March right in for Spring Classes, Exhibits, Camps and More at the BBAC

March cannot arrive soon enough this year at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center (BBAC). Classes, camps and workshops are springing up, sure to make students feel renewed after the long winter. The next exhibits will be featured Friday, March 14 through Friday, May 2, with an opening reception set for Friday, March 12, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Headlining the exhibitions is Field Work by Larry Cressman.

Also included in the spring exhibit line-up will be the biannual Regional High School Competition, juried this year by Kristin Beaver—a 2009 Kresge Artist Fellow in the visual arts. The BBAC expects to showcase approximately 100 multi-media works of art. Awards include scholarships from College for Creative Studies, Kendall College of Art & Design at Ferris State University and Lawrence Technological University.

“These exhibits are going to be fantastic,” said Annie VanGelderen, President & CEO of the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center. “The linear work of Larry Cressman has been showcased in regional and national print and drawing exhibits throughout the country. His installations have been at the Detroit Institute of Arts, Carnegie Mellon University (PA), the Lenore Gray Gallery of Providence (RI), and the University of Michigan Museum of Art. Also on tap: an exhibit of work by the students of painter and instructor Timothy Widener.”

Widener’s students, both beginning and advanced artists, will display their understanding of traditional painting methods to describe form and render space albeit in a contemporary way. Landscapes, still-life and figurative works will dominate the exhibit.  Widener earned a BFA in painting and his MA in Art History from Michigan State University.

SPRING TERM 2014:  APRIL 14 – JUNE 21

Registration begins Monday, March 10 at 9:00 a.m.

Adult Classes to Consider:

Beading: Embroidered Cuff Bracelet

Artist Charlotte White will teach students how to attach cabochons and crystals to a

foundation and explore embroidery techniques and designs that work as it curves around the brass form. All levels welcome. Tuesdays, April 15 through May 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 4 sessions, $120 Members, $160 Guests, $50 Materials Fee (for bead kit)

Beading: Right Angle Weave Bracelet with Artist Charlotte White    

Learn right angle weave-beading and make an elegant bracelet of crystals or fire-polished beads. Students will explore techniques further and design their own project. All levels welcome. Saturdays, April 26 through May 17, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 4 sessions, $120 Members, $160 Guests, $52 Materials Fee (for bead kit)

Abstract Expressionist Painting with artist Geoff Merrill

This class will explore the creation of a painting where the PAINT is the subject.

Through the study of abstract artists’ work and hands-on experience, learn to understand and paint abstractly by examining the nature of paint and surface. All levels welcome. Thursdays, April 17 through June 19, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., 10 sessions, $237 Members, $277 Guests

Spring into Action: Spring Break @ the BBAC

Book those fun camps and workshops for Pre/K through high school. Half and full day programs during the week of April 7 through 11. On April 9 & 10, parents can take a Morning Art Break with their toddler ages 2 through 4. Art Discovery Camp (Pre/K) April 8 through 10 (mornings) is a perfect way to start the day while full day Art Camp will keep children grade 1 through 5 busy and happy all week. The older kids (grades 6-12) will love half day workshops in jewelry/metals, ceramics and drawing.

For more information, visit BBArtCenter.org or contact the BBAC at 248.644.0866.

DROP-IN WORKSHOPS:

2^nd Sunday @ the Center: Sunday, March 9, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Celebrate Spring @ the BBAC!

Art workshops, demos, free giveaways from Urecht/Blick Art Supplies and a sneak peak of spring classes and spring/summer camps.

Sunday drop-in workshop participants are welcome to enter a drawing for a FREE BBAC spring or summer one-week art camp for grades preschool through high school!

Studio 1 Drop-In Workshop – $5 per person includes all materials

Make a unique multimedia nester for your yard to attract a variety of birds. Nesters are designed for hanging and contain materials for nest building that your feathered friends will love!  All art supplies and nesting materials are included.

Participants must arrive by 3:15 p.m.  No advance registration required for the workshop. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
Ceramic Studio – $20 per person includes all materials

PROJECT: WHIMSICAL FAIRY HOUSES, Sunday, March 9.

Come join us in preparing for spring by making whimsical fairy houses for garden or home. We will use slab built construction methods to build the structures with both natural materials and earth toned colorants to create rustic surfaces. All pieces will be kiln fired.

Space is limited to 10 people per session. Session 1 starts at 1:00 p.m. and session 2 at 2:30 p.m. Check in at the LaBan Commons Gallery prior to attending the workshop. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult

2nd Sundays @ the Center are supported in part by PNC Foundation and happen every second Sunday, September through June.

Seniors @ the Center: Tuesday, March 11, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Studio 1 Drop-In Workshop  $10 per person includes all materials

Join us once a month for drop-in workshops featuring art projects that entertain and educate. Projects will be completed in 45 minutes.

PROJECT: FIBER WALL HANGING
Participants will design a unique multimedia wall hanging using a simple crochet technique and a variety of materials. No experience necessary.
Demos starting at 10:15 a.m. and continue until 11:15 a.m. Participants must arrive by 11:15 a.m. to complete a project.

BBAC Seniors @ the Center happens every second Tuesday, September through June. Advance registration for groups over four people – please call the BBAC, 248-644-0866, at least three days prior to the workshop date.

MFAC Update: Attention artists in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin: The BBAC is accepting entries for the 32nd annual Michigan Fine Arts Competition, with $5,000 in cash awards. Entry deadline is Friday, April 11. For the prospectus, visit BBArtCenter.org.

Save the Date: Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11, 2014: Mother’s Day Weekend- Art Birmingham, the BBAC’s 33^rd annual fine art fair in downtown Birmingham.

About the BBAC

The Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center has been providing “art for all” since 1957 and is a regional non-profit art center committed to promoting visual arts experiences. Each year more than 500 classes are offered for all skill levels and ages preschool to senior citizens. Throughout the year, nearly 5,000 individuals are served by classes, workshops, art camps, outreach programs, special events and exhibitions that are free and open to the public (with an additional 75,000 impacted by Art Birmingham, the BBAC’s annual fine art fair).  The BBAC also supports hundreds of artists each year, with opportunities to teach, exhibit, and sell their work. The BBAC is a 25,000-square foot facility, with nine classroom studios, four exhibition galleries, and a retail Gallery Shop. The BBAC and Gallery Shop are open Mon.-Thurs., 9am-6pm; Fri.-Sat., 9am-5pm.

The BBAC is supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit the BBAC at BBArtCenter.org, phone 248-644-0866 or visit our Facebook page. The BBAC is located at 1516 S. Cranbrook Rd., Birmingham MI 48009 between 14 and 15 Mile Rds.