I was out of town for a couple of days. (More on that later.) . Today, driving through downtown Grand Haven, I was impressed and thrilled for the participating ArtWalk artists. It’s our 10th ArtWalk! This year, we have two entries. One painting by Laura Hollenbeck and a sculpture instillation by Tonya Rund. We love both pieces that are very different from one another.
Laura Crabtree-Hollenbeck, ArtWalk Entry # PA10,
wanted to paint an architecturally related painting of something historical in our community. She chose 508 Washington, across from our City Hall.
“In the late 1800’s after the Civil War, Dr. Vanderveen lived in this house. Citizens would bring the ill and injured to him at this location. Dr. Arend VanderVeen and his family were the first residents of this early 1870s Italian Villa-style home. Arend was nicknamed the “boy surgeon” for his service as a young man in the Civil War; he continued to practice medicine in Grand Haven after the war. The woodwork throughout the house was white pine. In line with the steps leading to the porch, was an imposing front entrance of glass-paneled double doors. These opened into a central hall and a magnificent stairway. The balustrade and newel post were made of black walnut. Originally, there were two living rooms separated by folding doors, which permitted expansion into one large room for festive occasions. When a problem arose while the doctor was away, his wife, Kate, would enter the rooftop tower with candles in hand to alert the doctor. The candles could be seen from anywhere in town.” (excerpt from Self-Guided Historic Walking Tour of Downtown Grand Haven)
The home today:
Our sculptural entry, “Many Voices” is by Tonya Rund. Tonya is well known in West Michigan for her whimsical ceramic birds and more. This is her first time participating in ArtWalk.
Tonya Rund, ArtWalk Entry # SC11
“Ms. Rund wanted to create a special sculpture for this event. While creating her sculpture, depicting the birds that have taken refuge, layers of symbolism began to unfold. “Give me your tired, your poor, your humbled masses…”
YOUR voice is welcome; feel free to add your thoughts to the ‘melting pot’ of Many Voices.”
Tonya created an interactive portion to her ArtWalk entry. Please visit the gallery (it’s in the East Front Window) and write a response to her sculpture. We will be gathering them throughout the event. Then, display them on a poster board for First Friday Art Hop on October 4.
Hope to see you soon. Have a wonderful rest of your day, C2 .
