From weavings and quilts to paintings and metalwork, an eclectic variety of artwork is on display at at the Box Factory for the Arts’ new Series 5 exhibition running Sept. 12 to Oct. 26. The public is invited to meet the artists at the Opening Reception on Friday, Sept.12, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Light snacks and a cash bar will be available.
The Series 5 exhibit is this year’s fifth show displaying artwork in four galleries on all three floors of the historic building. Featured artists are below.
The Williams Gallery on the main level features artwork by Dorothy Graden and John Schoon.
Dorothy Graden of Valparaiso, IN, was fascinated with the cultural diversity and sense of community between immigrants, natives, and passers-through in her hometown of Gary, IN. Inspired by graffiti on buildings and bridges, she incorporated spirals, dots and zig-zags into her work. “My layered creations
explore the intricate interplay between the physical, magical and invisible realms of time and space,” she writes.
John Schoon, of Lawrence, MI, describes his exhibit as “metal art pieces that explore nature and the human body in a creative and fun way.” He primarily uses recycled materials to reimagine things destined for the scrap yard as whimsical works to be displayed in one’s home or yard.
The Whitlow Gallery on the main level features “Interlacements: The Fine Art of Weaving.”
“Interlacements” represents pieces by up to nine Michigan weavers. Employing a variety of weaving
methods both on and off the loom, their work explores tapestry weaving, shaft weaving and
basketry methods. They use a wide range of materials to produce art that is connected by
common themes such as nature, environmental concerns and cultural identity. Weavers include
Carol Irving, Boisali Biswas, Jasmine Petrie, Deb Cholewicki, Shanna Robinson, Sharon Gill, Martha Brownscombe, and Nancy McRay.
The Riverwalk Gallery on the first floor showcases artwork by Doug Jones and husband-and-wife
team Jeff and Theresa Heaton.
Doug Jones, of Berrien Springs, MI, is retired from his 40-year career as an English professor at Andrews University and frequent HS art teacher. He works primarily in acrylic on canvas to create abstract
landscapes that depict snowy scenes of wetland trees and grasses.
Jeff and Theresa Heaton create colorful, fiber-based, upcycled 2D and relief art at their home in Lawrence, MI. Jeff, a retired Ohio art instructor, currently works part-time teaching after-school classes. He also coordinates with Krasl Art Center and Berrien County RESA for the annual Youth Art Show at the Box Factory. Theresa is a fiber artist with a quilting background. Together, they operate Cheeky Chic-y
Studio and display their work at galleries, art fairs and exhibits throughout Michigan.
The Skyview Gallery on the third floor features works by Kathleen Flanagan of Michiana Shores, IN. Kathleen started quilting 15 year ago using traditional patterns and commercial fabric, and says she now
works “mostly in an improvisational way with hand-dyed fabrics.” Her exhibit displays pieces she has created within the past two years.
Find information on Box Factory events and opportunities at boxfactoryforthearts.org and on
social media.
