Ahrens Gallery and Studio announces summer's visiting artists
HARBOR SPRINGS — Ahrens Gallery and Studio has announced its two visiting artists for July and August. Both artists will paint “en plein air” in and around Harbor Springs for three days and offer their work in an exhibit at the gallery.
“The artists are looking forward to sharing their fresh paintings of local scenes with the community. The receptions are open to the public and we will serve refreshments” noted Liz Ahrens, gallery owner. The artist's work will be on exhibit for the week following the receptions.
Eric Jacobsen of Thomaston, Maine will be in town painting July 23-25 with a “meet the artist” reception from 5:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26. Learn more about Jacobsen at www.jacobsenfineart.com
Spencer Meagher of Mt. Vernon, Illinois will be painting August 8-10 with a "meet the artist” reception from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11. Learn more about Meagher at www.spencermeagher.com
Both artists have won numerous national awards and are highly sought for outdoor painting events and as workshop instructors. They will stay in the guest cottage at the Ahrens' property for the duration of their visit to Harbor Springs.
“I try to find strong compositions in nature and then paint the scene accurately while leaving out any extraneous details which would only busy up the painting and detract from the strength of the piece as a whole” explained Jacobsen when asked about how he approaches painting outdoors.
Both Jacobsen and Meagher are teaching workshops at the Crooked Tree Arts Center immediately following their participation in the Visiting Artist Series at Ahrens Studio and Gallery. They are active members of the American Impressionist Society which Liz Ahrens currently serves as Executive Director.
“It’s a bit of serendipity to combine my previous work with Crooked Tree Arts Center and my current work” continued Ahrens who was the executive director with the arts center for nearly 20 years, retiring in January of 2020.
Ahrens Gallery and Studio is a creative residential retreat.
“When we purchased the property in 2008, we had a vision for artists, guests, family and friends to gather. We live on property full time and designed our property to be inviting and serene. The gallery opened in August 2021 and we are open everyday from May-October or by appointment” explained Ahrens who owns the gallery with her husband, artist Neil W. Ahrens.
Neil’s work is exhibited in four buildings on their property including their home, guest cottage, studio and gallery.
For more information, contact Liz Ahrens at (231) 881-7685 or visit Ahrens Gallery and Studio at 5200 West Lake Street, Harbor Springs.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Ahrens Gallery and Studio announces summer's visiting artists
