented with a variety of media to express himself. While in 4th grade he created a Super 8 monster movie. By 13 he was composing poetry and at 14 he wrote a children’s book and began composing music. He moved to still photography at 15. Technological advances help moved Bartley’s art forward with digital photography. He was one of the first digital artists to be admitted to State Street Art Show (Ann Arbor).
Bartley’s exhibit, “River” is installed throughout two galleries at the BBAC.
Also opening on June 13 is "View of Toledo", a collection of works by a variety of artists from Toledo, Ohio, curated by Sergio DeGiusti, an internationally-known sculptor and former faculty member of the BBAC for over 25 years. “There is such a wealth of talent from our friends in Toledo that people here might not get to see.” He adds, “Maybe they will host a Michigan artists exhibit in Ohio next!”
In addition to “River” and “View of Toledo,” the printmaking and watermedia works of Laura Whitesides Host’s adult students will also be exhibited. Whitesides Host is a well-known painter, gallery owner, and popular BBAC faculty member.
These exhibits will be in place during artBLAST- the quintessential family arts event at the BBAC on July 3. The event includes entertaining art adventures for all ages, a chuck wagon supper, a petting zoo, live music by the Twistin’ Tarantulas capped off by the City of Birmingham’s annual fireworks.
The Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center is a regional non-profit art center committed to promoting the visual arts with classes for all ages and levels. Each year the BBAC offers 500 classes for 4,000 students including year round classes and art camps. The BBAC campus features nine classroom studios, four galleries with free exhibits open to the public, art camps, special events, and a retail gallery shop.
For inquiries, media are asked to contact Melissa Bunker at (313) 886-9074 and marketwrite@comcast.net. For further information, please call the BBAC at 248-644-0866 or visit the BBAC website, www.BBArtCenter.org
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