We are very excited that March brings the official start of spring and fresh artwork to our gallery. The annual ACWL-Nuveen Juried Exhibition opens this month, March 14 – April 19, and it promises to be stunning. Plus, it's our largest juried show ever! The 2025 guest jurist – Grand Rapids-based painter and educator Christopher Shields - christophershield.net - said he was initially a bit daunted by the almost 200 artworks he had to select from. He remarked, “I was absolutely blown away by the level of skill, imagination and talent that each participant brought to the table with their entries. The process of narrowing it down to 60 pieces for the show was very challenging.”
Mr. Shields did an excellent job of selecting work from Michigan artists across the state who express themselves in a range of materials including ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, video, printmaking and mixed media. As he evaluated the entries, what stood out for him and unified the entire show was artwork that exuded emotion. He states, “There are explorations of self through portraiture, nostalgia, abstraction and the use of innovative materials. Familiar and unexpected approaches to landscape alongside work that examine socio-political, cultural narratives as well as the influence of technology and visions of the future. All of it evoking a range of feelings; from uncertainty to joy, fear, comfort, longing, curiosity and humor just to name a few.” This exhibit truly is a snapshot of how Michigan artists are grappling with contemporary issues and unique modes of expression.
Top, L-R: A Power Burns in the Eye of Memory, Ken Widig. Consanguine 1, Mary Lamson-Burke. Chief Road - Kaleva, MI, Howard Gimpel.
Bottom, L-R: Waiting for the Train, La Plata, Missouri, Kristi Beukema. Bus Stop, Richard Aardsma. Self, Liberty Bane.
Coinciding with the Juried Exhibition for artists 18 years and older, is ACWL-Nuveen’s Youth Exhibition. This annual show gives aspiring artists in grades K – 12 an opportunity to show off their creative talent in our retail gallery while the adult work is on display in our evolving exhibition spaces. We love to celebrate, encourage and provide opportunities for individuals of all ages in our community to express themselves through art.
Please join us on Saturday, March 15 from 1:00 – 3:00pm when we will be hosting a reception for all the exhibiting artists. Director Erin Peyer will be announcing this year’s award winners in both the adult and youth categories starting at 1:00pm. We will of course be serving snacks! Any questions feel free to reach out to Erin – nuveen@artswhitelake.org or call 231-893-2524. The ACWL-Nuveen is located in the heart of downtown Whitehall, at 106 E. Colby Street.