Midland Center for the Arts opens two new weekend exhibits for spring

Midland Center for the Arts has two new exhibitions now open to visit on weekends through the spring.

The Abiding Inspiration: Equine Art exhibit by Jeri Hollister will be open through May 26, and Green Rush – Lumbering in 19th Century Mid-Michigan will be open through July 14. Both exhibits are open Friday through Sunday, in the lobby spaces at the Center for the Arts. 

Abiding Inspiration: Equine Art

Gina Schreck, Visual Arts Curator at the Center, states that she is thrilled to host this exhibit by Jeri Hollister, a native Michigan artist from Ann Arbor. According to Schreck, Hollister is renowned for her captivating equine sculptures. 

“As a society, we are indebted to the horse,” said Schreck. “Their grace and beauty has intrigued artists like Jeri Hollister to create works of art that pay homage to their wild roots.” 

Hollister’s passion for horses and clay can be traced back to her roots in rural Michigan and her bottomless sandbox. Hollister has presented exhibitions of her sculptures for three decades worldwide, including recent exhibitions in France.

The Center will hold the next Beyond the Exhibit lecture alongside this exhibit, with Hollister Horses on Friday, April 5 at 6:30 p.m. Patrons will have the opportunity to explore Jeri Hollister’s distinctive equine sculptures in the exhibition and meet the artist during a special cocktail hour, where Hollister will speak about her journey and artistic process.

Exclusive for Advanced Ceramics students, Jeri Hollister is also offering a special two-day hands-on workshop, April 5-6, teaching how to create handbuilt sculptures from wheel-thrown pieces. More information and tickets for this ceramics workshop, the Beyond the Exhibit lecture, and the exhibit are available atwww.midlandcenter.org/artexhibits.

Green Rush – Lumbering in 19th Century Mid-Michigan

According to Jake Huss, Historical Programs & Exhibits Manager for Midland County Historical Society, patrons of the Green Rush exhibit will discover the largest and most profitable industry in 1800s mid-Michigan – lumber.

“We would love for you to join us in celebrating this exhibit with a free reception on Thursday, April 4, starting at 6 p.m.,” said Huss. “Explore the exhibit and discover the tools and history of lumbering with your friends while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. We look forward to seeing you!”

Families and students will be able to delve into this era of lumbering and discover the history of the Tittabawassee Boom Company, the tools, and process used to clear land and mill wood, the life of a lumberjack in camp, and the far-reaching effects on the region’s business and landscape. Learn more at www.midlandcenter.org/history.

These pop-up exhibits at Midland Center for the Arts are open on Fridays from 12-4 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sundays from 12-4 p.m. Admission is $4 per person and free for museum members.

If patrons hold tickets to an upcoming performance at Midland Center, they are encouraged to arrive early to explore parts of the exhibits before the show.