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Tuesday, 6 September, 2011 10:24 PM

'Festival of the Arts' to feature Cranbrook Academy of Art and Wayne State art juror

New Art Education Concepts to be Presented

Photo credit: Rolco Sports Network "Coffee Filter Dress" by Erica Woodliff

by Raymond Rolak AmericaJR.com Web Team

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BLOOMFIELD TWP., Mich. -- The historic Nativity Episcopal Church in Bloomfield Township, Michigan will once again host the annual “Festival of Arts” on September 16-18, 2011. Nativity Episcopal Church has had a long history of working with artists and creating a place to perform, teach, and display their art.

The church was started in 1956 as a mission of the world famous Christ Church Cranbrook and has had the art support and vision of the Cranbrook Academy of Art in its worship campus. The church also has a permanent display of memorable stained glass art.

From the earliest show at Nativity in 1970, art ambassador’s Tim and Diane Wittlinger have been promoting both fine arts and performing arts in the area. For the “Festival of Arts” all manner of disciplines will be presented, including textiles, paintings, sculpture, photography, glass and pottery. Also included will be acrylics, jewelry, watercolors, fibers, graphics and surface art.

The event has been a staple on the art show circuit. Many exhibitors have been able to use their “Festival of Arts” laurels to springboard to individual showcases. Deborah Odette, formerly of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York will supervise the staging and hanging. The juried exhibition items will be for sale and the entire presentation area will be decorated as an art gallery.

The juror will be Wayne State University Professor Urban Jupina who is an accomplished fiber artist with numerous commissions in public spaces. He is a noted fine arts historian and presents often about the combination of art within architecture. He received his advanced degree from the Cranbrook Academy of Art. Jupina, who is this year’s president of the Michigan Surface Design Association recently presented in Europe at the International Triennial of Tapestry in Lodz, Poland.

Education is one of the themes of this years Festival. Rayneld Johnson, PhD., the Fashion and Design Coordinator at Wayne State will be presenting an educational display regarding ‘Art to Wear.’ Student Erica Woodliff will show an innovative and sustainable “The Coffee Filter Dress” with each component hand painted.

Local glass artist Patricia Auerbach and potter Robert Nixon have presented original works to benefit the show.

When the church built its worship space in 1963, it turned to the renowned Cranbrook Academy of Art for direction. The church’s striking stained glass panels were created by Margaret Cavanaugh in 1982. The warm wood creations in the church nave are also memorable and distinctive.

Of special note is the unique fiber piece by Jane Hooper and the outdoor garden labyrinth. Hooper, a retired college professor has been a longtime supporter of the Festival. Her creative tapestry titled “Prayer Corner” has become a focal point for an outreach program that other ministries have duplicated. Her academic presentation on art in the new millennium presented in 2000 was well received and is still referred to and referenced.

Art promoter Henryka Olbrot, PhD., and a native of Warsaw, Poland said, “We will have an opening reception on Friday, September 16, at 7:00 pm., for the artists and presenters to mingle with the volunteers and special guests. We are hoping to emphasize outreach and education. Art is always evolving. Nativity has a wonderful history of being innovative.” Lakeland Society of Art officer Bill Williamson said advance tickets are available thru the website. Williamson added, “We will have wine tasting, delicate hors d’oeuvres, and chamber music for ambiance.”

Olbrot is president of the Lakeland Society of Artists which supports the show. She is an active art promoter in Oakland County. The Waterford, Michigan based art co-op will host the reception along with the Polish Mission of Orchard Lake.

In 2005 the Episcopal Church & Visual Arts, a non-denominational virtual art group highlighted Nativity as a featured congregation for their special inclusion of art in the community.

The church is located at 21220 West 14-Mile Road, Bloomfield Township, MI 48301.

For more information co-chair Diane Wittlinger can be reached at (248) 642-5577.