As part of the MAJIC (Musical Arts for Justice in the Community) Concert Series, Bethlehem Lutheran hosts local visual artists and displays their work in its gathering spaces.
For the 2012-2013 series, we will feature:
October: Participants in ArtPrize
November: Paul Petersen
December: Alma Suarez
January: Joel Howell
February: Bill Byers
March: The Kids of Hill CDC
April: Marjorie Arnett
Artist information:
Paul Petersen. Paul is a photographer from Western Michigan. This exhibit showcases nature photography taken in our beautiful state, and reflects his love for the out of doors. Paul is a “Pure Michigan” Award winning photographer, and last year was selected as the Artist in Residence for the National Park Service in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the Northern Upper Peninsula. Paul sells his work at galleries throughout the midwest and at numerous art fairs during the year. In addition to his nature work, he provides architectural, portrait and general photography services.
Alma Suarez. Alma was born in Mexico City and currently lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan. From a very young age Alma felt her calling was in the fine arts. During her early education, Alma took courses and was involved in activities that promoted her artistic and creative skills. She began experimenting with drawing, painting and paper maché. She pursued art studies at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. With her current works, Alma returns to her roots, this time with a cause in mind, to advocate against domestic violence, and mental and physical abuse toward women, by giving them a voice through her work.
Bill Byers. Retirement means Bill can now seriously pursue his love of painting. Totally self-taught, Bill’s talent and passion comes from a deep-seated family tradition.
Bill’s work is characterized by the use of deep, rich color. Many of his paintings are commissions of show dogs and pets. In addition, he also enjoys painting various animals and landscapes.
His paintings and prints can be found in many private collections around the United States and in Germany. He works in oil, acrylic, prisma pencil, pastel, and does wood-carving.
Marjorie Arnett.
Marjorie Arnett has worked as Assistant Dean, Associate and Acting Dean of the College of Fine Arts, Indiana University of Pennsylvania during her professional career as an artist. She recently retired and settled into her home studio in Leetsdale, Pennsylvania to work full time in her studio. Marjorie was selected for an artist’s residency in a small village in Italy where she lived and painted for over a year. Recently she exhibited her paintings and taught a workshop at the Academy of Art in Zagreb, Croatia.
Originally from Michigan, Marjorie works in the medium of oil, acrylic, water color and mixed media. She is an interdisciplinary artist who is also a published playwright, and poet. Her works are represented in many private and corporate collections and has exhibited throughout the United States and Europe.
Bethlehem Church welcomes