While the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center adroitly works to keep its respected educational programs alive and running in a hardball economy, the popularity of its three-for-one openings seem to be attracting larger and larger crowds.
Attendance for the Jan.11 opening of its current trio of shows is evidence of that: it was wall to wall.
Concurrently running until Feb. 12, in the Robinson Gallery is “Joseph Winterhalter painting // paperwork,” mainly a collection of very large canvases depicting close up, overhead views of concrete and wooden floors, executed with an almost color field deliberation, yet each canvas being a carefully composed and exquisitely painted trompe l’oeil. They are minimalistic with an almost academic repetition of geometric patterns of brick and wood that are created by subtle variation in textures.
You really have to go beyond a distant first impression to see the hidden beauty in these works.
Winterhalter’s paintings, drawings and live performances have been featured in both solo and group exhibitions in venues around his Cincinnati home base. He has had exhibitions throughout the United States, and his work is in numerous private collections.
If you want art that sparkles, the Mosaic Artists of Michigan show in the rambling De Salle Gallery will certainly delight as more than 30 artists are showcased. While the styles at first radiate a sameness -- mainly due to the glittery reflections of the shiny bits of tiles that comprise the sometimes very complex artwork -- each piece and its construction are unique. Presentations range from a car wreck driven by an inebriated driver (you have to wonder about the humor that is intended) to a gloriously decorated double portrait: a world of endless possibilities in color, texture, shape and expression.
The third show in the aptly named Ramp Gallery features Susan Morosky, a watercolorist whose work highlights the natural world through the observance of movement and form yet at first glance seem mere colorful abstractions.
But wait, that’s not all. Not only do you get to view three exciting headliners, you can also see in the Commons Gallery the results of adult printmakers, the students of Celeste Roe. And, you get to see an exhibit created by JARC participants in the BBAC’s Studio 1 outreach program. JARC is a Farmington Hills-based non-profit, non-sectarian agency dedicated to enabling people with disabilities to live full, dignified lives.
Five shows, one price: all free.
The non-profit BBAC promotes the visual arts with classes for all skill levels. Each year more than 500 classes are offered for 4,000+ students from Pre-K to seniors. The BBAC features nine classroom studios, four galleries with free exhibits open to the public, art camps, and a retail gallery shop as well as a dynamic, growing outreach program.
The BBAC is located at 1516 S. Cranbrook Rd. (Evergreen Rd.), Birmingham, Mich., between 14 and 15 Mile roads. For more information call 248-644-0866 or visit www.BBArtCenter.org.
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