Galleries and businesses in downtown Rochester are celebrating the arrival of spring with another Downtown Rochester Spring Gallery Stroll on Friday, April 18 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. As the weather warms up, everyone will enjoy an evening set aside to discover everything the downtown has to offer. Art lovers will find something different in every stop on the stroll. Many participating galleries have light refreshments for their guests.
Pick up a gallery stroll card at any stop on the stroll, fill it out with your name, address and phone number, and get it punched at every stop along the way. We’ll gather up the completed cards at the end of the stroll, and draw a card for the lucky winner of a $50 Downtown Rochester Gift Certificate.
A new stop on the stroll is Independent Expressions Photography & Design, relocated to 304 East Street from their former location on University. Independent Expressions will feature the work of Tom Zelinsky of Shelby Township, MI. Tom will have numerous ceramic pieces on display, with some being for sale. One of the pieces to be displayed is titled “Plume Noir.” It was a finalist in the Michigan Ceramic Artists Association, 2012 Competition. It is a Stoneware vessel decorated with black feather motif.
Another stop on the stroll is Trent Design. Their featured artist is industrial designer Mitch Steinmetz, who will share some of his innovative work. “Remembrance,” a book of photographs that functions as a coffee table has received international recognition. “Wedge” is an innovative indoor bicycle and helmet rack.
Haig’s of Rochester will feature works by Maddy Gurley, a student and Haig’s sales associate. Maddy says, “I express my style through exploring contemporary art jewelry and experimenting with different mediums. I have learned a lot through attending classes at the College for Creative Studies, Cranbrook Art Institute and working at Haig’s of Rochester.”
An exciting feature of the Spring Gallery Stroll this year is the Student Art Contest organized by Marcelle Wallace, a high school intern at Trent Design. Adams High School art teachers Susan Bovio and Amy Limon, and Rochester High School teacher Susan Bently will be selecting artworks made by their students to be featured in galleries along the stroll. This is a great opportunity for young artists to showcase their work through the downtown Rochester community. Marcelle will get to test her marketing and advertising skills through social media by advertising the event on Instagram, which is a great way to show the young adults what the Gallery Stroll is all about ( instagram.com/
Gallery visitors are invited to vote for their favorite high school artwork. Student artists have a chance to win one $50 gift certificate to Greens Art Supply, and two $25 certificates. The Student Art Show gift certificates will be provided by Trent Design.
Paint Creek Center for the Arts has two new shows opening the night of the stroll. The Main Gallery show is called Eight Hands. The show features four mid-career artists who work in different mediums. Carolyn Reed Barritt, Doug Cannell, Ted Lee Hadfield and Paul Young will each present a distinctive body of work.The First Floor Gallery features photographic portraits made by Donita Simpson.
Galleries participating in the Downtown Rochester Spring 2014 Gallery Stroll are:
Paint Creek Center for the Arts
Eugenia’s 3rd St. Hair/Gallery
Fieldstone Winery
Haig’s of Rochester
WHOO UR Upscale Resale for a Cause 435 Main Street
@Home Furniture
Aurum Design Jewelry
Independent Expressions Photography & Design 304 East Street
Trent Design
We look forward to celebrating a special spring evening with visitors from near and far. Put on your comfortable walking shoes, park your car, and spend some time visiting new spots and getting to know Rochester business owners.
The mission of Paint Creek Center for the Arts is to enhance life in the region by promoting, encouraging and creating opportunities to participate in and appreciate the arts. Paint Creek Center for the Arts is open Monday through Thursday, 9:00am to 7:00pm, Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm, and Saturday, 10:00am to 4:00pm. PCCA is located at 407 Pine Street in downtown Rochester at the intersection of Fourth and Pine Streets. For information on exhibits, classes, the Art & Apples Festival, special events or volunteer opportunities, call 248-651-4110 or visit www.pccart.org.