‘More than just a gallery’: Thunder Bay Arts fosters creativity and community in downtown Alpena | News, Sports, Jobs

News Photo By Temi Fadayomi
The artwork of Thunder Bay Arts Council artist Barbara Weisnburg is seen at the council’s gallery on Aug. 8.

ALPENA — The Thunder Bay Arts Gallery in downtown Alpena is a cherished space where local artists can showcase their talents and connect with the community.

For more than a decade, the gallery has provided a platform for artists from various disciplines, fostering a creative environment where art and community come together.

Jan Herring, one of the gallery’s original members, has been creating jewelry for years. Her journey began with a simple bracelet, which she crafted after being inspired by a unique piece she saw in Harrisville.

Since then, Herring’s passion for jewelry making has flourished, leading her to work with materials like sterling silver and copper.

“It’s just kind of a fun hobby for me,” Herring said. “It gives me something to do, and it’s always exciting to see people appreciate the work I put into each piece.”

News Photo By Temi Fadayomi
Thunder Bay Arts Council member Eugene Cambre stands next to his photography featured at the council’s gallery on Aug. 8.

The gallery is home to 25 artists, including Herring, Eugene Cambre, and Rita Hess. Each artist brings a unique style and perspective to the gallery, enriching the variety of artwork on display.

Cambre, who specializes in photography, and Hess, who paints, contribute to the diverse range of artistic expressions found within the gallery’s walls.

“Any artist will tell you it’s a pull to do art,” Hess said. “Art is something that, if you don’t do it for a while, you start to miss it. You have to get back to it.”

The gallery, now in its 12th year, is more than just a place to display art. It’s also a cooperative space where artists support one another, whether by covering shifts or sharing ideas.

That sense of community is vital for the artists, who not only rely on the gallery to sell their work but also to connect with others who share their passion.

News Photo By Temi Fadayomi
Thunder Bay Arts Council member Jan Herring stands next to her jewelry featured at the council’s gallery on Aug. 8.

“We all look out for each other, here,” Cambre said. “It’s more than just a gallery. It’s a community.”

The gallery’s significance extends beyond the artists, themselves. It serves as a cultural hub for the Alpena community, attracting visitors of all ages. The diverse range of artwork, from intricate jewelry and vibrant paintings to detailed photographs and ceramics, ensures there is something for everyone to enjoy.

“The art here touches every age group,” Hess noted. “From kids to people in their 90s, everyone seems to find something they can relate to or appreciate.”

Social media and local connections play a crucial role in promoting the gallery and the artists’ work. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram, along with partnerships with local businesses, help spread the word about the gallery and bring in visitors from both near and far.