Members & Friends of the Macomb Artisans Guild

Members & Friends of the Macomb Artisans Guild

Art builds community.

Community builds art. As of press time, our community was rocked by an article from 'The Wall Street Journal' chronicling the debate of whether Macomb is defined as a boom or bust city.

Whichever side you're on, one thing that stands strong during this whirlwind storm is the art. This month, the Macomb Arts Center (MAC) is devoted to showcasing a group of hardworking, devoted and magnetic individuals who collectively go as the Macomb Artisans Guild.

The exhibit 'Members & Friends of the Macomb Artisans Guild' showcases a diverse array of voices committed to the values of inclusion and hospitality, as highlighted on the postcard from the Macomb Artisans Guild that greets visitors upon entering the gallery.

This exhibit focuses on supporting and teaching artists of all skill levels. The M.A.G. aims to harness the creativity of its members and offer the community a glimpse of the remarkable talent and dedication present among its artists.

Artists such as Brenda Hance, Robert Johnson, Kate Michael-Mattsey, Janice Rockwell, Patricia A. Hobbs, Josh and Kristel Wroblewski, Elizabeth Reece, Becky Hobson, Eboni Bellot, Ximena Barreto, Christi Steelman, Lyle K. Payne, Shannon Walsh, Marietta Loehrlein, Jim Planting, Amanda Dean, Deb Lutz, Fred Jones and Bill Howard are just some of the artists who bared their souls in the artwork with no room for error. Even Western Illinois University's recent art graduate and this year's Mavigliano/ Brabec Senior Art Prize recipient, Ruby Warner, betted on herself yet again by having her 'Big scootin' Ruby' piece hanging every so boldly on the front right wall (her work was immaculate to view at the University Art Gallery this past April, by the way).

Hopefully, the 'Members & Friends of the Macomb Artisans Guild' exhibition inspires hope that even when the chips are down, student artists and older artists can come together in unity for the town that allows them venues for their expressive viewpoints and no global newspaper organization can diminish the heart and soul of this connection. This current display will run until Saturday.

The M.A.G. would like to help those who have a bent for art find their people to get artsy with. To learn more about how to get involved, join their guild by signing up for their forthcoming Regional Arts Newsletter at macombartisansguild.org, join their Facebook Group, or contact them at [email protected]. Some of the pieces shown are available for purchase.

The Macomb Arts Center is located in the heart of the city at 25 East Side Square. Its hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fridays from 4 - 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.