June 30, 2022, Midland, MI. – The 13^th Annual Artfest 55, featuring the work of regional writers and artists aged 55 and older, opened Friday, June 24^th at Creative 360.  The exhibit features the work of more than 100 visual artists and writers from across the state. 

“Artfest 55 is a very popular exhibition and this one features remarkable work,” said Colleen Reed, Creative 360’s program director and curator. “We had nearly 200 art and writing submissions from all over Michigan. Entries were strong in all categories and that makes for a truly compelling show.”

Jurist for the Visual Arts was Donovan Entrekin, Director of the Art School at the Flint Institute of Arts. Jurists for the written work in the exhibit were writers Jim Crissman, a previous Artfest 55 poetry and memoir winner, and Sarah Yoder and Luana Russell, both Midland Public School teachers who are now retired.

Winners were announced in the following categories:

Writing:  Best Poetry – “At the Barber Shop” by Karla Cooper from Midland.

Best Memoir – “The Mist of Memories” by Kip Cosan from Mt. Pleasant.

Best Short Story – “Sakura Snow” by Nancy Renko from Gladwin.

Visual Arts:  Best Photography – “In the Round” by Marilyn Soules from Midland.

Best Two-Dimensional Art – “Two on the Beach”, oil on linen panel by Pricilla Olson from Midland.

Best Three-Dimensional Art – “Putin’s Pandemic Pogram”, mixed media by James MaloneBeach.from Mt. Pleasant.

Best in Show – “Moon Goddess”, assemblage/collage by JoAnn Pobocik from Midland.

Honorable mentions included Mike Buller for “Little Annie” –photography, Roger Reichmann (Midland) for “The American Way” –assemblage, Pamela Hart (Midland) “Here Comes the Sun” –ceramic, Alan Maciag (Midland) “Ready for Storage” –oil on canvas, Don Bennett (Freeland) “Diss –Ease” – acrylic, Carol Lilly-Lacca (Haslet) “End of Summer” –watercolor, Carol Speltz (Midland) “Menage a Trois” -watercolor.

The work will be on display through August 21^st and, like all of Creative 360’s gallery shows, is free and open to the public.  The artwork can also be viewed on Creative 360’s online gallery at https://becreative360.org/13th-annual-artfest-55-gallery-2022/.  Many of the works on display are available for purchase. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 am until 5 pm.  Call for weekend hours – 989-837-1885.

About Creative 360
Creative 360 is a not-for-profit community arts and wellness organization founded in 1994. Its mission is to create environments that allow people of all ages and abilities to experience the creative process, and to enhance physical, mental and spiritual wellness through the arts and humanities. The organization’s core values of inclusiveness, creativity, respect and community drive the culture at Creative 360. Activities at Creative 360 are supported in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, Midland Area Community Foundation and the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation. Visit www.becreative360.org for information about the offerings at Creative 360, or call (989) 837-1885 to request a mailed copy of the current schedule.