It’s time for Art Beat

The moose feels right at home this time of year.

As the days cool and Mother Nature begins her magnificent fall color artistry, it’s time for Elk Rapids to celebrate the splendor of fall with ART BEAT. Three  of Northern Michigan’s award-winning galleries will be participating in an open house gallery walk on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Each Elk Rapids gallery is special, and all offer fine art, along with many affordable artist-made items. Three $100 gift certificates will be drawn from those visiting all three galleries during the day. Festivities include guest artists and demonstrations. Refreshments will be served all day.

The Blue Heron Gallery, located east of U.S. 31 on Ames Street, showcases hundreds of Michigan artists with the largest collection of paintings in the area. Gallery owner Dan Reszka will be demonstrating with watercolors from 10 a.m. to noon. Lisa Wierenga will also be demonstrating with watercolors from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Cathleen Thayer will be demonstrating with pastels from noon to 2 p.m. Jan Merrick will round out the demonstrations from 1 to 4 p.m. using oil paints. Jazz guitarist Tom Dionne will add musical entertainment throughout the afternoon. Wine, punch and munchies will be available throughout the day and Dan Reszka will do a drawing for some of his artwork at the end of the day.

Mullaly’s 128 Studio & Gallery, enjoying over 20 years representing excellence in fine art and craft, is located on River Street in downtown Elk Rapids. Mullaly’s offers the finest selection of high quality art glass in Northern Michigan, and has been recognized as the finest jewelry gallery in the area. Artist Marjory Clay, who paints beautiful scenes on glass using a reverse painting technique, will be demonstrating in the studio all day. In addition, Mullaly’s will be offering sales specials throughout the day.

The Twisted Fish Gallery is located about one mile south of Elk Rapids on U.S. 31 North.

Twisted Fish Gallery features many large paintings and an outdoor sculpture garden. The gallery will be holding an hourly gift certificate drawing throughout the day. In addition, the following artists will be demonstrating during the day:

• Dick Davis, blacksmith, wood and leather artist, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Betty Bea Washburn, watercolor artist, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Gail Hayton, miniature paintings using acrylics, noon to 4 p.m.
• Jim Coe, who creates lifelike butterflies and other insects using exotic feathers and other materials, noon to 2 p.m.

Paul Welch will be signing copies of his new book at Twisted Fish during Art Beat.

In addition, author and artist Paul Welch will be at Twisted Fish Gallery from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. to talk about and sign his new book, “A Colorful Cast: The Rise of Visual Arts in Traverse City.”

The Twisted Fish Gallery will also have a new “Adventures in Quilting” show on display in its Cottage Gallery featuring the work of 12 quilting artists.

Elk Rapids Art Beat is a wonderful way to transition into fall with color, art and fun. Come join us for an exciting day of art.